《Fated To My Lycan Stepbrothers》


 Chapter 1

    Naya


    Cod


    I had to be in ss first, at the Wolf Academy, the only one of its kind in the whole of Wolf Cove, New York.


    They couldn''t get me if I was in ss first!


    I shivered in the cold wind that swept through the bus park as an image of Brooke Bentley and her bully minions flooded through my mind. I would have to walk past their seats if I waste, and that could never happen again!


    "Where on earth is it?" I swore under my breath, tipping my neck forward to look at the empty street that had been littered with garbage and stic before wrapping my hands around myself and trying to ignore the press of the stranger''s bodies around me. "Excuse me, Miss, you''ve got blood on your dress," The old man who had been standing beside me at the bus stop droned and I felt my heart jump to my throat as I damned near snapped my neck in whirling around to look at the dress I had thrown on. It was a tight-fitting boho tie-dye mess of frills and red and ck splotches that I had somehow thought made me look like one of the hip, natural girlies.


    And now this old dude thought I had blood on my dress. Great!


    "It''s okay sir, I''m free-flowing," I breathed, widening my eyes at the man like some crazed lunatic and watching his gaunt face pale before he hurried away, stammering something about nut job whores filling the city. A*****e!


    s**t, did I look like a w***e? I had let my curly red hair down today and dabbed a little lipstick on, but that was about it.


    I didn''t look like the corpse bride for once! And it had nothing to do with the fact that the deadly Lycan twins of the wolf pack would be joining our lessons today.


    "Just a preliminary supervision, nothing to worry about," The teacher had croaked yesterday, his long, spindly hands forming together in front of his chest so that he looked like a bald priest with sses a bit too wide for his shiny head. Yeah right, nothing to worry about my a*s, like they weren''t going to tell the King Alpha every single thing they heard!


    I shivered, remembering the one time I had seen the Lycans, Zeke, and Kyle getting into their limo from a distance, their broad, handsome backs curving majestically before they zoomed off.


    "Bus isn''ting today! Maintenance!" One of the uniformed men that had been giving me dirty looks from the other side of the street yelled rudely before turning back to pick the litter, ignoring the protests that followed.


    What the f**k? It was the THIRD TIME this week the bus was going for maintenance and the third time I would bete Yet again!


    "s**t," I whispered to myself just as thunder boomed and the bleak clouds suddenly seemed darker. You''ve got to be f*****g kidding me.


    I let out a growl as I ran, biting back what I was sure would have been an animalistic scream when I stubbed my toe HARD against a stone that appeared out of nowhere.


    "f**k!" I whined, wincing as blood pooled under my feet before I continued limping, drawing the scarf I had wrapped around my neck over my hair as the first fat drops pped against it.


    First the stone and now rain? I only hoped this wasn''t a bad omen as I broke into a blind run, hefting my dress and dosing


    #


    You could have heard a pin drop in the silence as I creaked open the door into the ssroom, inhaling sharply when all eyes turned to face me.


    I let my gaze move only to the back where I could see the Lycans, Zeke and Kyle staring back at me unnervingly.


    By God, they were drop-dead gorgeous! The firstborn, Zeke, had smokey moss-green eyes and tussled auburn hair that fell messily over his face and high cheekbones.


    Crap! He looked young! How on earth had I gotten the image of old respectable men in my head, the King, their father looked young too, what on earth was I thinking?


    "Your''ete Miss Cod." The teacher deadpanned after I staggered into the ss drenched from the rain and shivering. I gulped reflexively as I watched Kyle''s hooded gaze rake over my body before I snapped my hands up to my chest, looking down to see that my pink n*****s were poking through the thin cloth and feeling a blush roll up my cheek.


    How long had I been standing here like a goldfish? shing the whole bloody ssroom? I ignored the snickering I heard before locking eyes with the Lycan firstborn again, startled when I realized he was full-on ring at me now.


    "I uh...the rain-" I stammered, but hearing Brooke''s loud Queen beeugh overshadow the rest before the teacher sighed heavily.


    Please don''t make me sit anywhere near Brooke Bentley, please!


    "Detention after ss, sit there," He gritted and I followed his fingers to see that he was pointing to the empty chair smack dab at the center of the two Lycans. No such luck!


    I must have made an embarrassing meowling noise in my throat as I skulked forward, deftly pushing past the wood lockers to settle between the men after catching the look of pure hate on Brooke''s porcin face before my neck stiffened and I looked straight ahead.


    Everyone who had any speck of sense in Wolf Academy knew a rank omega wolf like me shouldn''t be anywhere near the two hottest, unmated Lycan wolves in the city. The King''s sons!


    Not when Brooke had staked her im to their sides already. I could feel her angry breath brushing against the back of her neck as she snickered andughed about something with her crew and my face heated even more.


    "Smells like gonorrhea in here suddenly, Naya, would you happen to know anything about that?" Brooke''s sugary whisper sent spears through my heart and my lips wobbled a bit as I stabbed my fingernails into my hands. They couldn''t get me if I didn''t respond. Couldn''t get me.


    "Oh, my God! Do you think it''s hereditary? Her mother had it, didn''t she? Before she seduced the King Alpha and wrecked his home!" Brooke snapped again, her icy voice cutting through the rest of the ss so that everyone else turned to face me.


    Oh God no, I closed my eyes tightly, already feeling myself remembering the way it had all happened before. The reason everyone seemed to hate me.


    Marley Cod, mother dearest had gotten it into her head that she belonged in the Alpha''s mansion and she was tired of bumming it out with Pa and me.


    Her public affair with Zeke''s father had ended well because he mated her after the news broke and I never heard from her again.


    Pa died broken and angry, and I had to get the local farmer boys to help cut down his body after I returned from school one night to find it.


    I tried to breathe through my lips, pressing my hands to my cheeks as tears pooled under my eyes at the painful memory.


    "Look! Can''t you tell from the way she sits? Naya''s been f****d enough times, her cunts turned to a sore old rag, I''ll be surprised if it''s only gonorrhea she has," One of Brooke''s minions whispered excitedly and I caught her finger out of the corner of my eye as she pointed to me just before the blonde queen bee let out another loud cackle.


    "Enough! Not one more word, Brooke Bentley, or I will rip your tongue and make you chew it." Zeke rumbled, his deep voice making a shudder run through me.


    Holy crap, did he just defend me? I felt my chest squeeze with delight before allowing a small smile to lift the corners of my lips as the Queen Bee muttered her apologies and I resisted the urge to turn around and throw her a victorious look. That kind of gloating was bound toe back and bite me in the a*ster.


    "ss is dismissed! See you all tomorrow!" The teacher shrieked, snapping me out of the daze I had gotten into as I started at the twin''s chiseled profiles from the corners of my eyes.


    "C''mon Kyle, let''s get out of here," Zeke growled, and I jolted as they stood swiftly, not even soaring me as much as a second look.


    How could he? I was beneath them in ever way, but unable to dent the way my heart fluttered when I stared at him.


    Delulu, that was my middle namedies and gentlemen!


    "Wait, please, hold on," I managed to squeak through the webs that had grown in my throat, rushing to zip my bag before tripping over Brooke''s leg and feeling my jaw knock hard against the linoleum as I face-nted right in front of everyone.

 Chapter 2

    Naya Cod


    "You''re pathetic Brawn, just like your mother."


    It had been Kyle''sst words to me after I had done everyone the honor of face-nting on the dirty ss floor and I couldn''t get the memory of his chiseled face contorting with rage out of my mind.


    It was almost as if I annoyed everyone with my very presence!


    "Marley Cod, this is all your f*****g fault." I hissed bitterly, trying to put the image of my mother''s smiling face out of my mind too as I waited by Zeke''s locker.


    I had to thank him for earlier, didn''t I? Even if it was only to see his stunning face again, there was something so bewitching about being close to him that I couldn''t seem to shake off. ******g hell, was I turning into a bloody bimbo?


    Next thing you knew I would be out in public giggling and cooing when any remotely good-looking guy gave me a second look! Like Brooke!


    I hugged my hands to myself, wincing as a group of frat boys shoved past me, mming me into the blue hallway lockers as I gasped and they threw up their middle fingers at me, snickering loudly and patting each other on the back. "Stalking supervisors now, are we? Brawn?" Zeke''s rumbling baritone sent a shiver of delight through my entire body and I felt my n*****s tingle as I whirled around to see him towering over me.


    Hell, the way he said my name! Like it was foreign, special! Not at all the way everyone around here spat it out like a curse.


    His kohl-lined eyes raked over my body, leaving tingles in its wake before he turned to stuff a sheaf of drawings in his locker and I shook my head, unable to utter a word.


    "What do you want?" He growled deadpan, his breathtakingly beautiful face devoid of expression as he crossed his arms over his chest, waves of anger wafting from him like his earthy oud scent.


    "I...I just um, wanted to thank you for earlier...the girls can be really mean-" I stammered, my hands shaking badly as I iled them between us before he cut me off, his tan face wrinkling with distaste. "Save it, Brawn. I''m not a good guy, I wasn''t defending you,"


    He snarled, knocking me backward with his shoulder as he pushed past me so that I inhaled sharply, feeling my s*x tingle as fireworks exploded where his skin had brushed against mine.


    "...and Brooke Bentley was right, what in gods name are you wearing? Don''t stop, it''s hideous...suits you perfectly." He rumbled, strutting off like his words hadn''t just speared through my heart and soul.


    #


    "It''s not you, it''s them, not you, them," I mumbled over and over in my head as the image of the Lycan twin''s angry faces shed in my mind and crumpled in more on myself. The Lycan twins had every right to hate me!


    My mother, Marley Cod was the one who had ruined their happy home, and yet I felt angry tears of frustration spring to my eyes at having been cursed with such a fate.


    I kept my head down as I passed by the popr girls milling about like a bunch of spiders in the lobby, shing their t, tan midriffs for everyone who cared to see.


    "Of course, I was never going to be like the rest of them, what in gods name was I thinking?" I muttered bitterly, kicking at a piece of stone before snapping my head up as the rumble of the school bus speeding past drew my attention.


    "Hey! Hey! Stop! Please!" I screamed, feeling my thighs burn as I ran after the white bus, catching the driver''s satisfied smirk on the side mirrors before jogging to a stop as happy music pumped away from the bus. Crap! Now I had to walk home as well?


    First I try my hand at flirting and fail badly and now I had to battle the dreaded downtown streets at dusk and be faced with whatever mugging wolves were just rubbing their paws waiting for an innocent little thing like me to walk on past. If I wasn''t the unluckiest person in the world then I felt sorry for whoever mother-f*****g was!


    I sighed heavily, jamming my hands in my pockets and beginning the long walk home.


    #


    There was someone following me, I was almost certain of it as I turned the corner to our street, shivering when lightning peeled through the smokey sky so that I realized just how dark it had gotten.


    The red-roofed cottage houses on each side were dark and quiet and the wind whistled through the tingles noisily, sending chills down my spine as I squinted into the dark road ahead. Only a few blocks now.


    "s**t," I cursed under my breath, quickly ncing around to see that the dirty sidewalks were empty, with the street lights flickering up ahead before humming loudly and suddenly bursting. What the fucl just happened? I froze, not trusting myself to move as the sound of heavy breathing drew closer and closer and I turned my head slowly to see the cloaked figure drawing closer. If one of those frat boys had followed me home...I shivered at the thought, feeling my heart pound in my chest because I knew I didn''t stand a chance of defending myself.


    "Oh god, oh god," I rasped breathlessly, unable to think past the panic that bloomed in my chest now as I broke into a light jog and heard the clod of their heavy footfalls increasing as they chased after me.


    I darted through the mud pools on the sidewalk, pushing my legs faster and faster and feeling the tips of my fingers cool from the adrenaline before I felt the attacker''s hot hand on my shoulder and whirled to face the cloaked figure, sending us both toppling into the street just as the wash of brilliant yellow headlights blinded me.


    "What the hell is wrong with you Naya?" The woman''s voice dug an old corpse from the coffin in my mind where I had hidden it and suddenly I couldn''t breathe as I stared back at my mother''s pale face, washed in brilliant yellow as the driver''s angry yells echoed in the background.

 Chapter 3

    Naya Cod


    "Marley? What are you doing back here? Away from your precious mansion,e to mix with the likes of us?" I snarled, my entire body shaking with fury as I narrowed my eyes at her, letting the disgusting pothole water from the road seep into the back of my dress. If I had any doubts about looking like roadkill before, I definitely looked like it now.


    "The vigers will stone you to death if they see you out and about, stalking innocent school girls," I growled, the bitterness in my voice surprising me as I watched the woman''s full red lips tug downward into a pout like she had expected better from me. I was angry because she was still beautiful, even after so long, the wild me of her blood-red hair was straight as a pin, held back from her face by a diamond brooch.


    "Oh, don''t be so childish Naya, and would it kill you to call me mother?" The tall curvy woman snapped harshly under her breath, muttering apologies at the truck driver that almost ran us over as she tugged me back onto the sidewalk. My lips formed a tight, straight line as I allowed her to hurry me along, wisely keeping from telling her that she didn''t deserve that honor after abandoning me so long and then showing up out of the blue and damned near getting us killed! "What do you want?" I hissed impatiently, feeling her tall figure looming behind me as I grudgingly opened the door to the small cottage house Pa had left me after he died and followed her when she bulldozed her way inside, ignoring me. "Mrs. Cod? What the f-" I jeered, trailing off and feeling a chill run down my spine when she threw open the small dark wood dresser in the corner of my room and began hauling most of my clothes inside before snapping it shut and handing it to me. "We can''t stay here, we''ve got to go, you''reing with me to the Alpha''s mansion." She whispered hastily, the fine lines on her face rigid with displeasure.


    Excuse me?


    "Yes, you will, if you want to live. My HUSBAND insists." Marley Cod deadpanned and I felt my body tense.


    No one disobeyed a direct order from Alpha Storm, the Lycan twin''s father.


    I folded my lips, stubbornly facing away from the woman as we hurried into the taxi and she sighed heavily, patting out the creases on her fine white suit after disposing of that nasty fur coat she had on before. My mother was a woman who took appearances very seriously.


    "To the Storm Mansion please!" Her honeyed voice called and my heart hammered in my ribs as the car zoomed off.


    Just like that, I was leaving everything I knew and loved behind, going off with a woman who had long be a stranger to me.


    #


    "We''re here...brace yourself." My mother''s harsh whisper caught in my ears suddenly, snapping me out of the trance I had been in as I stared open-mouthed at thevish white brick of the luxury manor.


    The huge white gates opened into what must have been acres ofnd with the staggering hulk of the mansion dead center surrounded by rows and rows of pine trees and gardenia that danced in the wind.


    The Alpha and his sons were standing with their hands folded in front of them, the power radiating from their glossy silk suits as we got off in front of them.


    "Y-Your Highness, a-a pleasure to meet you," I breathed, dropping a hasty curtsey to the broad-shouldered man with salt and pepper hair and a full-bearded face that made him look more like a mafia lord than a wolf king.


    He had a long scar running from his forehead to the high, gaunt cheekbones that did not curve into a smile and stayed impassive instead, like his two sons who watched me with open contempt.


    "You''ve got to be f*****g kidding me," Kyle groaned, rolling his beautiful gray eyes and turning to walk back into the huge double doors up ahead.


    "Is this the girl?" Alpha Storm growled, talking to my mother as though I wasn''t worthy enough to be addressed directly and I felt a wave of heat roll up my cheeks before I self-consciously crossed my hands over my chest, watching Zeke''s piercing gaze move from my breasts to the cleft between my legs.


    Holy crap, if was he going to look at me like that the whole night I was almost certain I would be a puddle of mush by morning!


    "Very well, take her things inside, get her ustomed to the way s**t works around here, we don''t have time to wait around and hold hands," The man barked, making my heart skip a beat as I exchanged confused looks with my mother, feeling my eyes bulge when she walked ahead behind her husband, leaving me with the man who hadn''t stopped glowering at me.


    Zeke turned wordlessly to walk back into the mansion and I followed behind him, feeling my heart hammer loudly in my chest as every nerve in my body screamed for me to run but I stabbed my nails into my palm, stering an awkward smile to my face. "There you are, don''t look so drab Naya,e along now, and I''ll show you to your room." Marley Cod rasped impatiently, motioning me over as I managed to tear my eyes of the twins retreating backs as they disappeared up the winding polished staircase and I exhaled in a rush.


    What would people at school think if they saw using in together? Crap! Brooke Bentley would have a field day printing my name in the local school paper as a slut, given my mother''s history it was given everyone would believe her! Ugh! No matter where I went or what I did, it was like I couldn''t get away from her stain!


    "Marley?" I called for what felt like the hundredth time as the redhead droned on about which rooms had private ess and which ones I could enter.


    I had stopped keeping track at twenty because they all looked the same to me, expensive, like showrooms that were meant to be looked at instead of being lived in. I couldn''t stand not knowing what the f**k this was all about for a second longer! "What exactly is going on Marley? You haven''t told me a single thing, and what? I''m just supposed to fit in with the royals as I belong here?"


    "Listen here you little s**t!" She snarled, her hair pping into my eye as she whirled to face me, baring her fangs at me so that I stumbled back against the door, freezing with shock.


    "I will not tolerate that stinking attitude you''ve got going on, you''re here because I have no other choice and you will obey the rules of this house or so help me God, I will do something we''ll both regret!" The woman''s thundered whisper made something bitter twist in my chest as she eyes me up and down before pushing past me into the hallway.


    "Meet me downstairs after you pick yourself up, in this household, we cook for our men." I felt my eyes widen before I turned around to see my mother half-turned, her neatly-manicured hand white on the doorway as she spat the words over her shoulder before storming away.


    How could a mother be so mean to her only child? Whatever had I done to deserve this?


    I gasped, knocking a hand to my chest as I choked on a sob before turning around to see the hulk of Kyle''s hard body as he stood a few feet away from us, a nched look on his chiseled face.


    Holy crap had he heard everything? My insides turned with shame as I watched the flicker of something like pity cross his face before it became hard again and he strode toward me, making me inhale sharply until he brushed past without another word.


    I wiped at my eyes frantically, making sure the hallway was clear now before speed walking across the wide halls and reaching the kitchen where the scent of ginger and cloves boomed.


    "Quick, help me with this." My mother''s frantic whisper came as she handed the washing over to me like nothing happened between us earlier before sweeping past in her sexy kimono to heed the Alpha''s booming beckon.


    What the hell had I gotten myself into? I had to get out of here as soon as possible.


    "After school tomorrow, after..." I whispered, tightening my lips to keep the tears brewing in my throat froming out as whimpers.


    I craned my head attentively, feeling my breaths puff faster and faster from my chest as I listened to the distant sound of my mother''s shouts and screams as her argument with the Alpha escted.


    I felt the water cascading down my wrists like chain cuffs as I tried to shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong off me, scrubbing at the fine bone china tes faster and faster, all the while feeling the back of my neck heat up. Almost like someone was watching me.

 Chapter 4

    Naya Cod


    I didn''t know how long I stood there with the bitter feeling in my chest as I stared at the crude photo on my locker of me being gang banged by the dreaded Lycan twins.


    I had tearfully torn down copies like this all around the school walls in a frenzy, and now inside too?


    The girl''s red hair and face were obviously mine, twisted into an expression of ecstasy, with the giant boobs and syed legs held high in the air as the two men double-teamed me from the front and behind. Crap, crap crap!


    This had to be the work of that annoying blonde Barbie princess Brooke Bentley!


    "God, I can''t stand her!" Renee whispered, tucking her bright pink pixie hair behind her ear as she helped me scrape off the lewd photo and I tried to keep my eyes away from the giant c***s that had been photoshopped on Kyle. "We don''t know that she did it," I muttered quietly, feeling my cheeks heat up as the sh of more people taking pictures went off around me, and my heart plummeted even more.


    Heavens, was I thirsting over a damned picture now? Could I not catch a break?


    "Nice t**s Le Brawn, bigger than your own mother''s!" The queen bee drawled loudly and everyoneughed like it was the funniest joke they ever heard.


    I cursed under my breath as I wiped at the crude drawing faster with the back of my shirt desperately, praying Zeke and Kyle didn''t see it. I would DIE of mortification!


    "Oh my God Le, don''t look now, but the Storm twins areing this way, quick, act cool!" The pixie-haired girl with wide-set ck eyes whispered, turning away from me just as I instinctively moved my head and locked eyes with the Zeke. "Crap," I managed to whisper through the thickness in my throat, watching his angr face contort into a mask of rage before he signaled Kyle and they made their way over to me, ignoring the throng of girls on the sidewalk that flirted with them. "Before you say anything, I don''t know how it got here, I just, I..." I stammered, holding up my hands protectively to shield my face before the man batted it away easily, the musk of his manly cologne making the cleft between my legs water before be leaned close to bark at me, his broad chest brushing faintly over my hardening n*****S.


    "Just what do you THINK you''re doing you little s**t?" Zeke roared, his moss-green eyes narrowing dangerously as he pressed harder against me, mming his hand into the aluminum locker beside my head so that I flinched, feeling the moisture dry from my mouth. His cold breath washed sweetly over my face and I held my breath as his eyes searched mine, seeing the tears pooling in my eyes before he exhaled roughly, pushing away from me.


    "Watch your back, Brawn, just because you stay at the Storm Mansion now doesn''t mean we''ve epted you," Zeke growled, his kohl-lined, piercing eyes fixing me with a look that made me flush with embarrassment as Kyle smirked.


    I could feel the eyes of the students milling in the hallway as they judged me, whispering among themselves until I prayed for the tiled floor to open up underneath me.


    "Are you okay?" Renee''s soft voice whispered as she came up to stand beside me, pressing her hand into my arm infort and I nodded before the sound of a girl''s shrill scream spiked through the air.


    I exchanged wide-eyed looks with the pixie-haired girl as we both turned to nce around, seeing that the other students had paused to trace the noise.


    "What is that? Holy crap, what the hell is that?" Brooke''s shrill whine reached my ears and I struggled to keep my eyes from rolling back into my head.


    How did her minions stand to listen to her talk? I shook my head, startled again when screams pierced the air outside and everyone milling about the hallways froze just before the speakers crackled to life above us and the dean spoke through it.


    "Good students and supervisors of wolf cove academy," The dean''s voice was raspy and tense and I couldn''t help the bolt of panic that shot through my body on hearing it as I exchanged wide-eyed looks with Renee who had a small smile on her face, like the psychopath that she was.


    "I fear our city is under attack by rogue wolves from the blood moon pack!" He boomed and a gasp went through the crowd as the screams of terror raged on outside before we heard the dean swallow audibly, his fingers drumming away at the edge of his table. Holy crap, it was a f*****g apocalypse? I had heard of wolves from the blood moon pack, how they were faster, ugly as the devil''s behind, and deadlier than normal werewolves.


    s**t!


    "Oh my God, Kyle, did you hear? I''m so scared," Brooke Bentley''s ssy whisper floated in the air and I turned my head to see that she hadtched herself to the man''s side, jamming her breasts against his bicep so that I felt jealousy curl inside me and tore my eyes


    away.


    "Some of the monsters have managed to enter school grounds and can be disguised as humans among you..." The Dean drones on in an urgent voice, sounding like he was sweating profusely before our attention was drawn to the loud bang that crashed against the front entrance that opened into the hallway.


    Renee''s cold fingers won''t through mine forcefully and we took several steps back, catching one bright red eye as it peered through the looking ss at the students inside before thrashing in agitation. Oh my god, oh my f*****g god.


    "Clear the halls, lock yourselves inside the ssrooms, and avoid anyone who shows signs of being suspicious. This is not a drill, I repeat, THIS IS NOT A DRILL!" The voice that crackled over the speakers cut off abruptly as that howling noise came again from beyond the front doors of the academy.


    "What the f-" Renee swore beside me as my eyes scanned the crowd for the twins and I felt my heart hammering faster when I saw that they had also frozen, their faces craned to look up at the megaphones with a confused line worming between their brows. It wasical how simr they acted and yet so different. The sound of hoofed feet rushing across the schoolyard outside put the fear of God in my belly as I felt the crowd slowly inching backward, away from the blue doorway of the front entrance that had begun to rattle fiercely in its frame.


    "Oh my God, oh my god," I wheezed breathlessly just as the doors flew open and in tumbled the first of the disfigured monsters.

 Chapter 5

    Naya


    Cod


    "Get into your f*****g ss now!" One of our teachers-I can''t remember his name-yelled like a badass.


    We all snapped out of our frozen state, running towards our ssrooms as chaos ravaged outside. I couldn''t understand. Why, of all times, have these monsters decided to attack a school filled with wolves? They should know that it is highly fortified and that their ns will fail. For them to be able to prate, they must have nned their attack very well. It made me wonder, in fear, what else they could do again.


    "Shut the door," Brooke whimpered while Kyle and Zeke locked the ssroom door tight. She was stilltched to Kyle like a f*****g parasite. The rest of them were. The girls ran behind their boyfriends like wimps to shield them from the monster, and I scoffed. I mean, they were all in the same predicament as I was. What could their pathetic boyfriends do? But Kyle and Zeke? With that sexy body of theirs, they would protect any girl at the cost of their lives, and Brooke Bentley appeared to be one of those girls. It''s such a pity. Really.


    "b***h. I have never seen someone more pathetic than her." Renee spat in anger. She was, however, interrupted by the loud rattling of our ssroom door.


    My heartbeat increased as the monster peered through the only-view ss on the door. Its red eyeballs scanned the entire room, stopping at me. Then we locked eyes, and the same feeling I felt as though someone was watching me crept up my spine. It didn''t help that the students whimpered and cried.


    I was among those who whimpered. With just a powerful kick from its hind legs, the door came down. For once, I wished the badass teacher was here to protect the girls who didn''t have boyfriends. Up close, its body was something I had never seen before. It was neither a human nor a wolf.


    It was a monster, and itunched itself at me before I could say Jack. It wasing for me because I locked eyes with it. I should have turned my gaze down when it... oh my god! Its cuss-like ws reached for my face and...


    "Oh my god," A scream left my lips as I covered my face with my hands. My face was my pride, even if the rest of my body was disappointing. I waited for its sharp ws to tear through my skin and get to my face, but they didn''t. Scratch that, I didn''t feel a thing. I opened my eyes slowly to find the twins in front of me. They had already changed into white wolves and were trying to tackle the monster down. Angry growls and roars filled the air. You know what my brain decided to do at that f*****g moment?


    Shut down.


    #


    "I don''t think she is alive. It''s better she''s dead than put my boyfriend in a dangerous situation! She pressured them to save her life!"


    I knew that voice, and it was none other than Brooke Bentley. I shut my eyes tighter so I wouldn''t have to wake up to see her greasy face. It would haunt me in my dreams forever. Call me dramatic, but that was how I felt. Her name even tasted odd in my mouth. It was irritating and curled my tongue in ces I didn''t want it to go.


    "Shut up, Brooke, and let me see." It was the voice of the badass teacher! He must be new here or a substitute teacher, because every other teacher was just as monstrous as the monster that tried to attack me. I wondered how Kyle and Zeke were doing. Brooke was right; I ced the both of them in an awkward situation, and as Alphas, they had to save me from whatever that thing was. It was my fault.


    My eyes snapped open to see if they were anywhere around. The students who had crowded me were shocked to see me awaken; they had all cleared a path for me.


    "How could she faint before the monster got to her?"


    "She is pathetic."


    "The name of a w***e suits her, not a wolf."


    I turned sharply at thest person who said that, prepared tosh out, but the twins were my utmost priority. Where are they? I nced at every person before I found them at the end of the room, nursing their wounds. Brooke was by their side before I got there. "Don''t take a step." She sneered angrily, covering Kyle with her hands. I scoffed. Where was she when the monster attacked? I couldn''t recall her annoying voice saving the twins.


    I gasped at the shreds of skin I saw hanging from Kyle''s arm. He must have raised his hands to take the blow instead. I almost gagged at the thought of my arm being like that. Zeke was worse than I thought, as his side was violently mauled.


    In panic, I checked if the monster was still around, but I didn''t see anything. The pixie-haired girl came to stand by my side. She had a frown on her face. "Badass teacher here led the rest of the teachers here, and they beat the s**t out of the monster. I don''t know how they did it, but the monster broke through the window there." She pointed at our window, which was not the same way I saw it. ss particles were everywhere. "And left."


    That pretty much sums up everything.


    I knelt down. The twins weren''t looking at me; they were each nursing their wounds. It was my fault. "I-," I began, stopping when Brooke gave me the stink eye.


    Pixie girl knelt with me, leaning closer, she whispered. "Don''t worry, they heal faster than an average wolf and ten times faster than you. You could be dead by now, so they did the right thing." Then she stood up.


    I looked around the ssroom to see the teachers going about their business while the maintenance began their work in our ssroom. By tomorrow, everything may look like nothing even happened.


    It meant that if I died, nothing would change. The thought of that made me realize just how insignificant I was at this school.


    "Say what you f*****g want to say, Brawn, or leave us alone!" Kyle snapped at me, causing everyone to look at me irritatedly. I just had to be the one in the spotlight all the time.


    "I am sorry!" I yelled too. I mean, everyone was looking at me like I deserved to die, and I totally got it. "Both of you are hurt because of me, and I don''t deserve to be alive right now."


    Zeke growled, cutting me off. "You are right. You don''t deserve to be alive right now, but you are. Now get out of our sight!"


    I eyed their injuries, wondering when the medics were going to get here. "But your wounds need attending to." What was Brooke doing that she couldn''t even wrap the silly silk scarf around her neck to hide her boyfriend''s wounds? I felt my neck, remembering that I had wrapped a scarf around it this morning. In haste, I tore the scarf into two pieces, pulling Kyle''s dangling flesh towards me.


    Then I wrapped it in one piece, ignoring the warning signs going off in my head that I was doing something that was either going to get me killed by the twins or Brooke Bentley herself. With the second scarf, I dabbed it on Zeke''s side, who was just watching me with an unreadable expression on his face. He didn''t even wince at the pain.


    It made me feel foolish because I knew they were going to heal in minutes, yet I was doing what I was doing. It''s going to get me killed.


    "Yeah! Do it because you are indebted to them." Brooke said harshly, and it felt like I was a ve doing her bidding instead of helping the boys. Who knew what would have happened if the badass teacher hadn''te in at that point? I didn''t want to think about it. "Everyone gather around!" The badass teacher yelled in a loud voice. Itmanded respect and Justice, and I involuntarily smiled. Maybe this was someone that I could go to if I felt sad. He and the pixie girl were enough. "We have faced a tragic incident, but thanks to Kyle and Zeke, we have been saved!"


    The whole ss began to p, including me. I pped the loudest, stopping when it felt a bit too much.


    "We can''t go home now because the school has been barricaded, but what we can do is sleep here in groups. The big and the small. Okay, group yourselves by two." He ordered. The girls ran to their boyfriends.


    Soon I was standing in the room alone with Renee.


    And we were both small.

 Chapter 6

    Naya Cod.


    "I guess it''s just the two of us now." Renee whispered, hugging herself. I wondered for a bit if she wanted to be grouped with the w***e''s daughter.


    I sighed. "You should find someone to group with. Don''t get infected by me."


    Renee scoffed. "Nobody knows me here."


    The badass teacher walked towards me with a grim look on his face. It was obvious he wasn''t happy with the development. "What is happening here? Why don''t you have a partner?"


    I shrugged. "Is it a must that I have a partner?" His questions made me ufortable. Why would he ask that question when he saw that I was almost attacked by the monster? Of all the students in the ss, it chose to attack me, and I don''t like it one bit. He scanned the room, looking for someone, or rather, certain twins, because when he called out their names, my hair stood. "Kyle and Zeke... Choose among yourselves who will stay with her. Both of you are basically the strongest in this ss." My eyes widened at his insinuation. "Sir.."


    "It is Mr. Diego to you." He slightly growled. I couldn''t have misheard it. "Look, Naya, I need one of them to stay with you for your safety.


    For my safety? If I couldn''t be any more pathetic... I ignored the daggers Brooke sent my way. "But, Mr. Diego, I don''t need protection. I can handle myself." Bullshit, Naya. I knew I couldn''t handle myself. For f**k''s sake, I raised my hands to protect my face during the attack!


    "I understand your bravery, Naya, but this is a dangerous situation. It''s better to stay together and be safe." He insisted, pointing at the five of us. He was about to say something when Renee interrupted.


    "Hey, I''m staying with you guys." She pointed at Brooke and the twins, who haven''t said a word since Mr. Diego opened his mouth to join the five of us together. It wasn''t going to end well.


    This pixie girl is determined to piss Brooke off. You could see it in the vein that popped out of her head.


    "You too? I don''t need babysitters. I can fight if I have to." I inputted, feeling ashamed when Kyle scoffed and whispered something probably insulting to his brother.


    "We''re not here to babysit. We''re here to protect everyone, including you. It''s our duty." Mr. Diego said, walking ahead to check on the other groups. There was no one left behind. True to Mr. Diego''s words, the students were grouped into big and small groups. And here I was thinking these boys liked me or something. They were just trying to protect everyone. I am not against it or anything, but it made me sad. Deeply.


    I turned to find three harsh eyes looking at me. No one cared to look at the pixie-haired girl because, like she said, no one knew her except me.


    "Grab a sleep bag from the emergency room, everyone. Take what you need. It''s going to be a long night." Mr. Diego peered out the window, sighing when he still saw the entire fence filled with slithering monsters. Where had theye from?


    I wondered if they also filled the city just as they filled the school. I raised my hands. "Mr. Diego, what if we want to pee?"


    "If you want to pee. Speak for yourself, Brawn." Someone snickered from behind, and I wanted so badly to knock sense into that person.


    Mr. Diego nodded. "Intelligent question. If you want to pee, you could just ask me to escort you. The hallways are dangerous for now. Everyone, move the tables and chairs aside." He ordered again, gently shoving me to the side. As his hands touched my bare skin, goosebumps covered it.


    He was powerful, that''s for sure, and something also told me that he was standing up for me. A thing I kind of appreciated.


    As the evening came faster than usual, the big boys spent the next few minutes pushing the chairs and tables against the walls. Everyone grabbed a sleep bag from the emergency room adjoining our ss. We were lucky that the ss was big enough to contain everyone.


    One by one, we ced the sleeping bags in groups. This was because it would be easier when we slept in groups rather than scattered all over. During the entire time, my eyes were on the twins, who avoided me at all costs. "When that monsteres again, I swear I am going to kill it. It can''t mess with me and live." Kyle suddenly said to his brother. His skin appeared to have healed under my scarf, yet he didn''t remove it.


    "Neither is it allowed to mess with us. If not for the teachers arriving, I already had a firm grip on its shoulders." Zeke said this with a frown in his face. He was worried, I noticed, eyeing him from my position as I patted the sleeping bag. You would have thought my utmost concentration was on dusting my sleeping bag. His side was beginning to heal and no longer pooled blood. He didn''t have my scarf, and I wondered if he threw it inside the bin. My gaze went to the bin. There was no sign of blood or my scarf there. "The monster ran away like the coward he is." Brooke added, and the twinsughed. Even Reneeughed at her jokes. The fact that sheughed at her joke made me a bit unhappy.


    "But it came for me." I thought of shame.


    I raised my eyes to find three pairs of eyes staring at me. Wait. Did I say that aloud? "I am sorry..."


    "Move out of the way, Brawn." Kyle snapped.


    There he went with the insults again. I moved aside so he could shift his sleeping bag to my side. For some reason, he has chosen to sleep beside me.


    "What... what are you doing?" I stuttered, not feelingfortable with him lying beside me. What was the worst thing that could happen?


    "Shut up and lie down." He muttered instead, proceeding to lie down. I thought it was over until I saw Brooke beside him.


    Oh. I see.


    My cheeks heated up as the thought of him lying down beside me evaporated into thin air. Making my bodypletely stiff, Iid down beside him. Then I faced the opposite direction, where his handsome face wouldn''t get to me. His back grazed my shoulders, and I knew he was spooning Brooke now. "I am so sorry you were hurt." I could hear Brook whisper to Kyle. The ssroom was a bit quiet; however, some students still whispered into the night.


    Many of them wondered if they were going to see their parents again. Some wondered if the Alpha was going to save them. Who would save them from the torment that filled the hallways? It was advised that we should get some rest until the next morning, when solutions would be on the way.


    "It''s fine." Kyle''s husky voice assured her.


    "You still have her scarf." Brooke''s voice was hard and disapproving. "It''s dirty; let me give you mine."


    Kyle sighed audibly. It was obvious he was tired. "Sleep Brooke. I don''t want your pretty scarf to be stained."


    It hurt to hear that he was willing to preserve her scarf over mine, but his words made me feel a little better. He wasn''t willing to throw my scarf away yet. The thought made me feel giddy.


    "But.."


    "Shh." Kyle interrupted gently. He has never used such a gentle voice on me before, and I wanted to know how that would feel on me. It would be nice. It has been a long time since someone used such a kind voice on me. I expected Marley after many years to still hold such kindness in her eyes, but it was as I thought. Maybe Pa would be the only person to show me kindness.


    It felt alien to me.


    I didn''t know how long I was lost in thoughts, but I snapped out of it when Kyle tossed and turned to his side, which faced me. It felt like he was spooning me due to the tiny space between us. His hands were draped around me, pulling me closer until his c**k settled between my buttocks.


    "Mmm..." he mumbled huskily, slowly grinding against me. I turned to wrap his body close to mine when I stopped, opening my eyes. It had been a dream. My eyes trailed his body, which was facing me, down to where he held my hands tightly. Sweat trickled down his face, and his eyes darted beneath closed lids. His body twitched with unease.


    Is he having a nightmare? I ced my hands around his body to stop him from moving. "Hey, wake up!" ncing around, I found out that some of the students had gone to sleep.

 Chapter 7

    Naya Cod


    I ced my hand on his waist to steady him. He was shaking so badly. "You need to wake up." I whispered again. Fighting the monster must have caused him to dream about it. It was dangerous to fight such animals alone. We were animals, but that was just a monster. I never could have survived had these guys not stepped in front of me.


    I still shook him, concerned, when his eyes suddenly snapped open. He gazed downward at our intertwined hands in confusion, and when his eyes came back up, they were angry. Really Angry.


    "What the f**k?" He boomed, yanking his hands out of mine like it was hot coal. His voice had supposedly awoken those who I thought were in deep sleep.


    Brooke Bentley was one of them.


    Then my body system did what it should never have done.


    Hup. Seeing the faces of everyone waking up from their sleep to know that it was me who ruined it in the first ce made me wish the earth was a monster that could swallow me. He could have gently removed his hands instead of yelling so loudly. "What''s wrong, Naya?" Renee asked in a sleepy voice from the other side. I feel so bad for having to wake her up too.


    I shook my head, unable to form words on my lips, when I felt something wet drenching my uniform down to my underwear. It trickled into my mouth and tasted... sweet. Pop soda.


    "What-the-hell?" My hup didn''t make it easier for me to speak.


    Then theirughter began to ring in my ears. I hate it. I hate it when they do this. Tears flowed from my eyes in realization of the one person who ended up humiliating me just because I held his hands. He was having a nightmare, and what I got was a f*****g Pop soda over my body.


    "That''s what you get for messing with me in my sleep." Kyle muttered dangerously, handing the bottle back to Brooke. Of course, it was Brooke Bentley who handed him the bottle in the first ce!


    I didn''t even feel Renee''s hands hold me as I dodged them, ignoring the calls as I slipped into the dangerous hallways. How did my good deeds be something I would regret? No more good deeds. I decided.


    The hallways were quiet and lonely, with flickering bulbs on their ceilings. I squeezed my top, and more greenish liquid sttered onto the floor. Just Great. I''d have to request another uniform from the Principal.


    The bathroom was just a corner to the left. I was about to turn left when I heard a low growl. It reverberated in my bones, causing me to flinch.


    I wouldn''t dare turn back. What if it was the same monster earlier that...


    I couldn''t finish that thought, as I felt as if something was watching me again. Its eyes dug holes in my head, and I knew it was the monster.


    Whimpering, I hurried to the corner, trying to open the restroom door. I shouldn''t havee out of the safe zone. What was I thinking? The restroom door seemed jammed as my knuckles began to desperately tap on it.


    It was getting closer. I could practically feel its breath on my neck.


    The bathroom door suddenly opened to reveal Zeke, and I fell into his hands, trembling, forgetting that I was still drenched.


    "Zeke.." I stuttered, surprised to see him there, but not before closing the door behind me. There is no way I was going to let that thing attack us again. I knew how I looked right now. Tears in my eyes, a wet uniform that revealed my n*****s. I looked ready to be f****d.


    His eyes raked down my body, stopping on my tear-streaked face. "Why are you crying?" His question caught me off guard because I expected him to call me brawny and throw an insult. I have never known the twins to be kind to me. This was a surprise. His face held concern, and we seemed close. So close that my heart beat increased in response. I felt we could both hear it.


    "What are you doing here?" I choose to blurt it out instead. I thought I was going to be here alone so that I could cry my eyes out and clean up. I would probably stay here until the morning. What the hell is another storm doing here?


    He grinned wickedly, walking closer to me while I took a step back at his looming and intimidating gaze.


    "Where do you think you are going?"


    I watched his Adam''s apple bubble up and didn''t know when I became trapped. With him in front of me and the wall behind me. There was nowhere to run to. Frankly, I loved it. "No where." I swallowed hard.


    His eyes trailed my wet clothes down to my breasts, and it made me remember thest time when I came into the ss drenched and soaked. Instinctively, I covered my chest. He clicked his tongue in annoyance. "No, you don''t."


    I still kept them there, only to have him pry them off. Then he wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes. "The tears in your face make me want to do things to you. So innocent," he mumbled, tracing his thumb on my lips, then he went further down, tracing my cor bones, chests,...


    I allowed him until he traced my visible n*****s. They became hard instantly. He growls under his breath, opening the first five buttons of my shirt to grip my breasts.


    I moaned. I f*****g moaned.


    "Let me hear you," he said huskily, and I didn''t care anymore because he twirled my n*****s like he was in charge. He digs his hands into my skirt, finding the source of my juices that have already set my thighs. Then he ced his index fingers inside. The sensations it brought to my body made me float. I have waited for his touch for so long that I forgot where I was.


    "Moan for me, baby." He began to thrust harder, causing me to rub his body for the littlest contact of his skin. That tanned skin I saw the other day before his bedroom door was closed to my face.


    That skin I see almost every time during sports. Their abs seemed to be made by a god himself.


    Suddenly, his hands stopped, and he pulled it out. The squelching sound it made brought me back to my senses. I was breathing hard, hoping he was going to get me to cu...


    "Get out." His low voice told me nothing like that was going to happen any time soon.


    But.. I nced behind me to see the empty hallways. There was no way I was going to go back into the hallways looking like a piece of f*****g meat.


    "No. I am not going anywhere." I stamped my feet to the ground, refusing to show him my fearful state. Knowing the twins, they would tease the hell out of me.


    "You will get out when I say you should get out, Brawn!" He yelled, shocking me to the core. Where was the love I just saw? Was it just l**t?


    Yeah, I agree it was lust, but thought...


    #


    Kyle Storm


    The monster had its sharp teeth on my shoulder, and I tried to release my shoulders, but with every pull, it dragged my flesh with it.


    "Are you alright, Bro?" Zeke asked. He was bleeding from his side, but he was still going strong.


    "Yeah, I am alright. Get to the girls!" I yelled as the monster divided itself. They became two, and one of them was heading to the girls who stood at the corner.


    In the middle of them was the girl I detested the most. I would want to kill her myself, not allow the monster to rip off her body parts.


    He bared his sharp fangs at her, and I wanted so badly to tear out its jaws myself.


    "Hey, wake up." A soft whisper stopped me from venturing toward the girls. My left hand became so warm that I squeezed my fists tighter. "Wake up! It''s just a Nightmare."


    I snapped my eyes open to find Naya holding my left hand. Or rather, I was the one holding her hands. A small wince escaped her as I released it and pushed her off me. We were too close forfort, and Brooke wouldn''t like it. Her eyes went to the lower half of my body, and I followed her eyes. I was hard as f**k.


    Pushing her off me would hide my hard-on, and that was what I did.


    I pushed her off. Brooke woke up too, handing me a bottle of Pop soda. I eyed her, wondering if it was necessary, but I couldn''t have Naya going about telling people I had a nightmare.

 Chapter 8

    Naya cod


    Now all alone in the hallway, I darted my eyes here and there. I knew there was something watching me in the darkness, and it was pretending like it wasn''t seeing me. We could y this game of hide-and-seek all night.


    "For f**k''s sake, Zeke. You are no different from your brother." One minute they were horny, the next they humiliated me. I was eager to get into their pants and have them humiliate me next. Note my sarcasm.


    Something hot breezed past me, and I froze. It was the same thing that had been watching me all along. A hand touched my shoulders, and I nearly jumped out of my skin.


    "Jesus, Naya. What are you doing in the hallway without anyone apanying you?"


    I sighed in relief when I saw it was Mr. Diego. "Zeke is in the restroom." I avoided his eyes. "I wasn''t exactly alone." I couldn''t tell him we were making out in the restroom. There is no way in hell I was going to tell a badass teacher such as Mr. Diego. He eyed me up and down in suspicion. "So where is he now?"


    I shrugged. "I don''t know. Probably still in there. Can we go, please?"


    Mr. Diego sighed, dragging me along, and that creepy feeling never left me. "Come on. The halls aren''t safe for you."


    Even without the monsters, the halls were never safe. They were filled with daily drama for me alone. Nah, scratch that. I was the main character of that daily drama. A drama that didn''t give me joy.


    I was pushed back into the room with Kyle and Brooke. I could care less about my wet shirt. They were of no importance to me. However, I was genuinely happy when Renee chose to drape her scarf over me. Such thoughtfulness was something I would never forget.


    #


    shback


    "You should take this." Pa whispered in my ears as he draped a coat around me. I eyed his shivering form from the hood of my eyes. If he was this kind to Marley, why did she leave him?


    "Why did Mom leave?" I asked him carefully. I knew it was a sensitive subject, yet I chose to ask him. I wanted to satisfy my curiosity because I was a selfish b***h who cared for only herself and no other person.


    I thought he would get angry at me and probablysh out. Instead, he chuckled and a simple smile appeared at the side of his cheek. "We grew out of love."


    "But she ising back, isn''t she?" My voice must have exposed my desperation, because then his smile vanished slowly.


    "You have to be patient. When you grow older, everything will be exined to you." He pinched my cheeks with his wet hands, making me groan in annoyance.


    I spent the rest of the day thinking about the nice scent of his coat around me and the fact that my mother would being home soon.


    Presently


    Now that I think about it, he never exined that she woulde back for us. However, she dide back for me. A few weeks ago, Marley took me into the Storm mansion. It had been hell for me, and my only sce was the cottage Pa left for me. How dare he leave me to Marley and the Alpha? He was not someone I could disobey or act childishly toward.


    One time, I ate something I wasn''t supposed to. It made my stomach upset, and I couldn''t get to the toilet in time. Hell, I didn''t even know where the toilet was and entered a room I felt the toilet would be in.


    I didn''t see that there were fragments of a living person in there, and the living person was none other than Zeke Storm. You could picture the anger on his face when he came into his room to perceive the pungent smell from my rotten stomach. "Holy s**t, what smells so rotten in here? Kyle!" Zeke thundered while I froze midway. I was going to keep quiet until he left the room so that I could silently slip out of the house.


    That was a great n all in my head. It never actually materialized because Kyle replied negatively and asked him to check if his toilet was overflowing. Well, guess who he saw on his toilet seats?


    Me.


    "What the f**k, Brawn!" He yelled angrily.


    Somehow, I have grown so ustomed to seeing his angry face that it no longer terrorizes me. It only hurt when he humiliated me in front of people.


    His voice must have attracted Kyle, who came downstairs to peer into the smelly room. The smell originated from me. He seemed dressed and ready to go to a party. Date? A wicked smile was stered on his face. He was always the amused one, and I could never predict his moves. When I thought I had it, he would change into another version of a monster.


    But Zeke? Zeke was like a storm. He gets easily angered and easily calmed. Both guys were unpredictable, and I loved it, even though I would never admit it.


    Even at gunpoint.


    "Naya, you are crossing the line." He ced his fingers inside his nose as if to hinder the odor. Mind you, I was still on the toilet seat with my buttocks open for them to see. Two guys eyed me from where they stood without an ounce of shame.


    I knew how red I looked at that moment. What could I tell them? Please shut the door to your toilet and allow me to finish. Nope. There is a consequence for everything, and the fact they allowed themselves to be in my disgusting space was okay. It was a two-way thing.


    "Look, we know that you are desperate to be our sister, but when you do this, you make us hate you more. I need you to exin why the hell you are in Zeke''s room taking a shit."


    I scoffed, happy that I could even scoff in the first ce. "It''s my first time in this ce. Couldn''t you at least show some respect and let me finish. You are in my personal space."


    Zeke shook his head. "Let us be the judge of that. Now. I want you to clean yourself up and get out of my room."


    Why did I have to see his room first? Somehow, it was better than entering Kyle''s room first. Or what if it was the Alpha''s room? I''d be dead by now.


    "What is going on here?" My mother had appeared from nowhere with a sickly smile on her face, and I wondered who it was for. Definitely, the atmosphere didn''t call for such a sweet smile. She must want a favor from me. "Zeke, is she bothering you?" My mother''s cold eyes slithered at me, and I nearly cowered in fear.


    Oh. So the smile was for Zeke. It made me frown. Was she treating him like her favorite son now or what? Then her eyes widened in shock as she read the room. "Naya, what are you doing in Zeke''s room?" She shrieked.


    I rolled my eyes. Marley is a shameless b***h, if I must say so. "Don''t be ridiculous. I am taking a s**t! I have an upset stomach from the dinner you prepared yesterday night."


    Kyle snorted while Marley huffed indignantly.


    "I won''t have you disrespect me in this house." She snarled. "Now get your silly b**t out of there. This ce smells like a cow''s shed."


    "What a nice way to put it. For a moment there, I thought you were the one. It smelled like that the moment you walked in." I replied just as much, with a lot of heat. I was in a good mood since I couldn''t do my thing in peace. Three people watched me while I took a s**t. It wasn''t pleasant, and I want nothing more than the earth to open up and take me inside.


    "Damn!" Kyle couldn''t take the look of suppressedughter on his face anymore. He doubled inughter as Marley left the room, huffing and puffing.


    I just saved her from what was smelling in here.


    Zeke shook his head and waited a minute. I think I saw amusement there. "If only you were this sarcastic..." recovering himself, he sighed. "I will give you ten minutes to get your a*s out of my room. You stink. This ce stinks!" He walked out, happy. Kyle clutched his stomach. "Okay, I think I am going to be sick fromughing and inhaling whatever gas you are letting out here, Brawn."


    That had to be the funniest day of my life.


    A day I would remember andugh.


    "What''s funny?" Renee asked as we bothid down. The students had forgotten that I had poured Pop soda just recently. I didn''t want to bring attention back to myself, so I chose toy beside her while eying Kyle''s position where he was before. He wasn''t there.

 Chapter 9

    Naya cod


    "Everyone wake up!" Mr. Diego yelled, waking everyone up from sleep.


    "Mr. Diego, I want to go home." Someone sighed as he woke up. We looked like we had just escaped from an asylum.


    Mr. Diego nodded in agreement. "And you will go home. You just need to be a little patient. The Alpha ising for you all soon."


    Kyle scoffed in annoyance. "I don''t want himing here to save our asses. We can take care of ourselves." He raised his healed hand for all to see. "See? We are f*****g wolves, not humans who cower and hide in ces like this. We should go out and do something."


    Mr. Diego was about to say something when his phone began to ring. His face held satisfaction, like he had just heard the best news ever. "They are here already." He eyed Kyle, or rather, me. His eyes lingered on me for much longer before he sighed. "You are not going anywhere until I say so. I am going out now to check the extent of the damage, and I want to see you all here by the time I get back." He eyed everyone of us suspiciously before walking out of the ssroom door.


    I turned to the ss, expecting them to pounce on me with their words, but most of them acted like I was invisible, wrapping up their sleeping bags with worried looks on their faces.


    Some of them even had tears in their eyes.


    That shifted something in me. Why do we have to cower in fear just because some monsters chose the wrong day to raid the school? It took the Alpha a day and a half to get to us! Not only that, his children were there. Or did he suppose that they would protect the whole school?


    My eyes widened as an idea crossed my mind. "What if this was all a test?"


    "What?" A boy asked. I was sure it was a boy. Just then, Zeke walked in with azy swag that made me nearly forget what I wanted to say. Memories ofst night ran through my mind. His piercing gaze wasn''t helping matters. There he stood with his hands in his pockets, staring me down with those lusty eyes of his.


    It was as if they beckoned for me toe closer.


    I quickly averted my gaze from the ss, which had been silent and staring at me ever since I spoke my thoughts. I have been doing thattely. Yes, I''m saying my silly thoughts aloud.


    "It might be a test. We are f*****g wolves, Kyle said. "I didn''t look at him for support when I said that, but I could feel both brothers boring a hole in my head with thosezy eyes. "We should go out and check out the situation by ourselves."


    "But Mr. Diego just made himself clear that he wouldn''t like us to do that s**t, Brawn." Someone spat from the corner.


    I scoffed, eying him up and down. "Then you can stay here and keep being a wimp." My mouth was going to put me in trouble one day because, right now, he seized me with his eyes, and they told me I wasn''t to bepared physically with him.Posted by  "Say that again, b***h!" He dared with a sneer.


    I puffed my shoulders, daring him. I wish I was this daring when sses resumed. Or maybe the guilt of being here made me take all their s**t. "If you stay back, you are a wimp."


    His eyes bulged, and I could practically see the mes of anger on his head. By now, the students had already gathered, snickering and wondering how the daughter of a w***e suddenly gained courage. Ites once in a while. He raised his hands to p me while I closed my eyes. Wrong move, I know.


    Feeling nothing, I opened my eyes to see Zeke holding his hands. "I don''t ept what she said, but we are all trying to survive here. You don''t beat a woman just because she called you a wimp. It only makes you a wimp. That''s what you are, a wimp!" I nearly choked on my spit. Defense moments like this were rare.


    The boy flung Zeke''s hands away. "I don''t give a s**t. She started it first. And when did you start protecting the little miss w***e here?" He nced at his people for support, and they egged him on.


    Remember when I said Zeke was unpredictable? I didn''t expect what he did next. And no, he didn''t do it in my favor. He turned to me slowly.


    He wanted to do the same thing Kyle did to me. Humiliate me. "I am not protecting her. She is a w***e''s daughter, so I should know." He leaned closer in the most sensual manner. His breath fanned my ears, and my breasts pressed against his chest, causing an electric sensation to run down my spine. "You know why I am doing this. I am sorry."


    Then, with force, he pped my right cheek. The sound re-echoed in the ssroom, and the students gasps mingled with it.


    I couldn''t feel anything. It hurt. It f*****g hurt so much.


    "That''s the Zeke I know." The boy grinned at a frowning Zeke. "Now, are we doing this or not?"


    I didn''t know how long I stood there with tears in my eyes until I felt something warm tapping my face. I narrowed my eyes to see it was my silk scarf, and before I could utter a thank you, the person left just as quickly as he came.


    I sniffed the air.


    That smelled like Kyle''s perfume.


    What is wrong with the Storm brothers? Why do they keep confusing me? My knees dropped to the floor. The hard floor scraped the surface, and I watched it as it bled. I couldn''t feel anything. The confidence I had earlier has been reced with confusion and dread. "Naya, what are you doing? Come on, let''s go. Everyone is at the gate." Renee called gently. She had watched Zeke hurt me and couldn''t do anything about it. What could she do? I raised my eyes to see everyone had gone, and their sleeping bags were neatly returned to where we took them.


    I could see her frown when that boy threatened me. Yet she didn''t butt in. What the hell do all of them want from me? "Go on, Renee. I will be fine. No one is waiting for me anyway."


    Renee stood awkwardly at the door. "Er... The Alpha is asking of you. The parents are gathered at the gates. You shoulde."


    Wiping my tears, I waved her off. "Go away, Renee. I have no one, and no one ising for me."


    Her hands grabbed my arm before I could even protest; she held me up. "Look, I have no right to talk to you about the Alpha, but I just know he is not one of the people you should mess with."


    Of course, he is one of them. "Is Mr. Diego there?"


    Renee shook her head. "No. I heard he went to attend to other matters. The whole sight isn''t pleasant. Soe with me and don''t stay here."


    I yanked my arm away. "Why? Why are you pretending to be nice to me? It''s rather funny; I know your name like we are friends, which we are f*****g not." It was harsh, I know, but Zeke''s p was like a reality check for me. I should stay away from the Storm brothers for now.


    Renee didn''t look one bit offended. In fact, she grinned. "I am nobody. You are the most popr girl in school for the wrong reasons." She still stared at me so that I would do the mathematics. "The most popr girl in school doesn''t have friends, and I chose to be her friend so that I would be popr. How perfect is that?"


    I had intended to snort but didn''t stop it when it came out in full-blownughter. "Goodness, that was an awful joke. It looks like we have a lot inmon, Renee."


    She didn''t look surprised that I knew her name. She nodded knowingly. "Naya. Let''s go."


    The hallways were still the same as when I left them earlier, but this time they weren''t as quiet. The voices of students and their parents could be heard, and I wondered what themotion was.


    Renee had a worried look on her face. "It wasn''t this noisy when I left. I think the press is here. You should be careful about Darren. That boy will stop at nothing to humiliate you."


    Darren was the boy I called a wimp. He never lets things like that slip by. I was tempted to tell her that the Storm brothers would protect me.


    They may protect me, but it alwayses at a cost.

 Chapter 10

    Naya cod


    Taking a deep breath, I descended the stairs. I had to prepare myself to face the intense scrutiny of the gathered crowd. My heart pounded, and a sense of unease washed over me. What if Renee was right? Darren was one of the bullies that tormented me, and I had just summoned up the courage to call him a wimp. If Zeke hadn''t stopped him, I would have been toast. Deep down, I am grateful for Zeke''s protection. But, like I said, it usually came at a silly cost. Going down to meet everyone was nerve-wracking, but I never expected it to turn into a nightmare.


    As I reached the bottom of the staircase, I was met with using stares. The weight of everyone''s judgment was upon me. I nced around for Mr. Diego, but it''s like he just vanished into thin air.


    "What have you done, Naya?" Mrs. Lau''s voice trembled with usation. "Ever since you came into our school, these monstrous attacks have be more frequent. It''s as if you''ve brought this upon us."


    What? What monster attacked? I nced at Darren only to see him hide a silly smile. It seemed like everyone was in it too. Why are they using me of the attack? This was the first time this had ever happened. I am highly disappointed in...


    The murmurs of agreement from the gathered crowd sent a chill down my spine. The press, always hungry for a chilling story like this, had managed to get closer to the gathering, their cameras capturing every moment of my despair and anger.


    Most importantly, I wondered if this attack had happened before. My brain raced, trying to make sense of the usations. I had no control over the monsters that came to our school, nor did I understand why they seemed to target me. If the attacks had started long before I entered the picture, the me now fell squarely on my shoulders. I can take the bullying, but not the usations.


    I should say something.


    "I swear, I have nothing to do with these attacks; Mr. Diego was here when..." My voice trailed as I searched around for Mr. Diego. They were all looking at me to provide Mr. Diego, and he was nowhere to be found. I turned to Renee, pleading. "You were there, right? You were there. All of you!" I knew how I sounded at the moment. My voice quivered with a mix of fear and frustration. "I''m as terrified as all of you. I want nothing more than to go home. I didn''t expect this."


    "Naya, if you can''t convince them, there is nothing I would say that would convince them. I am a nobody. You need to find the Alpha twins. I can''t find the Alpha! They were here a few minutes ago." Renee was just as panicked as I was. I could see how fast she was pulling me through the crowd.


    I pleaded for them to leave me alone, but my words seemed to fall on deaf ears. The press intensified their mission, snapping photos, bombarding me with silly questions, and painting me as responsible for the school''s suffering.


    Where the heck were Zeke and Kyle? They were the only ones who would save me. The Alpha would, if my mother allowed it. Somehow, I see she had him wrapped around her pinkie finger.


    "Why did you enter the ssroom when you knew the monster was going toe for you?" A woman pushed through, nearly blinding me with a big microphone in her hands.


    I was losing my patience fast. "I said I don''t know anything." How is everything turning upside down so fast?


    I understand them. They are all afraid of the silly monsters that have invaded thend.


    Feeling overwhelmed and trapped, My eyes darted around the room, searching for the twins. They had better be here to exin things and show the crowd their injuries. To my dismay, I saw the both of them standing at the back, their expressions torn between telling the crowd the truth and saving me, their stepsister. I raised an eyebrow to ask about their parents.


    Kyle shrugged coldly while Zeke wasn''t even looking at me.


    Just great! If they want me to handle this on their own, I will! As the usations continued to fly around, my resolve hardened.


    I stamped my feet on the solid ground to stop Ren¨¦e from moving any longer. My head was lifted high to meet the angry gaze of the crowd. "I may be the target of that monster, but I refuse to be the scapegoat. ming me isn''t going to solve the problem." I took a deep breath, allowing my words to hang in the air. Slowly, there was silence, and their fingers began to lower, reced by looks of disgust.


    "We saw the monster get to you first, Brawn. It was as if youmunicated with it. How can we believe you then?" Darren asked with fire in his eyes. They were filled with hatred. I guess word must have spread that I was with the Storms now.


    It must have intensified their anger toward me. I would do anything to exchange the position of the person who envied me. I wouldn''t mind. "I would do anything to be in your good shoes, Darren. Don''t forget, you said we should hide in the ssroom until our parents came. You pathetic excuse of a wolf." My hands flew to my mouth in shock. Where did thate from?


    Darren looked ready to fight me. "I dare you to say that again!"


    I could see the previous event ying out again, and I didn''t want Zeke to protect me by pping me, so I kept quiet.


    "Darren!" A voice thundered. "Shut up."


    Darren began to whimper in fear, and I knew who it was. My wolf couldn''t take the power anymore, and we both began to shiver.


    Alpha Storm was here. He glided to my side with my mother beside him. "Naya isn''t entirely wrong." His eyes lingered on me. They were as cold as ice, and shivers ran down my spine. How do the twins live with such a handsome but cold man? Marley must have done a very good job seducing such a cold man.


    The first day I met Alpha Storm was when Marley Introduced me to him. Maybe out of fear, I couldn''t exactly exin how I felt around him. But one thing I was sure of was that he was a man of ice-cold demeanor. His piercing gaze could freeze anyone in their tracks. He was known for his ruthless nature in the world of power. If that monster was here and the Alpha was here, he would cut through them without batting an eyelid.


    Marley did a fine job of seducing him. I nearly snorted as I eyed Marley''s power gown. I was determined to annoy her, as she chose when I grew up to take me into the mansion. It made her understand that it was a grave mistake that could cost her both her position and me.


    Her power gown was a striking red that demanded attention. Her makeup was heavy, with a vivid shade of red on her lips and eyes.


    I know my mother, otherwise, Marley was an expert in manipting people to bend to her will, using her seductive charms as a weapon to get what she wanted. I knew it because how else did she get Aloha Storm? There must be a reason for all these. In the world of power, Alpha Storm''s coldness was matched by Marley''s sadistic nature. I also took that nature from her because my mouth was nowhere near as kind as Pa''s. He was a gentle man and a pushover. Bless his soul.


    "However, Darren''s father is among the council, so you will show your respect!" The alpha storm thundered at me. The twins came closer to me, and I tookfort from their scent. My six senses told me they were worried for me, but I quickly waved that thought away, bowing slightly.


    It was the effect of his Alpha voice, I swear. I won''t apologize. I was about to protest when Marley was beside me in an instant. "Naya, we are here to protect our reputation, so just shut it."


    "He started it first." I tried to exin, shutting up when Zeke hissed in irritation. That did the trick. It''s funny how I adored and feared the twins enough to keep quiet, but I couldn''t do it for the Alpha. Naya, you are doomed.


    Alpha Storm cleared his throat. "The attacks are getting frequent, and we have to do something against it. Fear not; we know where the attack came from. The Blood Moon pack ising to im our territory, but we won''t allow them to. We will show them that they are making a mistake."

 Chapter 11

    Mumblings filled the air, as no one believed it was true. How could the Blood Moon packe for just our pack? I wouldn''t put it past them because they were the greedy ones. The question I would ask their Alpha was, Why me? "And how are we going to show them that they are making a mistake, my love?" Marley grinned wickedly. Her sweet voice made me cringe.


    Alpha Storm had a look in his eyes that caused everyone and everything to shiver. "By..." he turned to look at me. "...making a bait. You are advised to keep your home clean, and the school will be back to normal by Monday. If they think we have been affected by this small event, they are wrong."


    Okay. He was looking at me while saying those words, and I didn''t like it. Before I could say anything, Zeke was in front of me. He leaned closer to his dad to whisper. "Dad.."


    "Zeke, step aside." Alpha Storm didn''t look at his son, and I wondered what he was thinking of doing. The fact he said it while staring at me made me scared.


    "If it is your brother you are worried about, we promise you that no harm wille to the both of you." Marley pulled Zeke to her side, tracing her index finger across his jaws. "You have my word."


    I was rather disgusted at Marley for showing such affection to Zeke, and he wasn''t doing anything about it. I could see her push his face close to her bosom under the pretense of consoling him.


    Was he even breathing properly? To me, he seemed to suffocate. "You didn''t assure me that I was going to be okay. And who is or what is the bait?" I asked carefully, knowing that my words could make or break me.


    Brooke shook her head. "Just shut it, Brawn." Then she paused. "On second thought, I think you are the only clueless one here, so your family will fill you inter."


    I scanned the room to find everyone leaving. "Wait!" What do they know that I don''t? I turned to Ren¨¦e. "Do you know what she is talking about?"


    Renee shrugged. Sometimes she can be useless. "I think they are talking about the monster that attacked you. There is no way you would be used as bait."


    "Thank you, Mrs. Lau, for keeping the children safe." Alpha Storm spoke coldly to the woman who had used me of bringing the monster here. It was funny, like I was the one who cooperated with an actual monster to ruin the school that I was lucky enough to get admitted into. There was also the principal and Mr. Diego, who kept everyone safe too. This woman just had to bring herself forward and behave like she was the one who kept us safe.


    Zeke and Kyle saved my life. I could never be thankful enough. That p was minorpared to the parts of my body that would have been separated by the monster had they not intervened.


    My body froze as I watched the Storm leave. They all got into their sleek cars and left the dust in the air. I was left to use the bus as usual.


    "Walk home?" I asked Renee, who shook her head sadly.


    "My Dad is waiting for me already. He says he is scared of the monsters, and I should walk out myself. He''s just around the corner." When she saw I wasn''t following, she blinked. "I can ask him to drop you home."


    I contemted her words. Then she would know that I was staying with the Alpha brothers. It wasn''t like the school didn''t know, but making it obvious was too soon, especially when they did like me. Just like I wouldn''t show Brooke Bentley I was staying with them just to make her angry. Really angry.


    I wouldn''t want Renee to feel ufortable.


    "Never mind. I will board a bus from here." Waving at her, I realized how lonely I truly was. Then something struck me. Renee, for some reason, didn''t want me to see her father. The thought alone made me unhappy. Why wouldn''t she want me to see her father? Thinking about it now, the excuse she gave was pathetic.


    She doesn''t want to be with me. Everyone else doesn''t want to be with me by default.


    The evening was getting cooler now, and it gued my mind what Alpha Storm meant by ''bait''. He wouldn''t dare use me as bait. Marley wouldn''t allow it. She would not, Right?


    I nced back at the half-destroyed fence and wondered where Mr. Diego could be. No one mentioned him during the time Alpha Storm was there. It made me wonder if he was ever real. All other teachers sucked up to Alpha Storm. I knew that if Mr. Diego was here, he would never allow them to use me. I was innocent.


    The bus stop was far from the school, and I think that was the actual purpose. To make people like me suffer because we do not belong in a prestigious school meant for the top dogs. I was a nobody, my affiliation being that of the daughter of a w***e. How cruel could life be? Not really cruel?


    On getting to the bus stop, a bus was waiting. I stepped onto the bus, feeling a little lonely. I found an empty seat and settled in, ncing around to see who else was on board.


    That''s when I noticed them-a couple sitting a few seats ahead of me. They seemed so happy together, holding hands and sharing whisperedughter. I couldn''t help but feel a twinge of envy.


    As I watched the couple, a shback washed over me. I remembered Kyle''s mischievous grin and the way his eyes trailed my wet shirt. My n*****s hardened instantly. They always managed to make me hot and stir my emotions in any way they liked. I am torn. What''s worse? I love it.


    Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed when someone took the seat across from me. He wore the same clothes I saw him in this afternoon. Mr. Diego.


    "Hello, youngdy. Mind if I take a seat here?" He asked politely, and I grinned. How could I refuse him?


    I shook my head. "Of course not. Where did you go? If you were there, a lot of things wouldn''t have happened."


    Mr. Diego looked amused. "That''s a lot of pressure you put on me, Naya."


    I frowned. "I saw the way you handled those monsters with the Storm brothers. The three of you look good together and think you are a teacher!"


    His eyes twinkled. "The storm brothers? Is that what you call Zeke and Kyle?" When he saw my red face, he barked out augh. "Well, I had to answer nature''s call, and by the time I was back, everyone had gone. I was disappointed."


    It was a believable lie. "How are you feeling now?"


    He nodded. "Better."


    The questions I had sat on my tongue as the bus rumbled along. It had gotten the number of people it wanted. "The monsters that attacked us... what are those? The Alpha said they were from a rival pack. Of all ces, they choose the academy, and I want to know why." I didn''t let him know that the Alpha also said the name of the pack.


    Mr. Diego seemed to be lost in thoughts, but when he turned to me, there was this strange aura around him. I couldn''t ce my hands on what I thought it was.


    Monsters were something new. If they were from the Blood Moon Pack, why did they look like that then?


    He leaned closer, his voice hushed. "You know, Naya, the Alpha is right. They''re the rival pack that''s been causing all these troubles. They came to your school for a reason that I do not know. I do not know why they attacked you."


    Well, that was disappointing. However, my eyes widened with interest. He must be talking about the Blood Moon pack. "Isn''t it the blood moon pack? Are they like the changelings?"


    Changelings were monsters who changed into whatever they wanted.


    Mr. Diego nodded, impressed. "You have been busy, Miss Naya." It made me happy to hear him praise me for having that knowledge. Even if he pointed a gun at my head, I would never tell him that I heard it from the Alpha''s mouth. "They are something like the changelings, but much more dangerous. They''ve been known to cause mayhem wherever they go. I know this because they did that to a neighbor pack."


    My heart raced with a mix of fear and excitement. "Are they really that scary?" Of course, they were scary. They were the ones who attacked me!


    He leaned back, deep in thought. "They are monsters. You should run when you see one."

 Chapter 12

    I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "How do you run when you don''t know who they are?"


    He smiled warmly at me. "You don''t know. You know why? Because they are like you and me. They can easily blend in with the crowd. They love to feed their young. They eat human flesh and don''t feel remorseful." His hands found mine, and they were squeezing them hard. "They eat their children''s hearts and make another one the next day just to feed on them again and again. You should be careful who you trust, Naya." I winced at the pain. "You are hurting me, Mr. Diego."


    He quickly removed his hands. "I am sorry, my dear. I guess I got carried away by everything." He eyed the big bruise forming on my wrist. "You are so fragile. I would hate to see something bad happen to you."


    I sighed, watching the bus pull in front of Storm''s mansion, and pressed the button for stop. He wasn''t at fault. "I was carried away too. Thank you, Mr. Diego. I will apply ice to it." I waved my wrists, jumping down in front of the bus. It''s time to face another set of monsters.


    I opened the door to find everyone at the table already.


    "Naya, join us." Marley said.


    I was gritty and needed to bathe. Couldn''t she at least be lenient to the one they left on the school premises to board a bus back home? This wasn''t even my home. Kyle and Zeke were already bathed and pink from their baths. Their faces were calm, and I was sure they had the family doctor check their hands and sides for the side effects of the monstrous bites. They looked really weak.


    "Let her freshen up. She smells like rotten eggs." Kyle sniffed the air in disgust.


    I rolled my eyes. "Really? You were smelling like that a few hours ago." At the look of his surprised face, I chuckled tiredly. "What? Brooke didn''t tell you? I guess she must have gotten used to the smell herself. She smells the same." "Okay, you are crossing the line, Brawn; why don''t you join us at the table?" Zeke muttered under his breath.


    I shrugged. "I guess I should grace you with my smell then."


    "Enough!" Aloha Storm was already staring at Marley, who would probably teach me a lesson for insulting the boys in his presence. To me, it was yful banter, but to the Alpha, it was an insult. There was always a line that separated us, right? "Take your seat, Naya." His voice didn''t leave room for argument. It didn''t take long for me to be squashed between the storm brothers. This was always how it was. They''d bully me in school, and then I''de home to meet them. Kyle said I smelled awful. It was better this way.


    "You know, you don''t smell that bad." Kyle whispered in my ears as soon as his father''s attention turned away from me.


    I gave him the middle finger. "f**k you."


    "dly. There are things you shouldn''t wish for, Naya." He repeated it in the same sultry tone. What was with the flirting in front of his father? It made me ufortable, and so I squirmed and the chair squeaked.


    "Be still." Zeke gritted his teeth. He was getting irritated by my movements. There is no way I could look at Zeke and not remember that night in the bathroom. He was about to turn away when he noticed I was getting red. He tilted his head like a puppy, a habit I noticed his brother had sometimes. "You are red. What are you thinking about?" There was a dangerous glint in his eyes. I gulped, avoiding his eyes and focusing on Kyle for no reason.


    Kyle''s eyes were rather curious. He wanted to know why I turned red and why his brother was using such time on me. It was as if we knew something he didn''t. I wanted to keep it that way. Thest time I consoled him, I had my a*s handed to me.


    I should ask him about the nightmare he had. Did he have it that often or something? I sighed. "Why am I here? I''d rather be at the cottage than here."


    Alpha Storm raised his head from what he was doing. "You''ll better suit our ns by being here."


    "Yeah, Brawn. This is your ce now." Kyle added something else to his voice. I couldn''t ce my hands on it.


    It was mischievous, like they were nning something for me, and I hated not knowing what that was. Then it clicked.


    "The bait... were you talking about me?" Tears had started to gather below my eyes at the memory of Mr. Diego''s words. "Am I the bait?" I nervously asked Marley.


    She had a grim look on her face, like she was bothered by my questions. "Look, Naya. I didn''t think it was such a bad idea. Take it as you emphasize your importance to this family. Take it as a sign of being a hero. I heard the school hasn''t epted you yet. My goodness, they call my precious daughter, Brawn!"


    She didn''t look at least apologetic by mentioning the names my bullies call me. It made me embarrassed.


    "They call me that because I allow it!" I tried pathetically.


    Marley noticed. Sighing, she grabbed my hands from across the table. I eyed her clean, nail polished hands over mine. "I know you desire to feel among them." This is the way you can prove it. Only then can you tell everyone you stay in the Storm''s mansion, and they will believe you. You don''t have to hide that fact."


    How did she know that I am desperately trying to hide the fact that I live here? Everyone knew my mother was the Alpha''s w***e, but they didn''t actually know that I stayed here. Rubbing it on their faces will make me feel better, but...


    I yanked my hands back. "Marley, you say I should be the bait, right? What if I get killed by those monsters? Mr. Diego said they are worse than changelings."


    Kyle snorted. "Changelings..." then he turned to his brother wide-eyed. "What the f**k! Did we just fight Monsters worse than Changelings?"


    "And you did a fine job, my boys, but do not risk your life again. She has epted to be the bait. By Monday, school activities will resume." Alpha Storm was not having it anyway. He turned to me. "And you will go about your business as usual. Do not give what I am about to tell you away."


    I had no choice, right? "What do you want me to do?" He already said the brothers shouldn''t risk their lives to save me. Perfect. So not only am I bait, but a meal of sacrifice is to be offered to dangerous animals that are worse than changelings. Although I admit I want to be a part of the Storm, not this way. This was way too cruel and brutal. I couldn''t take it anymore. "I need assurance that my safety won''t bepromised, or else I will run away and you will never find me."


    I think it wasn''t such a good idea to tell the Alpha that you would run away. You are such a fool, Naya Cod.


    Zeke''s warm hands were on mine. "Don''t worry, Naya. You won''t get through with your ns."


    What the hell? "What-what?"


    He leaned closer. "You are too much of a wimp to leave us. You can''t leave us alone." His hands trailed myps, stopping just where they divided. "I own you," he said, digging deeper, making me gasp.


    No one was paying attention. If he could just... I spread my thighs a little to give him ess to my paradise. Gosh, he was so hot. How could we be doing this in the presence of his father and my mother? His hands crawled to my pants, making me shudder and sucking in my lower lips as I stared at Kyle''s chiseled jaws. Just then, he raised those piercing eyes of his to taunt me. He must have seen how red my face was because then he chuckled. "Take a picture; Itsts longer." He grinned, sniffing the air.


    No.. no... don''t perceive my desires...


    Zeke ced a finger inside, and I grabbed the table for support. Everything and everyone blurred into the past.


    "Something nice smells in here." Kyle looked at his brother. "Can you perceive it? Dad?"


    Alpha Storm sniffed the air a bit. "Stop causing a distraction, Kyle, and focus. Maybe the cooks are preparing something because I can''t perceive a damn thing."


    Marley shook her head as she and Alpha Storm began to talk about other things. Probably how they would offer me up as a sacrifice. Zeke, on the other hand, brutally fingered me. I was getting closer to exploding.

 Chapter 13

    Naya Cod


    Kyle sniffed the air for the second time, eying me and Zeke. When he noticed something was wrong with me, Zeke quickly removed his hands.


    I was just this close to cumming all over my pants. How embarrassing, but my senses were messed up yo care.


    Zeke subtly brought his hands to his nose. "Strawberry andvender. What a weird yet intriguing scent! I agree with you, brother. I perceive something sweet."


    "Pervert." I spat out, running out of the room before I embarrassed myself any further. Of all the times he chose to do that at the table!


    I quickly turned the shower on, entering with my clothes and all. Damn Zeke! And damn Kyle for smelling my arousal and asking his father about it!


    A knock jolted me out of my skin. "Naya, open this door."


    It was Marley at the door. "I am taking my bath!"


    "This isn''t your house, so you will open this door when I ask you to." Marley yelled, causing me to open the door.


    "Yeah, you are right. This isn''t my house. My home is at the cottage, so let me leave." I gritted my teeth, throwing the towel at her face, which she dodged immediately. Let her chew on that.


    "You will be the bait. After everything, you just want to leave?"


    I paused. "You left. You left us to cater to our needs alone. I hope you do well in your stupid mansion." Finding my room wasn''t that hard. I met Kyle standing in the hallway with both hands in his pockets as I entered my room. I wasn''t in the mood for his shenanigans.


    "You speak to your mother in a rude way." His words stopped me before I could enter the room.


    "What?"


    He shrugged. "I mean, anyone would be happy to be the bait for this family. Why are you acting like this is such a big deal."


    I chuckled bitterly. "Why don''t you give Brooke up?


    He looked confused. "Huh?"


    "You said everyone would be happy to be a bait. Brooke is sure going to be excited, isn''t she?" I hide a smile at his confused yet cute face. Despite his shitty character, he managed to pull my heart in like a ma. "Let me go, Kyle. I am not in the mood." "Do you think I wasn''t aware of what my brother was doing to you?" He said it again, making me freeze.


    "What?" My voice surprised me by sounding stronger than I intended it to. I must be making progress in hiding my emotions. "What do you think he was doing to me?" I shot back.


    Kyle merely smiled. It didn''t reach his eyes. "Strawberry and Lavender, right? You must think I am a fool, Brawn."


    He never stops calling me. brawn, even though it wasn''t necessary. It was beginning to sound like a pet name. I would like only him to call me so often. "Keep on calling me, Brawn, and you will never know." I opened the door, making sure I mmed it. I pulled my wet shirt over my body and soaked in the dip. Could it be that Kyle found out what Zeke did to me under the table? He never really made me cry. I don''t know why he removed his hands at that crucial moment.


    I hate him!


    #


    It was the usual stunt they pull every school morning. I would wake up, take my bath,e downstairs, have no breakfast, and then watch them enter the car and drive away while kicking dust in the air.


    I was the recipient of that dust. Then I walk to the bustop, drag along with the rest of...


    Wait, what is going on? To my shock, the car began to reverse. The driver rolled the window down, and I wondered what was going on.


    "Wh-what?" I asked the stoic-looking man. He was Kyle and Zeke''s driver.


    The sound of the door opening caught my attention. Could they be showing me kindness because I was going to be offered as bait?


    I shook my head, ready to run to school if I had to. "No. Thank you."


    "Naya, enter this car; you will make uste." Zeke''s voice made me gasp. He must have heard me declining. How do I remain calm by his side without thinking about those encounters? What would he say this time? f**k me while his brother wasn''t watching? Knowing Kyle, he would join in. I was looking forward to it very much.


    I cautiously stepped into the car, my heart racing as I found myself in the presence of Zeke and Kyle. Their intense gaze sent a shiver down my spine, even as I tried to appearposed.


    It seemed as if the Storm brothers looked better than they did before. Zeke, with his piercing blue eyes, made me remember our encounters, and I almost fainted. His strong jawline and athletic build exudedid-back strength. It was as if he could do anything he wanted, and no one would stop him. I couldn''t help but be drawn to hiszy look, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension whenever our eyes met. This time, I averted my gaze so that what urred at the table wouldn''t ur again.


    On the other hand, Kyle had a refined grin that set him apart from his brother. His hair was styled to the back, and I wonder if he wanted to impress Brooke today. I tried to ransack my brain if there was any special asion at school, but everyone was just recovering from the attack of the Blood Moon pack. He was too yful and confident for my liking. I refuse to admit it. The way he carried himself sometimes irked me.


    And me? I look stupid.


    Even the driver, stealing asional nces in the rearview mirror, couldn''t help but notice the tension in the car. This was the first time in weeks I was allowed into Storm''s car. It was sofortable! I could sleep here and never wake up. "Don''t even think of gettingfortable. We are just making sure you don''t run away, before we prepare you as bait." Zeke''s harsh voice brought me back to reality.


    The car started moving, and I nced out the window, my mind preupied with thoughts of the day ahead. What would happen when I got inside the school? But for now, as the car glided through the streets, I remained oblivious to the storm of emotions brewing around me.


    We were getting closer to school. I tapped the door handle in haste. "Drop me off here."


    No one answered me. I had to try again. Like I said, I didn''t want to rub it on my ssmates'' faces that I lived with the Alpha. My life might get tougher than it was since the Storm brothers don''t care about me, or it might get slightly better because everyone feared Alpha Storm.


    My pleas fell on deaf ears as the driver parked in the school parking lot, and I proceeded to get out of the car like it was hot. But I was pulled back.


    "Don''t you dare run away. Our eyes will be on you." Kyle threatened me before pushing me off the car.


    Curious stares followed our journey as students and staff watched them apany me to school. Whispers and intrigued gazes filled the air.


    I walked straight to my locker, avoiding everyone''s gaze. I tried to open my locker, only to notice something was making it not bulge.


    "Hey, Naya."


    I nced at Renee, who was looking good this morning. It was as if yesterday hadn''t happened. "Hey, friend. Did something good happen?" Nothing good ever happened to me.


    Renee eyed me up and down. "Nothing in particr... I am just excited for the school dance."


    I stopped after unsessfully trying to open my locker. "What''s with this thing?" I nearly yelled in frustration. My school books were inside, and I didn''t want to serve detention today again. It would only make Brooke Bentley notice me.


    Renee peered at my locker. "I think something is in between. Wait." She brings out something that looks like a small dagger. It was a bit fancy with the number of tiny teddy bears tied to it. Her fingernails were painted too. ck. Noticing my shocked look, she grinned. "Ever since yesterday, I have had to fortify myself. What if the monsteres and chooses to attack me today?"


    Renee doesn''t know the consequences of her words, even though they were a joke. I don''t want her to be in my shoes. "Don''t ever say that." She merely shrugged, adjusting the knife, and bang! My locker was opened with force.


    Fliers and balloons popped out of my locker, like I was the one who put them there. Briefly, I thought it was my birthday, which I never celebrated, until Renee picked up a flier with a frown in her face. "Naya, it has happened again."

 Chapter 14

    abuse, and it felt as though my world was crumbling around me.


    I stared at the picture in disbelief, my heart pounding in my chest. It was a shocking image of me and several other boys caught in a s****l position. I looked messed up in the picture. How did they get a picture of me? It depicted a horrifying act of vition and "Holy s**t!" Someone shouted in the distance as he picked up a picture from the floor. One by one, the students caught hold of a picture, and it was like they were opening a closed wound again.


    "Looks like Brawn has..." Brooke wanted to say when she picked up a picture that the breeze of unluckiness threw her way. Brooke Bentley, oh boy. She never failed to disappoint me with her blond hair cascading down her shoulders. It was as if she had just stepped out of a magazine. While everyone else was looking drab yesterday due to the incident, Brooke managed to look better. Her clothes were a reflection of her privileged upbringing, adorned with designerbels. She was the Beta''s daughter, so you could count on her bing the next beta. I think that''s what gave her the audacity to treat lesser wolves like me so badly.


    Speaking of which... I haven''t seen or heard of Beta Brooke, her father. I heard he is overseas, checking on our territory''s products. No wonder her attitude is so bad. She has no father to watch over her. She was just like me. Only better.


    I could spot Brooke from a mile away with her bright outfits. She usually unted thetest fashion trends, effortlessly pulling off looks that most of us can only dream of. I could only dream of those kinds of clothes. Whether she was rocking the school uniform or strutting around in a trendy top, it''s clear that money was no object when it came to her wardrobe.


    She looked like the perfect bride for Kyle, and she never failed to shove it in every girl''s face who she belonged to.


    Brooke walked in with an air of confidence. Her wless makeup and manicured nails add to her overall perfection. I couldn''t help but feel a mix of irritation as she effortlesslymanded attention wherever she went.


    She was the most popr girl in my ss. for good reasons, of course.


    But beneath that perfect exterior, there was something about Brooke that hinted at vulnerability. Perhaps it was the way her eyes flickered with a touch of loneliness, or Maybe, just maybe, there''s more to her than meets the eye.


    She seemed desperate, clinging to Kyle all the damn time. Who knew what she was thinking? Very soon, the Storm brothers will be celebrating their birthdays around the world. She might not be their mate, and sh*t! I will be there with a s**t eating grin to offer condolences for her loss. Knowing the twins, when they find their mate, they will treat her like an egg.


    Brooke will be discarded.


    Love her or hate her, Brooke Bentley was a girl who was impossible to ignore. "Whoa, what the f**k?! Kyle!" She stomped into the hallway, searching for Kyle. "Why is your face in this picture?"


    Anger welled up within me. I wanted to find those responsible and make them pay for the pain they had caused me. Every damn f*****g time! But as I studied the picture closely, trying to make out the faces of those involved, a sinking feeling started to take hold of


    me.


    There, in the corner of the photograph, I noticed a familiar figure. It was Kyle. Last time, it was Zeke; this time, it was Kyle. My mind struggled to reconcile this image with the Kyle I knew, the one who had always been mischievous.


    I knew I wasn''t that innocent, but this was the height of it all.


    "I don''t know how it got there." Kyle defended himself, pulling Brooke into a hug. "But... Why are you so angry? It''s Brawn we are talking about here. Everyone could bang her and she wouldn''t f*****g care, because she is the daughter of a whore." He captured her lips in a hot kiss. I wished it was me; he was ravaging.


    Confusion and doubt clouded my thoughts. Could it really be him? The evidence seemed to point in his direction, but I couldn''t bring myself to believe it. The girl in the picture looked exactly like me. Only this time, I had blue hair and resembled a w***e. My hands caught one of the pictures flying around. The students wasted no time in picking them up and passing them around. With a nod, Renee and I understood what we both needed to do. To make sure that the picture never gets to the principal''s office.


    I tore down the posters, trying to hide my tears. They didn''tst long, and they flowed. Rage coursed through me. How dare he?! Theughter from the others rang through my ears, and that was the only thing I could hear.


    Kyle looked at Brooke''s face as I yanked the pictures out of their hands.


    "Well, well, well." Darren''s voice rang out bitterly. He has always been a big, bitter boy. The name Brawn suited him better than mine. By this time, my surname didn''t exist. It was Brawn this and brawn that. "Look who we have here, Brawn! You might be spending the rest of your time in detention!" He cackled like a wicked witch. If the picture in his hands got to the principal or any teacher at all, I would be doomed.


    "Darren, give me that picture." I asked calmly. My eyes were on his hands the entire time.


    "And why should I, Brawn?" He spat. "You started it the day you chose to call me a wimp! I f*****g hate you. This here.." He dangled the picture above me.


    Renee emerged from the hallway with pictures in both hands. She was breathing hard. "Managed to collect all of ''em." Then she eyed Darren, seeing why I was frozen in ce. "Naya, let it go."


    I shook my head, refusing to let it go. "It would get me in trouble. I am always in trouble."


    Darren scoffed, seizing me up. "I''d like to see you try."


    "You are just a big, fat fool who doesn''t know when to give up." I spat.


    He shrugged, "Didn''t look like you were giving up here." He shoved the picture in my face. Yeah, I was f****d.


    I tried to snatch the picture again, to no avail. "Give me that!"


    "Never!" He took off running, and I chased.


    We ran through the halls and ssrooms, disrupting the learners. "What is your f*****g problem? Give me that picture!"


    "Never!" he yelled again. He didn''t see Zekeing up from behind him. Before I could say Jack, Zeke yanked the picture from Darren''s big hands.


    I skidded to a halt, watching him carefully. What would he think of me now?


    "This looks like a badly photoshopped picture." He kept his poker face, raised the paper, and tore it to pieces.


    "Oh,e on!" Darren yelled in anger. He was about to whine when Zeke gave him the stink eye. It shut him up. "Where is the fun in it?"


    What is going on between them? It was as if there was an unspoken agreement between them. Zeke knew something I didn''t. He shook his head. "Come with me, Darren." He simply said that, and the both of them walked out of my sight.


    Wait, did he just defend me? I stood there with my jaw dropped. Then I turned back and saw eyes on me. They all had menacing grins on their faces.


    I may have taken the picture, but it will forever be etched in their minds. "What are you looking at?" I sniffled, running to the bathroom to hide my tears. My earnest wish right now is for the earth to swallow me up. Halfway across the bathroom, I heard Kyle again. How do I manage to see the Storm Brothers everywhere I f*****g go? It was getting upsetting.


    "How about we ditch school? That brawny girl is giving us problems. I heard she walked out of the car with you guys." Brooke said in her sickly sweet tone.


    Remember, she is our bait. She is the reason why your father is still there. Don''t you want him back?" Kyle asked, causing me to frown. "I did this for you." What the hell was he talking about? Is that the reason her father is still overseas?


    "Fine. We use her as bait to get my father back. I am so angry right now that I could kill her!" Brooke sneered in anger. Her face contorting in pure annoyance. I came out of my hiding ce. "What the f**k, Kyle?"


    He looked shocked to see me there. "Naya?"


    "Yes, it is Naya, you idiot."


    s**t!

 Chapter 15

    "So it was you." Laughter escaped my lips like a maniac. "You did it. You photoshopped my picture and pasted it on all the walls for everyone to see." I was about to continue when a student walked into the restroom. He did his thing while eying me and Brooke. Yes, what were the both of us doing in the men''s room? Brooke probably came here to f**k Kyle, while I was here to f**k both of them up.


    Kyle raised his hands to stop me. "Whoa... rx. I didn''t do anything. I suggest you..."


    "Oh,e on. Don''t lie to my face. I know it was you." There was nothing he would tell me that would make me believe him. After the stunt he pulled the other night? I was trying to help him, but he made it look as if I seduced him while he slept. I mean, who does that s**t? If it sounded romantic, it wasn''t to me.


    Kyle wasn''t having any of it. Seriously, I wondered why he was panicking so much when all I did was ask him why he did so. I knew I looked like a b***h right now-wide-eyed and hungry for the blood of whoever did this to me. "It wasn''t me! I wouldn''t stoop that low."


    I scoffed. "Yeah, right! You expect me to believe that? Well, guess what? I''m not falling for your excuses!" I raised my hands before thinking, bringing them down by the side of his face. "That''s for messing with me." God! It stung! It hurts really bad. However, I was good at hiding my emotions, so I managed to swallow the pain in my right hand. His face was made of stone, I swear. He barely flinched!


    I nearly winced at the prints of my fingers on his face. Not waiting for him to recover, I grabbed Kyle and pulled him towards me, demanding answers. But before I could do anything else, Brooke intervened, pulling me by my hair.


    I screamed, attracting attention. Even a toddler would connect the dots. The sound of the p wasn''t exactly silent. Everyone heard, and of course we''re stunned at my audacity.


    Do they want to know my audacity? It''s to find out who ced my picture out there just to humiliate me. I have barely recovered from the monster attack, only to see this. Besides, I am Miss Bait, and everyone is aware of this fact. Can''t they all leave me alone?! "What the hell? Let go of him!" Brooke tugged at my short hair, making me yelp in pain.


    "Stay out of this. Your boyfriend betrayed me, and I''m not letting him get away with it!" I yelled, pulling at her own hair, to which she cried out in pain. I didn''t know I had this much fight in me. My wolf gets a bit stronger, especially when she is driven by her emotions. Brooke picked the wrong day to mess with me.


    "Oh, please! Like I''m going to believe anything you say. You''re just causing drama and trying to make trouble." She dragged me to the hallway, and I wondered where the hell the teachers were.


    "Cod, Bentley, go to the principal''s office now!" Mrs. Lau screamed in anger.


    Everyone began to snicker at my disheveled hair. I already had short hair. It was worse than Brooke''s perfect ones.


    "What are you looking at?" I growled at Darren, who seemed shocked. I knew I would pay for my bad behaviorter.


    "Naya Cod, step aside for your punishment." Mrs. Lau muttered, ncing at me through her sses. "You have been in trouble more times than I can count." She sighed, bringing out a big register. Then she turned to Brooke. "And you. I expected less from you. Fighting in the hallway is prohibited, and you know it."


    There were other things that were prohibited, like kissing in the hallway, having s*x, rubbing bodies sensually, and bullying. But no. It was lost on Mrs. Lau, who chose to pick us off because I was among them. Thest time Darren tried to bully me, she passed by us like I was invisible. Just great.


    "What about bullying?" I shook my head. "Let me guess, it''s to make us tougher, right? This b***h right here is the orchestrator. Don''t turn a blind eye, Mrs. Lau." I defended myself. I didn''t want to end up in detention with Brooke. She might end up killing me or something while no one watches.


    "She dragged my hair first. I and Kyle were just having fun, and she came from nowhere."


    I turned to her hotly. "Maybe you can exin what you were doing in the all-boy restroom."


    Brooke''s jaw dropped in shock. "What the f**k?"


    "Language!" Mrs. Lau warned in a stern voice. She must have had our cussing up to her throat. "It''s okay. Both of you can have your seats. Her eyes were still on Brooke. "I understand why you are aggressive today, Brooke. Your father hasn''t been onnd, and I know it is taking its toll on you."


    I was taken aback. "I lost my dad here! Hello... I live with crazy people. My mother left me for another family." I wanted to say these things, but I kept my mouth shut. Yeah, let her take all the pity today. I have always been pathetic.


    "I am sorry, Mrs. Lau." Brooke said this with a mask on. That wasn''t her real identity. She was just messing with Mrs. Lau''s eyes. I can''t believe what I am seeing. "Please refrain, Naya here, fromying false usations on me. I hardly cause trouble, and you know it." My eyes nearly popped out. "What?"


    Mrs. Lau''s kind expression changed when she turned it on me. "I asked the board several times why they would allow a lowly omega wolf in this academy, but they never listened. Look, I don''t know what you have on the Alpha because he allowed this, but you need to be careful. I can dispose of you if I want. Don''t test me."


    I shrugged. "So what? I am a lowly omega. Is that what the problem is?"


    Mrs. Lau shook her head. "You are not just a lowly omega, but a useless one. I am sure the storms have given you an opportunity to make yourself useful."


    I chuckled bitterly, turning to Brooke. "Let me understand the bait thing. Is that what you said Marley was going to fill me up with?"


    The confusion was evident on her face. "Marley?"


    I nearly facepalmed at my stupidity. "I meant the Luna."


    "Yeah. Prepare yourself, you loser!"


    "Kyle told you about it." I asked venomously. That boy was getting on my nerves more and more. Whatever persuaded me into thinking he might like me a bit? It was ridiculous thinking! She folded her hands across her chest. "He tells me everything. Like what goes on with you."


    I cackled. "And you don''t find it suspicious? You don''t find it suspicious that he knows everything about me?" I was insinuating something I would never take back once she found out.


    Brooke paused for a moment. I guess she''s heard that I was dropped off at school today by the Storm''s driver. Hell, I rode with them. "I have thought..."


    It was funny the way she stuttered. I see why she loved bullying me. When Brooke, Darren, and the rest of them bullied me, I usually felt a sense of powerlessness and helplessness. This was because I was the only omega wolf in the Academy. The pheromones to submit always got to me. The feeling has always been intimidating, causing me to either feel afraid, angry, or upset.


    However, the roles have reversed just now. The satisfaction her stuttering gave me made me feel like I had power. This feeling of power came from the belief that the bnce of control had shifted and Brooke was finally facing the consequences of her actions. It diminished the moment it came. I could never be evil. But I can be sarcastic.


    "It''s alright, Brooke Bentley. You don''t need to know." I turned to Mrs. Lau, who was watching me curiously. "Mrs. Lau, are you giving me detention or what?"


    "Not today." She sighed. "Someone told me not to for no reason at all. Count yourself lucky."


    I frowned. "How did that person know that I would be here today?" Maybe it was inevitable that I would enter into a fight with either Brooke or Kyle. Fights I wouldn''t win. Jeez.


    Brooke huffed. "Mrs. Lau, that''s impossible. She must be punished for making me like this!"


    I rolled my eyes. She seemed perfect to me. "Well, someone has paid the price for me. I don''t have to be detained. Can I go now?"


    Mrs. Lau was flustered. She didn''t expect the way I talked to her. My boldness these days is beginning to shock me.


    Maybe my wolf recognized that someone would back me up.

 Chapter 16

    "How are you not in detention?" Renee asked. We both had our sses scheduled together. Wolf ranks 101.


    I eyed her schedule. "Why do we take the same ss?"


    Renee stopped me. "You are changing the subject. What? You didn''t think I would notice?"


    I averted my gaze. She doesn''t need to know anything for now. "I am not in detention.. because..." I trailed off loudly when I saw Zeke walking with Mrs. Lau. It all happened slowly, with a small smirk on his face as he passed me. "You bast... I am not some damsel in distress, you know." I muttered angrily. I wouldn''t let him hear me.


    "What was that?" Renee asked me again. "Why is the most powerful guy in school with the principal?"


    I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. Renee asked her a question and answered it herself. I widened my eyes in realization. "That''s exactly it! He must be the one. I should confront him right this moment."


    Renee shook her head, ncing from me to the already-seated students. "I don''t think that is a good idea."


    I wasn''t listening to her. To me, the most important mission was to find out if Zeke was behind Mrs. Lau''s decision not to send me to detention. I needed to know if he actually liked me or not.


    I wanted to know if he wasn''t just making advances on me for s****l desires. He and Mrs. Lau disappeared down the hallway. I followed discreetly, damning all consequences of not attending sses. Besides, I was the lowest rank, which was the omega. There was nothing much we could do since we were pathetically weak and submissive.


    I hate that a lot. It''s why Zeke can mess with my feelings. But if by any chance he wasn''t, I was going to find out.


    As I quietly trailed behind Zeke and Mrs. Lau down the hallway, my heart raced with anticipation. Zeke seemed to be muttering something under his breath, and I strained my ears to catch any hints of what he might be saying. I couldn''t afford to get caught, especially if they were discussing something important. Zeke may have my head for stalking him.


    Suddenly, Zeke paused and took a deep breath, as if sniffing the air for a particr scent. My mind raced with worry. I hoped it wasn''t my presence that he was detecting. Thest thing I wanted was to draw attention to myself.


    To my dismay, Zeke''s gaze swept across the hallway and locked onto me. In a split second, I made a quick decision and instinctively ducked behind a nearby corner, hoping to remain hidden. I held my breath, straining to hear their conversation. I held my breath. They were engaged in a hushed conversation. Their words were muffled, making it challenging for me to decipher the details. However, I managed to catch some of their words. What were my ears for if not listening?


    "What about Naya? She''s been showing improvementtely, hasn''t she?" Mrs. Lau asked in curiosity. It made me wonder if there was something I didn''t know about. Mrs. Lau was the first to use me of bringing the monster to the school. It was ridiculous, yet everyone believed it because I was a lowly omega, and omegas attract monsters, right?


    "Yes, she''s been making an effort to stay out of trouble. We need to acknowledge that. That''s why I asked you for a favor." Zeke spoke in a low tone. It was hard for me to hear his words. Jeez, does he know I am here or what? I knew what my ears looked like at the moment. Long and pointed.


    "I agree. Let''s make a deal, then. We won''t send her to detention again until she serves her purpose. She might be a nuisance at this school, but she is better off making herself useful. You know what I mean." Does everyone know that I am bait? Do they really care for me that much?


    Zeke growled under his breath. It rumbled across the hall, making me shiver and wet in between my thighs. "Alright, I think that''s fair. Do not call her a nuisance again. Nobody is a nuisance. Are you a nuisance, Mrs. Lau?"


    Mrs. Lau''s nervousughter rang out. It was obvious from her voice that she was cautious of the storm brothers. She can''t properly breathe in their presence. Zeke was the type to make sure of that. If it were Kyle... Kyle would rather tease you until you dropped dead.


    I mentally facepalmed myself. "What am I doing instead of monitoring these people?"


    They started walking down the hall, discussing more. It seemed that there was more to the eye. I frowned, knowing I couldn''t follow them any longer. "No, no, no..." If I followed them, I wouldn''t have anywhere to hide when they turned.


    Their conversation continued as they walked down, and my heart fluttered with curiosity. It seemed that they were discussing me and reaching an agreement regarding me getting bullied. That was it, right? It was a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, I had managed to make a positive impression on them.


    Careful not to make any noise, I retreated further back to my ss. They had struck some kind of deal, but it doesn''t prove Zeke was the one who stopped my detention. I knew Zeke, if I may say so myself, and he wouldn''t condone any stupid behavior, especially fighting his brother''s girl. I would rather he confront me than go behind my back and defend me. It bothered me a lot.


    I opened the door to find Mr. Diego on the podium.


    Mr. Diego was about to write on the board when everyone else noticed me. Not again! "Ah, back in the ss, I see! No detention for you today, huh? You must be relieved."


    "You knew what happened?" I sighed, forgetting that I was in front of the whole ss. Not to mention, Kyle, Brooke, and Darren were watching me with narrowed eyes. "Yeah, it''s a small victory, I suppose. But don''t worry, I won''t let it get to my head." I grinned at him. He was the only teacher who made me feel wee. What can I say? He acted like my father sometimes.


    He jerked his head towards the ss, telling me to go and take my seat. I bowed slightly in respect before sitting down, with Renee directly in front of me. She leaned back a little. "Wait, why is Mr. Diego going easy on you? Are you two rted or something?" I was about to answer Ren¨¦e when Darren interrupted.


    "Yeah, spill the tea, Brawn! What''s the secret?" He grinned wickedly. "Being a w***e like your mother?"


    I simply shrugged, letting the insult pass me by like a bigger person. I acted like we were real friends. "No secret, guys. I guess Mr. Diego just has a soft spot for me. Lucky me, right?" Yeah, lucky me. Unlike the rest of you guys, maybe Renee? I don''t even know. I have yet to find out her true intentions foring close to me. I guess I can''t just take her seriously or reject her friendship.


    I didn''t know my voice was that loud until Mr. Diego turned back to the ss. "Oh, well, I wouldn''t say I have a soft spot. I just thought I''d give you a break this time. Don''t go around thinking I''m all lenient now." He must have really powerful hearing! Ooh, it looks like someone''s got a favorite student!" Someone yelled from the back, causing me to slump into my seat in embarrassment.


    "Yeah, spill the beans! How''d you manage to charm Mr. Diego?" Kyle asked in mockery. There was something under his tone that I didn''t like. He was sounding like a possessive boyfriend all of a sudden. The only difference was the smile on his face. It looked psychopathic.


    A nervousugh escaped me. "Sorry to disappoint you, but there''s really nothing going on here. It''s just a pleasant surprise." Why was he prodding me like we were in a rtionship? It made me ufortable.


    "Well, now that we''ve cleared that up, let''s get back to business, shall we? As I was saying, my name is Mr. Diego, your substitute teacher for today." Mr. Diego smiled, charming the whole ss. Whoa, he is amazing.


    Just as Mr. Diego continues with his introduction, my head starts pounding, and the ringing bes unbearable. I instinctively hold onto my desk for support, but my body starts to sway.


    My breath came out in short pants. "Oh no, what''s happening?" I yelled in pain.


    Ren¨¦e was beside me in an instant. "What''s wrong?"


    The rest of the ss quickly notices my distress and gathers around me in concern.


    "Move!" I heard under the buzzing. Suddenly, I felt a pair of warm hands gently sliding under my neck, providing support.


    His hands wereforting, radiating warmth and assurance.

 Chapter 17

    Naya Cod


    My attention was drawn to his face as he looked down at me, his wild green eyes filled with subtle worry. His neatly styled, Auburn-colored hairplemented his overall presence. I knew this person. Unfortunately, I couldn''t get out of his hands. Not this way. At that moment, I found myself strangely aware of his features-the intensity of his gaze, thezy kindness in his expression, the way his hair fell neatly over his forehead. It was as if time slowed down, and I couldn''t help but wonder why I was noticing these details so vividly. Maybe I was hallucinating. Before I could ponder any further, ovee by thebination of pain and confusion, I fainted, sumbing to the darkness that enveloped me.


    #


    Zeke Storm


    It all started the day the Alpha instructed Luna, Marley to bring their daughter to our home. The worst part of it? She was a lowly omega. I heard the Luna had a mate before my Dad. I wondered how she managed to seduce my father. I guess it worked faster than I expected. One minute she wasing into the pack house a lot, and the next, my father proimed her the next Luna.


    After my mother, of course. There was no way I was going to open up to a b***h who just wormed her way through other bitches. Although I would like to know how she did it. The first thing she did was im my father was her mate.


    The first time I saw Luna Marley, she was a strikingly beautiful woman. Her red lipstick always reminded me of a slut, but she was also a very powerful woman who would do anything to get anything she wanted. She went for my father, and she got him wrapped around her fingers like a twig.


    I managed to keep my opinions to myself because I didn''t think they would matter. Besides, she was trying her best to make lifefortable for me and my brother. Every morning, she would instruct the chef to leave breakfast beside my bed. When she did it for about three weeks, I learned to ept her presence in the house.


    She made sure we nevercked anything. If I couldn''t get it from my hard-headed father, she would put in good words for me, and Mr. father would change his mind.


    Then one afternoon, we see a frail-looking girl beside her.


    To be honest, I didn''t think Marley''s daughter would be that beautiful. Marley was beautiful, alright, but her daughter was something I couldn''t exin. Her beauty was surreal.


    She wasn''t that beautiful, but she was exceptionally attractive. I was getting ready to go to the gym when the chef came to inform me of her presence.


    "She is here." he said.


    I grunted my response.


    She was ssified as one of the lowly omegas, considered frail and delicate. Yet her appearance captivated my eye. Her presence seemed submissive, as if she had been molded to conform to the desires of others. My desire.


    Her gaze was different from other girls. They were different from Brooke''s glittery eyes.


    "Y-Your Highness, a-a pleasure to meet you," she said, bowing a little. It seemed pathetic, and I knew that from the frown on my father''s face. He was a hard man to please, so she would have to do a lot better than that. That alone bothered me.


    "You''ve got to be f*****g kidding me," Kyle groaned, walking away. He was more vocal with his displeasure and never failed to let the recipient know about it.


    My father breathed hard. "Is this the girl?" He spat like she wasn''t even worthy of being in his presence. Immediately, her cheeks turned pink. Cute. I gazed down at her supposedly frail form. Her breasts seemed a little too big for her body to carry. Her light and transparent gown nearly revealed her v-line. Where her juices will gush... I raise my eyes to her breasts again, not surprised to see her hands over them. She must be self-conscious about her breasts.


    Then I walked off. Halfway to my room, I heard her snarky voice. It made me grin. She might not be so bad after all.


    "What exactly is going on, Marley? You haven''t told me a single thing, and what? I''m just supposed to fit in with the royals, as I belong here." She said the world revolved around her.


    "Oh, Little kitten... You are going to regret what you just said."


    "...we cook for our men!" Marley snarled.


    I sighed. I have to go and see this. Perhaps watch her to see if her hands are as good as her mouth. I would love for that mouth to do a lot of things where I want them to. My feet carried me to the kitchen, where I watched Marley instruct the chef on what to do. She really does prepare my food herself. This realization made me frown. I don''t know why it seemed surprising to me. Would her daughter present the food next? All these thoughts clouded my mind as she was pushed towards the sink, where piles of tesy. I think my father had a meeting with the elders. It must be regarding our Beta Brooke. I groaned because our Beta refused toe back to the pack for a report. It was getting worrisome for everyone.


    Just as she was about to look behind her, I slipped behind the doors. She must have noticed my lingering gaze on her back.


    "I swear I felt someone beside me." She muttered with those soft lips of hers. I chuckled at her sharp intuition. She would make a good hunter if only she wasn''t an omega.


    The thought of her being an omega made my stomach plummet. It was disheartening for everyone. Couldn''t she at least have her mother''s genes or something? Marley was a bit higher than the omegas. But her father ruined it.


    I tilted my head curiously. I wondered who her father was and why he wasn''t in their lives. How she must have felt to lose both parents only to have one of theme back into her life.


    From grass to grace. If I were the one, I would be overwhelmed. I looked left and right before someone would notice me stalking the poor girl, whose life was going to be miserable from now on. Her pain would require this order. Firstly, it would be hard before everyone around this mansion epted her. Secondly, our dominating pheromones will make her aroused half the time. I smirked as an evil thought crossed my mind. The only way to make her submit to me was to make her aroused when I was around. Only to me. "What do you think, brother?"


    I froze in my tracks. It was Kyle. Did he see me stalking her after he left? I must have looked like a creep. "What?"


    Kyle rounded me up like a creep. "You know, you always act like you don''t notice sh*t, but I see through you. I know you, brother. So tell me what you think about our newly added collection?"


    I scratched my beard, contemting his words. That was the wrong way to tell me, but I will let it slide for now. "She is okay." I was about to move when he blocked my view again. "What is it this time?"


    Kyle was speaking more to himself than to me. "Didn''t you notice something about her? I suspect her mother brought her here for a mission, just like how Marley suddenly came into our house like she owned it."


    I knew where he was heading. "What''s with you and Marley? She hasn''t done anything wrong to deserve your hate."


    Kyle snorted. "What? Did she feed you with what she fed our father with?"


    I nearly smacked his dumb head. "Don''t allow Dad to hear you say that." I didn''t even finish before he mouthed mockingly. "Leave Marley out of your investigating nonsense and get out of my way."


    "She looks so frail and pathetic. I actually felt sorry for her poor figure when I saw it... and those huge breasts." He continued, making me sigh.


    "It''s funny you noticed her big breasts, which reminds me... Does Bentley know you are visiting the brothel again?"


    Kyle spread his hands in surrender. "I have to enjoy myself! I am turning eighteen soon, and you know what that means. You are turning eighteen too."


    Okay, he is getting increasingly annoying.


    "That behavior of yours will get your mate to reject you." I simply muttered, shoving him out of the way. My mouth ticked. I was just so done with all of this.


    He clicked his tongue in annoyance. Oh, that''s the real Kyle I knew. He always managed to hide his vulnerability under those moments of humor. "No. It''s you who will be rejected. A*****e."

 Chapter 18

    I swirled to face my fuming brother. He would look cute to his mate whenever he did that. For a moment, it crossed my mind that we would have the same mate, but the thought disappeared just as quickly as it came.


    It was impossible. We were both different people, so we would be given different mates... I know so. And I wasn''t wrong most of the time.


    "About the girl... she is different from what I expected." It was true. I expected someone as formidable as Marley, but all I got was a frail thing that looked like she could break if I manhandled her. And the things I wanted to do to her weren''t gentle. Kyle''s eyes sparkled again, making me suspicious. He was overly excited whenever I talked about her. "Do you know her name?"


    I nearly snorted. "How many weeks did it take you to find out Brooke''s name?"


    He pouted. "I guess it kind of stuck when I realized her father was the Beta. It never left my lips. Brook Bentley, Bentley Brooke." He shrugged. He actually had the opportunity to shrug when I mentioned Brooke''s name.


    She was his f*****g girlfriend who didn''t take no for an answer.


    I also shrugged, preparing to run. Knowing Kyle won''t let it go. "Well, I just recorded your voice. I should y it for her when we get to school."


    "What the f**k, Zeke?" He chased me nonstop until we got to the gym. Skillfully dodging, I gave him a powerful kick below the belt.


    He groaned. "That was a low blow, literally. Even for you." He ducked my second kick. "I know you have always been a good fighter. But you know what you aren''t good at?"


    I breathed hard, trying to avoid his fast kicks. "Jeez, Kyle. You don''t have to be thatpetitive. This isn''t a real spar." His next blow caught me off guard.


    "Dad won''t agree with you." He paused for a moment, breathing hard. That was my cue to attack him. He quickly turned to the right, narrowly avoiding my blow before he sent us tumbling on the equipment. This was the fifth time we destroyed gym equipment. They were no use to us, but we needed them to keep up with our appearance.


    "Alright boys, ytime is over." Reid, our driver, pped his hands. He was sort of the gamma after the beta, but he didn''t look like one. All I knew was that he was one of our strongest fighters. And we were getting to his level very soon.


    "Couldn''t we just..." Kyle wanted to whine. He might be having a date with one of the girls he picked at McDonald''s.


    "Don''t include me in your shenanigans, Kyle." I picked up my towel, ignoring the scratch on the side of my arm. Which was healing already.


    Kyle picked up his towel in anger. "To think I would be having a threesome tonight. Maybe I would have some on Brooke''s birthday night?"


    I paused, eying Reid, whose emotionless face made me feel sorry for his mate. P. We both thought the same thing. Weird name. "What the f**k, Kyle? She is your girlfriend!"


    He rolled his eyes. "I hate you. You self-righteous bitch."


    I called at his throat in an instant. "Don''t call me a b***h. Maybe you should direct all your anger at the little b***h that visited first."


    Jeez.. why did thate out of my mouth? I dreaded Kyle''s wicked grin. "Are you in? Let''s make her life a living hell. Let''s see how much she can take. How far we can go. I love testing the waters."


    He was sadistic, as far as I know. We were not so different from each other. "You are hopeless. I am sure Reid is tired of us now." I moved past Reid, who had been staring at us ever since. He probably knew all our secrets now because we wouldn''t keep our freaking mouths shut.


    "What if she gives out tests?"


    What test this time around? "Your test?"


    He nodded as we passed through the stables. I branched out to touch my horse, Shadow. I named him after my wolf because they got along well. Unlike Kyle''s horse. His wolf obviously didn''t want to share masters. "Your horse is sick, Kyle... tend to it."


    Kyle approached Fox. He named it Fox because he felt it was the perfect name for his horse. If I were the horse, I would hate him too. However, his wolf, Bullet, refused to have the horse renamed after him. The horse shuddered as Kyle came closer. "I miss you, buddy."


    At this rate, we will never make it to the spar yard. It was like another journey around the house. "You don''t miss him. If not, you would go on a walk with him and feel the breeze in your hair."


    Kyle sighed. "You do know that the calf shifters might get upset if we go around in this. I don''t know what Westerners see in these things. They are ridiculous to me."


    "Then you should kill him." I deadpanned. If he didn''t want to ride on it because of his wolf, he should kill it.


    Kyle gasped. "Why would I be so wicked?"


    "Don''t you dare call me wicked. Between the two of us, you are the evil one. Don''t paint me as wicked." I scoffed, leaving the Shadow alone. The real reason why my wolf Shadow and my horse Shadow co-existed was because...


    My wolf wanted to eat my horse. There, I said it. Shadow was such a badass that I never let him out.


    "When are we getting to the f*****g gym?" Reid got fed up. I thought his emotions were controlled. I guess I controlled mine more. Although his voice betrayed his expressionless face. Kyle would be the only one to poke at his emotions like nothing else.


    I was about to turn away when I saw the little wolf sneaking out the back. I wanted to alert Kyle, but I had a feeling he already knew about the little b***h sneaking out.


    "Well, well, well... Look who is sneaking out. I should go and..."


    I ced my hands in front of him to stop him. "Let her be."


    He pushed my hands away. "You are not my Alpha."


    My wolf threatened toe out at his insolence. I rarely let Shadow out, so whenever he came out, he was angry. I made sure he came out when there was a threat. My brother was no threat.


    Kyle must have seen my eyes shing red and green. His wolf threatened toe out too. mewas more controlled than mine, and I envied that.


    "Both of you should take this anger to the spar yard and not try to kill yourselves here." Reid instructed again. His voice was strained this time. He knew who I was trying to protect.


    That sort of calmed Kyle''s wolf as he turned towards the direction of the spar yard. My attention went back to the little wolf.. or kitten, as I called her in my mind sometimes. She darted her eyes here and there. It was her first day here, and she was already sneaking out. I have seeded in sending my brother away. I think I should go and...


    "Don''t even think about it." Reid growled, ready to stop me if I dared to move an inch. "You have a duty to follow, and if you distract yourself with her, it won''t end well for you."


    That stopped me. He was right. It wouldn''t end well for me. "Why wouldn''t it end well for me?" It was a question that didn''t need an answer.


    Because I already knew the answer.


    I watched her small back sessfully slip through the gates. And she was gone. "Find out where she is going. I need to know where she is sneaking off to."


    Reid wanted to speak when I raised my hands. "It''s for the benefit of Wolf Cove. We can''t have her working as a spy for the rival pack. We don''t know her, and she is already sneaking off. We need to be careful."


    Reid gave a single nod. "Spoken like a true alpha." He stretched forth his hands towards the spar yard. "I will send someone after her. Your brother is waiting for you. Be nice."


    I scoffed. "He should be nice to me first."


    We always fought like a cat and a dog. While I was strong and slow, Kyle was Fast and had a weak punch. Dad said we should work on that. It would be disastrous if dad came to spar with us and we were as pathetic as we are right now.


    One more thing. "Reid? Don''t tell anyone about what we discussed or what we saw."


    It had always been like that. He would hear everything we said to each other in anger, and we would ask him not to reveal it to anyone.


    "Most importantly, don''t tell anyone whenever she sneaks out. Report back to me whatever you see."


    "Yes, Alpha."

 Chapter 19

    I blinked my eyes open. The surroundings were unfamiliar and a bit dark. "What the hell is going on?" I tried to raise my upper body so that I could sit upright. "You can''t sit up now. Soy back." A grumpy voice muttered. I hardly heard his voice, so it had me wondering if it was really him or not. Maybe I was hallucinating again. "Who are you?" I asked stupidly.


    He scoffed immediately. "Did the fall affect your sight also? Care to guess?"


    Who else would be kind enough to carry me? Zeke. "Zeke? Kyle?" Oh, Goodness... They sound alike sometimes. It was hard to tell the difference between the two of them. "Wrong." Was all he said before I heard his footsteps. He was leaving the room.


    "No! Wait!"


    "Naya? Oh, Naya I am so happy you are okay!" Renee gushed over me, which was unlike her. I nearly pushed her off.


    "How long was I out for?"


    "Three hours. I have good news for you and bad news."


    I contemted the one I wanted her to say first. "The good one first."


    She shrugged. How was I sure the good news wasn''t bad news too? "The nurse said it was a terrible headache. Something rted toing of mating age."


    "Mating age!" I nearly screamed in shock. "Does it mean that I am getting ripe or something?"


    Renee thought the same too. "I got minest year, so it''s alright. You are an omega; maybe that''s why it was more prominent. You are the only omega in our school."


    I sighed in defeat. "That is not good news."


    "You will count it as such once you hear the bad news."


    I doubted her words very much. "Tell me"


    "The whole school knows about it. This means you are going to be in heat, Naya. That''s what makes you special."


    "Special? I have two hungry Alpha wolves living with me! One of them toys with me however he can, while the other bullies me. Both of them bully me! With this mating s**t, I won''t be able to resist their charms. Ever. I am in deep s**t!" "Naya?"


    Her voice was beginning to irritate me. "Stop calling my name!" I couldn''t dare say anything about my feelings to her. This was because she was just as intimidating as Brooke. I think that she was nicer. "I am sorry."


    The whole school knowing about this puts me in a dangerous situation. Those who can''t have me will try to r**e me or, worse, bully me more. Either I stand up for myself or take their s**t until high school is over.


    "It''s okay." Ren¨¦e''s voice was small. "Look, I know it''s hard to be friends with me, but I want you to ept me the way I am."


    ept you the way you are? Some bullshit. "I will think about it. Let''s not put abel on our rtionship. Let it flow." I didn''t want someone to walk up to me and ask me questions like, Where is your friend, Renee? She wasn''t my friend yet, and I would like to keep it that way. For now.


    I pulled the bed sheet over me, eying them a bit. They smelled like someone familiar. Could I have imagined it all? "Who brought me here?"


    "Who else if not I? I have been here with you". Renee said. I appreciated hering, but something told me she was lying. It was obvious from the way she darted her eyes here and there.


    I peered at her face, surprised that I was the one intimidating her. No, I was wrong. Someone''s earlier presence intimidated her before I did. There was no way she would be intimidated by a mere omega like me. "Who brought me here?"


    Suddenly, she grinned, shoving me by the side. "Come on. The bell just rang. Let''s go."


    "You say you don''t want to be my friend, but you are desperate to be my friend." Renee added. She wasn''t finished yet. "I thought all omegas were like the maid I had at home. Submissive, stupid, and not friend material." That was one rude way to exin all omegas. "You are being rude right now."


    "I don''t care." She shrugged like the Ren¨¦e I knew. Wait, like the Renee I knew? I am getting more pathetic, aren''t I? "You don''t exactly look like Alpha material. Your body revealed to us your weaknesses, and that''s why you became the target of everyone."


    I nearly pped in awe. "You really studied me, didn''t you? Why aren''t you bullying me like the rest?" We passed by a mirror, and I saw the answers to my own question. In fact, I have never liked my body shape. I was a disgrace to Wolf Cove. The others didn''t fail to let me know. She stopped walking. "Because you are already so frail."


    Her words made me more scared than I ever was. I took deep breaths to calm myself down. "Alright. I get your point. You didn''t have to be so harsh about it."


    "That''s what you wanted, isn''t it?" Renee scoffed. "You want everyone to treat you like trash so much that you have forgotten what kindness feels like."


    What is she spewing out? "I don''t want everyone to treat me like trash..."


    "I must say that you enjoy bullying. You enjoy the pain." She continued.


    "Stop saying that." I muttered, surprised at my low tone. Where did all my courage go? "I am not like that."


    "You are guilty of something. You feel it''s your fault, so you let everyone get their way. When are you going to grow up?"


    "I am weak! The only thing I am guilty of is being weak. How about that?" I yelled.


    Renee onlyughed. "You should hear yourself right now. When you think you yell, you only sound like an angry kitten. It isn''t intimidating at all." She jumped over a puddle of water, skipping off to who knows where.


    I must have triggered her to say those words to me. I spoke to her badly. "I am sorry, Ren¨¦e. It''s all my fault."


    I nced at my surroundings. I was not surprised to see Kyle and Brooke walking towards me, or rather, towards his new car. It was as if they changed cars every week. Zeke was walking behind them. He was tapping on his phone with so much glee. Maybe he has found someone special or something.


    They both breezed past me, and I perceived the same familiar scent from the nurse''s office. It must be one of the three. Then Zeke stopped, his back turned to me, and his head was raised. He allowed his brother and Brooke to enter the car. For a moment, I thought I imagined it.


    He turned his head slightly.


    They were red.


    It was the sign of his wolf, and my heart beat increased in tempo. The wind suddenly became still. He still stared at me while I stood there like amb ready for ughter.


    "Hey, Zeke. Get in." Kyle mumbled. He sounded engrossed in other matters.


    "Yeah," was his low reply. He disappeared into the car, leaving me to wonder if what I just saw was real. The only way to find out was to go home.


    #


    I arrived at the Storm''s mansion with another heavy sigh escaping my lips. Here we go again.


    Reid opened the door for me this time around.


    He was magnificent and hot in human form. I would love to know his name and feel his fur in my hands. That is, if he didn''t bully me after that.


    "Are you going to stand there all day ore in?" His grunting voice brought me out of my thoughts.


    I shook my head. "I don''t want to go in." It was true. I didn''t want to enter a house filled with intimidating wolves. Reid raised his eyebrows immediately. He wasn''t pleased that I kept him standing at the door. "On second thoughts, I will go in." My smile disappeared as soon as I saw the storm brothers waiting for me. They were dressed like they were going intobat. "We are going to spar. Care to join us, Naya?" Kyle grinned wickedly.


    "No?" I tried to resist. "I mean.. haven''t you heard of a shower, food, and rest?" It happens every time Ie back from school. They took the car and came home on time.

 Chapter 20

    They both shrugged, like my words meant nothing. Absolutely nothing. I hated it when they did that in sync.


    "You should get ready and meet us in the spar yard, Naya. It''s time to meet our bait." Kyle said, waving at me while the rest of them left me to think about my wolf and her safety.


    My wolf wasn''t anything special. It was one of the most ordinary wolves you would see-precisely a mutt. I didn''t reveal her very often, and I wonder how she would feel when I transformed in the presence of Alphas. She would be terrified.


    I have to reach out to her and warn her of the impending danger. I took my bag to the bed I was given and removed my shoes. All these I did in a painfully slow manner. It was my way of protesting how unfair it was to get dragged to the spar yard without even eating. My spare clothes were already on the bed when I came in. It was made to suit my body type. Weak.


    I wondered if I would need it when I transformed. I still named my wolf Naya because she was no different from me. We were both weak andzy and could not fight.


    "Naya?" I tried calling. I kept her hidden all these years. It hurt me twice as much, but I pretty much got used to the pain after Pa died.


    "What?" She answered immediately, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. She would take control of my body if I did that. Sometimes, I think she wants to take over my bodypletely.


    "Er.." What could I say? Sorry, I locked you up for many years. Sorry, you couldn''t get stronger because of me. Sorry... I am goddamn sorry!


    "You do know that I can hear you, right? I am you." Naya sighed. "Are you in trouble?"


    "No."


    "Are you sick?"


    "No."


    "Do you need help?"


    "No."


    "Then what do you want?" She screamed. Oh, she had been holding herself back all this while.


    "We have to fight! You have to fight!" I yelled back at her. She circled my mind with her angry thoughts.


    "You locked me out of your body for many years, and now you ask..."


    "Please, I am begging you." I allowed my desperation to slip past my tone so that she would hear.


    "Fine. But we have to talk after this."


    "Deal." In excitement, I changed into a spar outfit. Then I dashed to the spar yard, where three angry wolves waited for me.


    "You arete. Again." Reid growled.


    When he turned, I mouthed the same words back to him in mockery. "You arete again."


    "I saw that. Now! In position!" He ordered in a loud voice.


    Is this what it feels like to spar with the Storm brothers? Was it always this battle of hot and sexy? I crouched low, waiting for Kyle to strike.


    Realizing it was the two of theming at me, I raised my hands. "I can''t have two wolvesing at me..."


    "You are right, she is weak." Kyle snorted. "I''ll go first. Zeke will go second."


    I narrowed my eyes on him. "I am not weak. And I will prove that to you today." Zeke made way for the both of us. These boys have been training since they were babies. Well, my actions didn''t exactly match my words. Before I could say Jack, Kyle knocked me t to the floor. He was grinning when he did so. He made me look like a piece of paper. Weightless and useless.


    Naya gave me strength to fight again. She added her weak omega-wise power to mine.


    "Oh, I see... involving your wolf? How pathetic. This is our form of fighting, Naya. Can''t you at least fight with your strength?" Kyle tormented me again with his words. He was waiting for an opening. I knewbat in some way. The only way was to shield myself from the brute beating of the Wolf Cove Academy.


    "Oh, I will fight with my strength, alright." I was all talk and no action because Kyle had me mming to the hard floor. I heard a crack.


    "Go easy on her, Kyle. She is weak and won''t heal fast like us." Zeke''s words stopped Kyle from causing further harm to my body. I didn''t miss the knowing look He and Reid shared on my behalf.


    They were both hiding something.


    Kyle wasn''t having any of it. "I suggest we involve our wolves. I need to know what her problem is."


    "Are you getting weak in the flesh? Come to me with all you have!" I screamed, running towards them. It all happened slowly. I was running, and suddenly Kyle came in front of me. My big breasts hit his solid chest, and my n*****s brushed hard against his refined abs. He grabbed my waist like it weighed nothing, and my feet instantly wrapped around his waist, submitting to him.


    Then he threw me across the room. For the fifth time today. A sharp pain coursed through my elbow and ankle. I had twisted both of them.


    "That was a seductive sight." Zeke breathed out. He hardly said more than three sentences.


    Kyle panted like he had just run. "Thought you could seduce me into surrendering? Nah." He didn''t look affected by me.


    Iy there on the floor, unable to move. I couldn''t feel the upper part of my body. "I can''t move." I struggled to say it, causing Reid to walk towards me.


    "Get up. You are in the storm''s family. We can''t have you be the weakest link." He snapped. He didn''t even stretch out his hands so I could grab them and get up.


    "Naya?" I called my wolf faintly. Something red tickled from my head down. Blood. I was bleeding.


    She whimpered in pain, and I felt sorry for putting her through this. "Let me take your pain." She offered like she always did, which made me lock her away. Although she could never know why I locked her away. I will make sure of it.


    "No. You already did. This is my fight..."


    "Is she talking to her wolf right now?" Kyle asked his brother in confusion. "Look at her eyes; they are all zy. She must be asking her pathetic wolf for help. Come on, Naya, talk to your wolf." He scoffed in annoyance. Naya sniffled. "Allow me, for thest time."


    I only gave her a nod, and she took over. It was a painful transformation. It has always been like that. Blood burst everywhere, and thick fur sprouted from underneath to the surface. My bones cracked loudly while I yelled in pain. It was much easier for Alphas and Betas to ensure the pain, but for us, Omegas, we were already weak, so there wasn''t enough strength to withstand the pain of changing.


    Eventually, she came out. I was about to protest when she pushed me back inside. I was only a spectator.


    "Naya, can you walk?" I asked her as she stood on wobbly legs.


    She growled "Yes". It''s been a while since I changed, so the surroundings and everything must be different. Thest time I changed was at PA''s cottage. I felt the wind in my hair, and for the second time, I didn''t have to carry the burden of my existence alone. She nced around like an alien, and I could only imagine what was going through the twins minds.


    My wolf was an ordinary shade of brown. We could pass for a pet dog if we wanted to, except for the amount of fur and our wild legs. That differentiated me from a normal domestic dog. God, I feel so stupid for giving Naya control.


    "Hey, we are beautiful. Don''t start." Naya growled at me. She was tired of my constant whining about how terrible I looked. What can I say? We do look pitiable.


    "Awnn... She''s so cute. Like a little dog." Kyle snapped his fingers.


    "God damn it, Naya! Where are you going?" I yelled in panic. My wolf sometimes acts without thinking of the consequences of behaving in such a manner.


    "To meet Kyle. Can''t you see he wants to rub my belly? He is desperate to touch me." She bounced off to where he stood with open arms.


    Desperate? I eyed his mischievous eyes andzy smirk. He seemed evil to me and not desperate. The rub I got from Kyle made my eyes roll back. It was really sensual.


    "Do you think I should give Shadow a chance?"


    "Bullet?" Naya tilted her head to understand his words.


    "Want to meet Shadow?"


    I scoffed. "You are never this nice to me! What is going on here?"


    "Shut it. You are making a lot of noise. I am trying to concentrate here." Naya was all but feeling shameless and rubbing herself all over Kyle.


    Kyle sighed. "I guess that''s your cue toe out, Shadow." It was in the twinkle of an eye. One moment he was Kyle, and the next a midnight wolf stood in ce. Naya turned to Zeke. She wanted him to transform too. I admired her courage.


    In Zeke''s ce stood a dark red wolf. He was magnificent, just like his brother''s sleek ck.


    I have seen their wolves once, but seeing them through Naya''s eyes blew my mind.

 Chapter 21

    Naya


    cod


    Thest time I saw their wolves was when the monster tried to attack me. Kyle had ced his hands in front of me, while Zeke hadunched squarely at the monster.


    I almost s**t my pants because what could I have done if the twins weren''t by my side that day? Before Naya began to go against my wishes, I tried to take control of my body. For the moment, I couldn''tprehend what the two of them were doing. Shadow or whatever. There is no Shadow, Naya, or whatever! Besides, where the hell is Zeke''s wolf? This was it. It was his wolf I saw earlier this afternoon. Those zing eyes. He didn''t bother to tell Naya the name of his wolf before shifting. Naya gently nudged him. "His name is me." Naya replied to my incessant nagging.


    "Huh?" I didn''t understand. me what? It looked like I was the only one without a name for my wolf. I am sure Brooke named her wolf something special, too. "Oh, I am such a dimwit."


    "We are both dimwits." Naya cooed from where she stood with the wolves. They were kind of epting her presence, and something told me Kyle and Zeke weren''t in control. Just like I wasn''t in control at the moment. "Kyle and Zeke too. I just realized something." She continued, nudging the wolves again. Most of the time, they sniffed her fur and turned away, only toe back and do it again.


    "Why the hell are they sniffing my butt?" I asked dryly. I needed answers! With my hind legs, I kicked Kyle''s perverted nose away when he came closer to my private area. It was called private for a reason. He yelped and bounced his father away. "It seems like the three of you have forgotten why we changed in the first ce. Well, I will remind you." I started dragging Naya towards Reid, who had been watching the whole drama with an amused look.


    She paused, digging her feet into the soft soil. "No, not yet..."


    "If I knew you were this weak in the knees, I wouldn''t have let you out! You traitor." I spat in anger. How could I let her out to fight for me when all she did was act all slutty. Does she know that when we change back to our firms, it''s going to get worse for me? The damn b***h was busy getting hot. She would hide while they bullied me. This was why I needed her to work and not slut around!


    "No," she said, struggling not to give me control. I knew how we looked to the others at the moment. Naya''s heel may have dug into the ground, but her body didn''t follow.


    "Alright! Now that you are familiar with your wolves, It''s time to train." Reid came closer to me, squatting to meet my level. "Naya, this time, you can go wild. The twins aren''t going to be soft for you. Either you make it or you break it. However, do not forget that it''s training. The safe word is storm." While we train, we look at tactical moves too." He pointed at his knees. "Your hind legs are for defending. Your neck for protection, and your teeth for shing."


    He rambled on and on, and soon his words were lost on me. I didn''t hear half of what he said. I wouldn''t have concentrated if I hadn''t noticed the conflict in Kyle''s wolf as well. Oh, his wolf must have put him to sleep while he yed with Naya. I knew it wasn''t ordinary.


    Reid snapped his hands in front of me. He seemed to be a man of few words, seeing as he struggled to get the first word out. "Are you listening?"


    I blinked, still in wolf form. I couldn''t talk, so my blink was enough for him. "Totally."


    He nodded. "Good." Then he walked to the twins. He leaned closer to me, saying something I couldn''t hear. He did the same for Shadow. He wasn''t as loud as he was with me. Not only did that infuriate me, but it made me desperate to see them fall. Although Nay prepared for the spar. I had a little doubt. My wolf was like a dog. How would she fight over six-foot-tall wolves? This was a perfect way to die.


    Reid pped his hands to call our attention. "Ready?"


    I still protested when Kyle crouched low. Reid must have told him not to go easy on me, even though my wolf was the lowest in the academy. It wasn''t fair, to be honest. "Fight!" He ordered.


    Kyle circled me like a trained wolf. We both didn''t see Alpha Storming into the sail yard. I had been so engrossed in his next attack that I didn''t have time for intimidating scents. My mother was by his side.


    "I can do this. I think so?"


    I scoffed. "I know so. I think I know why you did that earlier! To disarm him with our feminine scent, right?"


    Naya''s eyeballs nearly called out when she rolled it. "No! Just shut it and let me concentrate." It happened in a twinkle of an eye, just like thest time. We both found ourselves mmed against the opposite wall, groaning in pain.


    Kyle had used his hind legs to throw Naya into the air. Just great. I didn''t miss the look of disappointment on Reid''s face. There goes my motivation for the day.


    "Sorry, Naya. He is just too fast. I didn''t see his attack. Just blur!" Poor Naya. If you saw his shadow... oh, that''s why he is called Shadow. For his speed and ability to hide in in sight.


    I chuckled helplessly. "Your name is Naya. There is no difference between you and me. We share many things inmon, and one of them is weakness."


    "You are right." She agreed quickly, panting heavily on the floor with her tongue rolled out. Then we turned to the right to see Alpha Storm and Marley by the door with cold looks in their faces.


    I would be worried about Alpha Storm, but never about Marley. She eyed my wolf with contempt written all over her face. When she started walking close to me, I expected her to reprimand me or something...


    "me!" She called cheerfully. To my shock, me happily bounced towards her. She began to run her ears with a smile on her face.


    Naya rose up immediately. "That''s my man, you b***h!" She screamed in my ears,,causing me with lower them a bit.


    "Naya, stay down. It''s just a friendly hug, and... what the f**k?"


    Marley leaned over to kiss me on his cheeks. When did me be this yful?


    I wasn''t shocked when me gave a low growl. It was to show that he didn''t appreciate her going overboard.


    Marley raised her hands in surrender. "Alrighty, Alright. My hands are off. Jeez, you get angry, easily, don''t you?" She walked back to Alpha Storm, who gave her a stink eye for that silly disy.


    "Motherly bonding. Isn''t that what you wanted?" She said.


    Motherly bonding? That seemed like a slutty arrangement to me. Reid slowly bowed his head to the Alpha, and everyone suddenly expected me to do the same.


    "Sorry, Bitches... I am tired, and I can''t stand up."


    Zeke quickly changed back to his human form. "Naya, the Alpha is here; pay your respects."


    If he wanted me to pay my respects, why was he stark naked? I trailed his refined abs down to his v-line, and he smirked knowingly.


    "Zeke, cover up. Your body disgusts me." Aloha Storm ordered angrily. He was offended by something. I wondered why.


    Reid turned to me. "Change back, Naya, and stop being a nuisance."


    "We have had our fun; change back." I beseeched Naya, but she continued toy on the floor. "This is the alpha we are talking about. We have to change back with our own will." The Alpha was already walking towards me with fury behind him. "Naya,e on." She wasn''t saying anything; she was just lying down like an old dog.


    Aloha Storm was beside me in an instant. "Change."


    My body involuntarily began to crack. The sounds were painful to those who didn''t turn. Blood burst through everywhere, and my human bones began to grow back in ce. It took a lot of groaning and yelping before Iy naked there in a pool of blood. My hands could only do so much as to cover between my legs and breasts.


    Zeke draped a nket around my stupid frame. "You should have changed when you had the chance. It wouldn''t have been so painful."


    Kyle chuckled. "Everyone will be sure to hear about it."


    I groaned again. Not because of the pain, but what''s he said. My life wasn''t my own anymore. The school owned it.


    Not good.

 Chapter 22

    Kyle


    Storm


    I regret pouring Pop Soda on her the other day. When I look at her, I still see hatred in her eyes. She doesn''t like me. I''d say she preferred my brother to me. The thought alone made me very upset.


    The first day she came into our home, I was disappointed, to be honest. She was the epitome of disappointment. Goodness! Her head was so big! Her eyes were so small, her teeth were too small, and those breasts... I could feel them in my hands. They would be soft.


    That was before I saw my brothering out of the hall, where the kitchen was. He held an apple in his hand but made no attempt to eat it. I knew I had to tease the hell out of him.


    Each time I try to forget the little girl in our house, her memory in my mind bes more vivid. I knew that the only way I could get to her was if I bullied her.


    I wanted to know how far she could endure me.


    "Are you thinking of your new prey?" Zeke asked before draining his water bottle.


    I shook my head. "All the time." He didn''t know I thought about her all the time. She was my real prey, not any other.


    "The usual brothel?" He asked. Zeke and I fought all the time, but we made up just as much. We were brothers, what can I say? Although he always tried to rub the fact that he came out three minutes before me in my face. It made him the elder and the most reasonable one.


    The usual brothel... I have mastered the act of washing other female scents on me so that Brooke wouldn''t be able to sniff me out. "Of course! Where else would I go, brother?" I grinned. As soon as I turned, the grin dropped. Brooke''s eyes were like hawks. Nothing passed her by.


    All that haunted me right now was Naya''s tear stricken face when she used me of posting her picture. Or was it the time we told her she was bait? Or the time I pushed her and she twisted her ankles? I haven''t exactly been kind to her. Zeke was better than me. When she used me and pped me in the presence of Brooke, my pride couldn''t take it. All I wanted to do was humiliate her for humiliating me. But Shadow stopped me. How dare he?!


    #shback


    "Wait.. is she limping?" I asked, watching Naya limp towards the bustop. We had always made it a duty to leave her behind so her weakness wouldn''t rub off on us. It wouldn''t kill her to walk towards the bus stop and board a bus to school. Zeke nced in her direction. He narrowed his eyes at her form. "I think she is fine. Why? Do you want her to join us?"


    Reid''s ears perked at his words. Of course he was listening. "Do you?" He asked me.


    I chuckled wickedly. "If everyone says yes, who am I to say no?" It was as if the both of them had always wanted to take her to school, but I held them back. The thought broke my heart. Right, I was the ruthless one.


    Reid swerved expertly until he got to where she paused, Probably wondering what he was doing. She wasn''t limping, it was the way she walked.. Jeez. How annoying.


    Eventually, Zeke threatened her with ''bait'' stuff, and she entered. I must admit it was fun to see her innocent face get all red as she was squished between us. There was nowhere else to go. Besides, her body pressed against my shoulders. They were soft. She looked straight ahead throughout the drive. Sometimes, I wondered if she was breathing. Her face was so red with tension. Jeez.. Naya, rx. A chuckle escaped my lips as I brought out my phone to text Brooke; we were almost at school. Brooke has been feeling under the weathertely. Her father didn''t want toe home. We were hoping that the monster attack at our school would make the mane home to his daughter. He took his Beta job too seriously. Naya didn''t wait for Zeke to open the door, before she slipped away. Too fast.


    "Would it kill her to wait a bit?" I muttered.


    Zeke was out, ignoring me. He has been ignoring metely. But that was his personality. A shitty one.


    I entered the hall just in time to see Naya opening her locker with force. It banged on others, attracting attention. She was always the attention seeker, wasn''t she? I was about to walk away when I saw it. The photo.


    Brooke caused a distraction after that, and I didn''t have the chance to apologize. Not like I was going to in the first ce. Sorry, Naya.


    I saw the anger in her eyes as she watched me and Brooke walk away. She was already using me.


    Brooke wrapped her legs around me. "How about we ditch school? That brawny girl is giving us problems. I heard she walked out of the car with you guys."


    I sighed. The bait thing was going to benefit her too. It would make her fathere back quickly. "Remember, she is our bait. She is the reason why your father is still there. Don''t you want him back? I did this for you." Not really. I wasn''t doing this for her. All my attention was focused on the girl who lived with us. I was worried for her sake. Was my father really serious when he said she was going to be the bait? To my shock, she epted it without protesting much. She should have tried harder or something. "Fine. We use her as bait to get my father back. I am so angry right now that I could kill her!"


    I chuckled. Brooke wouldn''t kill Naya on my watch.


    "What the f**k, Kyle?"


    My eyes widened in surprise. I didn''t hear hering. My thoughts must have clouded my senses. It wasn''t good for an Alpha. "Naya?"


    "Yes, it is Naya, you idiot." She spat. It was as if she realized what she said, because her face became pale. She recovered quickly. I noticed, if she was angry, her mouth would be sharper than a sword.


    "So it was you." She began tough. To be frank, she scared me when she behaved like a maniac. "You did it. You photoshopped my picture and pasted it on all the walls for everyone to see."


    Suddenly, the door opened, and a student walked in. He was shocked to see the three of us. His eyes lingered on Naya and Brooke. They were not supposed to be here.


    I raised my hands to stop her crazy thoughts. She totally misunderstood. "Whoa... rx. I didn''t do anything. I suggest you..."


    "Oh,e on. Don''t lie to my face. I know it was you."


    She wasn''t even giving me a chance to defend myself! I don''t like it at all." It wasn''t me! I wouldn''t stoop that low."


    She scoffed. "Yeah, right! You expect me to believe that? Well, guess what? I''m not falling for your excuses!" She then raised her hands to p me. "That''s for messing with me."


    It hurt. It hurt so bad. But the pain went away when I saw her trying to cover it. I was a wolf. An alpha wolf. Of course, she would feel the pain of pping me.


    She grabbed me by the cor, trying to pull me down to her level. When it wasn''t working, she got even angrier and screamed, calling attention to me. No one was a fool. The student that came in earlier had probably gone to announce to the whole school what he saw because soon the restroom was crowded with people who wanted to see.


    She was purposely humiliating me, and I let her do it. For no reason at all. I could easily pry her off if I wanted. I couldn''t.


    "What the hell? Let go of him!" Brooke realized it was time to rescue me. She didn''t do so when there was nobody here. What a perfect girlfriend. She also caught the attention of the crowd. I knew this because she tugged on Naya''s cute hair to distract her from me. Nice strategy.


    "Stay out of this. Your boyfriend betrayed me, and I''m not letting him get away with it!" Naya screamed to the heavens. She must be so angry today. Satisfaction creeped up on me when Naya also dragged Brooke''s perfectly made hair.


    "Oh, please! I''m going to believe anything you say. You''re just causing drama and trying to make trouble." Brooke, who was stronger and better, dragged poor Naya to the hallway.


    I didn''t know anything after that because I slipped off to sulk and arrange my shirt. I went straight to the roof.


    There he was.

 Chapter 23

    Kyle Storm


    "What are you doing at my favorite spot?" I asked Zeke since it was him I found here today. Sometimes I wonder how he knew about my personal space.


    "I can''t have Brawn littering my personal space either. She has been everywhere I go, causing problems." Zeke shook his head at me.


    "I saw you teach her a lesson about it. She must be grateful to you for giving her such a resounding p. I feel so sorry for her. Why did you do it?" My curiosity got the best of me. I wanted to step in during that moment with Darren, but Zeke stepped in before I could. What surprised me was the p he gave her afterwards. Like he owned her.


    Zeke didn''t say anything for a while. "To teach her a lesson. She was too mouthy."


    "What the f**k?" I began tough. Too mouthy? "So what now? We just give girls ps because they are mouthy? That''s a new one." He wasn''t looking at me. I know he was offended by my mocking words.


    "Let me guess correctly this time around." He tried to wound me. "Didn''t you tell Brooke about your obsession with Naya?"


    I swallowed hard. If I was thinking correctly, Zeke was the one who was obsessed with Naya, and I was suspicious of Naya''s intentions towards us. "I love bullying her, that''s all."


    "And that was why you designed photos of her face and boobs all over the hallway?" Zeke looked a bit angry at what I did. His eyebrows twitched, and his mouth was kept in a straight line. He wasn''t pleased. The thing I wanted to know was how he knew it was me. "Well, I don''t know why I felt bad when she began to ask who did it. The tears in her eyes only made it better." I shrugged. It was true! I enjoy infuriating her, and Zeke knew about my obsession. He shouldn''t even try to point using fingers at me. I know what he does behind my back, too.


    "You sadistic a*****e." He began tough, which shocked me a bit. My poker face refused to show the emotions of what I thought of his face earlier. I thought we were going to fight over her. Then hisughter died down. When he stood up, I knew our conversation was over. Heid a cold finger on my right shoulder. "Just don''t go too far to make her cry."


    Was that a warning or a threat? "Are you threatening me right now?" I asked, and my eyebrows rose. "I didn''t say anything when you pped her. Admit it, bro, we are two peas in a pod."


    He grinned wickedly. It was rare to see Zeke smile. There must have been one thing that was able to make him smile, and that was the little wolf, Naya. She didn''t make me smile. I was already smiling at her little charms here and there... She made me want to own her.


    The day my suspicions about her and Zeke began to grow was the day we were at the table for a meeting. That was her first time joining us at a meeting. #shback


    As usual, we left Naya at the school and drove home. The anger on her face, the tears glistening in her eyes. Who didn''t want to see that every day? God! I could kill for it. I wanted it to be only me who could make her feel that way. To feel so wanted and, at the same time, helpless so that I would help her.


    "Naya will be the bait." The alpha, our father, suddenly announced it, and I and Zeke looked at each other. He was the first to disagree at the gathering in school. He was usually the one who had the balls to talk to my father.


    The door was opened gently. I was sure she thought no one would be in the living room because she looked like a mouse sneaking into the kitchen. Her facial expression said it all. Her appearance after the monster attack wasn''t the best. "Naya, join us." Marley said.


    From the look on her face, she wasn''t happy with that arrangement. I slowly hid my arm where the monster bit me away from her view. I wasn''t exactly nice to her at our sleepover together. In order to hide my shame, I poured Pop Soda at her. The only way I can make it up to her is if I say some good words and make her freshen up before the meeting.


    I sniffed the air, like she was smelly. "Let her freshen up. She smells like rotten eggs."


    Her reply was not expected. "Really? You were smelling like that a few hours ago." Her snarky mouth shoulde with abel. Sometimes I wondered how a frail girl like this could pack a lot of sarcastic replies. Then she chuckled. I knew she wasn''t finished with me. I know she was triggered by what I did at the sleepover. The remnants of pop soda were still on her, no matter how she tried to wash them off. Part of her uniform was soiled, and she smelled sweet. "What? Brooke didn''t tell you? I guess she must have gotten used to the smell herself. She smells the same."


    Wow, she went straight for Brooke, didn''t she? She must hate her as much as I do. Although I would never admit it. For my reputation, of course.


    Zeke cleared his throat. "Okay, you are crossing the line, Brawn; why don''t you join us at the table?"


    She gave an immediate shrug. "I guess I should grace you with my smell then."


    "Enough!" Dad wasn''t having a brawl at the table. He was giving Marley a disapproving look, probably to teach her daughter a lesson. Zeke wasn''t excited about the whole thing. I knew what he wanted to do most of all: go in and sleep. That is, if Naya wouldn''t barge into his room or use his toilet. Jeez, she must be that desperate toe closer to us. although it did not seem like she did thest one on purpose. I was given the opportunity to see her creamyps as she did her thing that day in Zeke''s bathroom. Zeke was beyond furious that day. And me? I was going on a fifth date. I was about to speak when my father interrupted again.


    "Take your seat, Naya."


    Wait, was he inviting her to the table again? Maybe she has no option but to sit through it. There is nothing that would make her leave when my father has already given the ultimate order. I felt the need to make her feel better. Her sad face made me restless. I should be the one making her sad, not my father. When I made her sad, I would be able to make her happy, but when it was someone else, it became harder.


    "You know, you don''t smell that bad." I whispered to console her.


    To my surprise, she gave me the middle finger. "f**k you."


    I would love to do that to her at any time. If she would give me the chance, of course. "dly. There are things you shouldn''t wish for, Naya." I licked my lower lips. She was unknowingly giving me an invitation I would never resist. I smiled when she lowered her angry gaze and squirmed in her chair. God! She was so predictable sometimes. Shadow yelped at her instant submission. He was absolutely pleased. I was still watching her when Zeke leaned over to whisper in her ears. She turned red immediately, causing me to be suspicious of what he had whispered to her.


    "Be still. You are red. What are you thinking about?" I heard him say. Naya suddenly had her gaze on me, and I was eager to know what they were talking about. Why did they do without me, or rather, what don''t I know?


    She sighed so loudly that it caught Dad''s attention. "Why am I here? I''d rather be at the cottage than here."


    Dad didn''t say much.


    I wasn''t happy with the arrangement, but this was the only way she would stay. I was sure she didn''t notice when we found out about her leaving the house every evening for the cottage. The day we tell Dad will be an issue. Zeke already told Reid not to say a word to him or Marley. "Yeah, Brawn. This is your ce now." My emotions nearly slipped off the edge.


    I watched her eyes dart here and there, and I wondered what was running through them. It better be something good.


    "The bait... were you talking about me? Am I the bait?" She was nervous. I shook my head at her foolishness. She should consider it an opportunity to know that we will never let anything bad happen to her.

 Chapter 24

    Kyle Storm


    Didn''t she see the way I and Zeke protected her against the monster?


    Marley seemed ufortable with her questions. Was she really her daughter? "Look, Naya. I didn''t think it was such a bad idea. Take it as you emphasize your importance to this family. Take it as a sign of being a hero. I heard the school hasn''t epted you yet. My goodness, they call my precious daughter Brawn!" She began to fake cry, but tears didn''t fall out. I would give her an award for acting to fool everyone, especially her daughter. We call Naya, Brawn. How did Marley know about it? Naya looked embarrassed. It was visible on her face and in herme excuse for that.


    "They call me that because I allow it!"


    Marley sighed before she grabbed her hands like the ideal doting mother. I nearly spat at her feigned attitude. "I know you desire to feel among them. This is the way you can prove it. Only then can you tell everyone you stay in the Storm''s mansion, and they will believe you. You don''t have to hide that fact."


    What a way to say her daughter was unwee in the Storm family. That''s a bit rude. But like Zeke, I chose to say nothing. It wouldn''t hurt her a bit.


    She yanked her hands back immediately. "Marley, you say I should be the bait, right? What if I get killed by those monsters? Mr. Diego said they are worse than changelings."


    Mr. Diego? His name alone made me boil. A snort escaped my lips. "Changelings..." then it clicked. Changelings were worse than monsters. Jeez.. the training paid off, or we would have been shredded to pieces by that thing. It was intelligent and vengeful. I turned to Zeke to be sure. "What the f**k! Did we just fight Monsters worse than Changelings?"


    "And you did a fine job, my boys, but do not risk your life again. She has epted to be the bait. By Monday, school activities will resume." Dadplimented. Although I knew he didn''t like it, it was Naya we protected instead. But if it was for the school? It only made him a nice alpha with many sons. "And you will go about your business as usual. Do not give what I am about to tell you away." He added, facing Naya.


    It seemed like she resigned herself to her fate. "What do you want me to do? I need assurance that my safety won''t bepromised, or else I will run away and you will never find me."


    Run away? I eyed Zeke''s dissatisfied face. It was what she said that day that made us pick her up on our way to school. She should learn not to tell Alpha things like that.


    I eyed Zeke''s hands in hers. His voice contradicted his actions. "Don''t worry, Naya. You won''t get through with your ns."


    "What-what?" She stuttered, causing me to smirk. Then Zeke did that thing again. He leaned over and whispered something to her. I guess he knew we would be able to hear, so he lowered his voice. Naya''s expression wasn''t exactly hiding his advances. My jaws subtly dropped as she sucked in her lower lips, gasping. She looked sexy that way. I had a faint idea of what Zeke was doing to her under the table. It made my blood boil.


    My jaws grinded against each other as I watched my brother assualt her deliciously under the table. It made my pants tighter than usual. I narrowed my eyes as she met mine. Oh, yes. Zeke was doing something to her. I was sure now. I smiled. "Take a picture; Itsts longer." I wanted to continue to distract my parents a little when her desires began to fill the air.


    "Something nice smells in here." I locked my eyes on Zeke, who seemed to enjoy what he was doing to her. His attention was focused on her facial expressions. Then I turned to my dad. "Can you perceive it? Dad?"


    Dad sniffed the air. I had to make him think it was the kitchen before he would smell an omega in the air. Naya was that omega. They were both being reckless with their actions. "Stop causing a distraction, Kyle, and focus. Maybe the cooks are preparing something because I can''t perceive a damn thing."


    I sighed in relief. He hadn''t noticed anything. Phew!


    I sat there throughout with her squelching juices, a sign of their promiscuity at the table.


    #presently


    So what? I had pasted her dirt pictures everywhere and denied it. I must give it to her. She really knew me. She wasn''t wrong with her usations. I was the ONE who did it. I lied to myself when I imed I did it for Brooke. His subtle threat has never left my mind since that day.


    Reid shocked us by asking Naya to join us. I and Zeke tried to hide our excitement. We covered it pretty well. We didn''t wait for too long before she barged into the spar yard, pink and fresh from the bath. I wanted to ruin it by assuring her that her nice dress would get soiled, but I held my tongue.


    We fought for a while, with me bashing her face in and throwing her over the walls every damn time. It was as if she didn''t have a backbone. All she knew how to do was rub herself against me. It must be her restless wolf.


    We raised the notch higher by asking her to change into her wolf. Seriously, I only wanted her to show me her strength. She should show me what she is made of.


    When her wolf approached me...


    It was like an ordinary wolf. Maybe that was what I needed to see at that moment. An ordinary wolf. It was pettable and soft.


    "Awnn... She''s so cute. Like a little dog." I snapped my fingers for her toe along. Shadow wanted toe out. He wasn''t taking no for an answer. It made me wonder why he was that eager to be out. What does he n to do?


    Suddenly, a little wolf started trotting towards me. Halfway to me, she stopped, and I knew she was speaking with Naya. I was curious as to what they were saying.


    "What do you think they are saying, Shadow?" I asked, reading her body movements toe to a conclusion. All I had to do was open my hands for her toe in. Seriously, I don''t know why I was acting this way, but I knew I was doing the right thing. No. Shadow was part of this. It was his scheme to humiliate me. He dared to ruin my reputation by bullying her. He should be in sync with me!


    "You do know that I support you. But today I get to see her wolf. Don''t make me take over your body before you let me see her."


    I knew how I looked at that moment. Evil. Naya bounced into my arms regardless of that and began to run her nuzzle against me. She was being so touchy today. I am sure this wasn''t Naya''s doing. Naya will never stoop so low...


    "I need you to go to sleep, Kyle; you are obstructing me from having a clear view."


    I raised my hands in surrender. "Let''se to a clean arrangement, Shadow. We are always in sync, but not this time. You are not taking over my damn body this time around." I stamped my feet on the ground while Shadow merely chuckled.


    I looked at my hand, which was below Naya''s belly and rubbed. She closed her eyes and stamped one paw on the floor to show that she was pleased. Jeez... "Do you think I should give Shadow a chance?" I asked no one in particr. The wolf tilted her head to probably understand what I was saying.


    "Want to meet Shadow?" I asked again. Shadow wasn''t giving me a chance to defend myself. All he wanted to know was when he would take over my body.


    I chuckled before turning to Zeke. What do you think? I asked with my face. He gave a simple nod. He had to be careful with his own wolf, who was very aggressive once he let it out. My brother wasn''t against this. Who was I to refuse? I knew that refusing meant Shadow not talking to me for many weeks. Shadow was my source of strength sometimes. I would miss him.


    I sighed. "I guess that''s your cue toe out, Shadow."


    He smiled yfully. "It took you a long time to ept." He took over my body immediately, shoving me to the back of his mind so I could only watch and not do anything.


    "You traitor!" I screamed in anger. The little wolf turned to Zeke, and Zeke agreed to change. She must have us wrapped around her fingers.

 Chapter 25

    Kyle Storm


    I woke up with a start, my heart pounding in my chest, sweat beading on my forehead. It was that nightmare again-the one that haunted me relentlessly. In the dream, my pack was under attack by those monstrous creatures, each with gnashing teeth and razor- sharp ws. And in the midst of the chaos, I saw Dad, getting torn and falling onto the onught of those vicious beasts.


    I took deep breaths, trying to calm myself and shake off the remnants of the nightmare. As the images faded, my mind began to recall a different memory-one that had surfaced before, but I had brushed aside as inconsequential. It was the image of a wolf, a beautiful and powerful creature with eyes that held a glimmer of kindness. It was Naya''s wolf-the mate destined to be by my side and share the burden of leadership.


    I sat up in my bed, allowing the details of the wolf to fill my mind. The coat was a mix of brown and ck. It hase to stay. And then, frustration and anger washed over me. Naya didn''t meet the standards I had imagined for my mate. She was frail and weak,cking the prowess and confidence that I thought a normal wolf should even possess. Oh and I haven''t forgotten about her snarky replies whenever she was helpless.


    How could fate pair me with someone who didn''t seem to fit the mold of what I believed an Alpha''s mate should be?


    #


    Zeke Storm


    Kyle has been increasingly quiet these days. He acts like he is alright, but I can tell from a nce that he isn''t okay. Just now, he had woken up with a start. I could hear it all the way from his room upstairs to mine.


    After a while of staring at the ceiling, I threw the bedsheets off me. He is probably having those nightmares again and I needed to know what it was all about. Was it about our mate or because he fought that monster the other day? We were both unprepared to fight that day as the only thing on my mind was to protect Naya. How about now? Was the feeling the same?


    I don''t know.


    I came out to find Kyle raiding the fridge. When did he get here? His eye bags were dark and heavy. He hasn''t been getting a lot of sleep and has been doing a lot of thinking. Kyle wasn''t made to think. He was made to have fun but it seemed he hadn''t even been doing that. Not even the threat of telling Brooke of his promiscuity has been working.


    "Kyle?" I called.


    He opened the first fridge, bringing out a bucket of ice-cream. Kyle never does ice-cream. "Are you going through a major breakup or what?"


    He snorted. "Can''t I have ice cream in peace or something?"


    I shook my head, taking an apple from the fridge. "You are acting strange again, just like the time you failed the math test in school."


    Kyle squinted his eyes as if to remember. "When was that?"


    "You wondered why you failed that math test and started acting this way."


    "I don''t see your point." He wasn''t making it easy for me to figure him out.


    I closed the fridge and it made a thud sound. "My point is that... something is bothering you. It''s either you are having a nightmare or you are trying to figure out something strange or you are angry about something."


    Kyle smacked his lips. "What if I tell you it''s all of the above?" Then he grinned. "Stop trying to figure me out and mind your business."


    Ouch, that hurt. "I will. But if it''s about the monster, we aren''t going to see thest of it."


    He paused. "What made you think so?"


    I shrugged. "Just because."


    Kyle took another great spoon. "I hate it when you do that. If you want to make me feel better, I want you to answer my question."


    I wondered what he wanted me to say. Kyle was a tricky person and I knew his questions were just like him. All tricky. "What?"


    "Do you like Naya?"


    I knew he was going to ask me this question sooner orter. "No. Do you think we are destined to be mates?"


    He shook his head. "Maybe."


    Damn it! "Tell me what your nightmare was about."


    He threw the empty bucket into the trash bag. I wasn''t surprised at the speed in which he finished it. Wolves ate big. "I saw him die. You know that''s what I fear the most. The alpha is the strongest in this pack. If he can die... what about me? You know.. because of that b***h, I wasn''t thinking and ced my life to save her."


    I was confused. "What are you talking about?"


    "You asked me to tell you what my nightmare was all about. Well that''s it."


    A sudden movement caught our ears. Kyle''s ears flickered like a dog''s and I turned just in time to see Naya trying to tiptoe out of our presence, her face flushed with guilt. Anger surged through me, and without thinking, I confronted her right away. "Freeze."


    She was like a deer caught in headlights. Not to mention, her bandaged leg and arm didn''t make it easy for her. Even in the dark, I could see her so well. Her small frame, her thin legs, her big boobs and the white stuff wrapped her body. She should be in bed right now and not eavesdropping on our conversation. She turned slowly with a frown in her face. Our eyes enable us to see in the dark. I knew she probably saw us a bit toote and wanted to turn away. Unfortunately, my ears caught her clumsy movements. "How long have you been there?"


    She cleared her throat. Of course she has been there for a long time. She must have heard about Kyle''s nightmare and was about to deny it. But her pretty red face gave her away. She couldn''t fool anyone for even a second. Her shoulders slumped in defeat. Just what I thought. "I-I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to listen."


    "What exactly did you hear?" I asked coldly. I was in no mood for her antics. I told her to watch out for my personal space, didn''t I?


    "I wanted to get water to drink. I didn''t mean to.. It''s just that I overheard something about Kyle''s nightmare, and I got curious..." "Curious? I won''t ask again. What exactly did you hear?"


    Her voice was a bit hesitant. "I heard Kyle mention something about a recurring nightmare he''s been having. That''s all, I swear!"


    I stepped closer to her, my figure looming over hers. "And what do you n to do with that information? Are you going to gossip about it with the whole school? Mock him behind his back?"


    Her eyes widened with shock.and tears glistened in them. Pathetic. "No, I promise I won''t say anything to anyone. I didn''t mean to intrude; it was a mistake. Please believe me!"


    Kyle was surprisingly quiet and I didn''t like it. The former Kyle would be teasing the hell out of her. Although he still wore his teasing grin just to let Naya know that she wasn''t safe with him either.


    "How can I believe you? What does staying out of my space mean to you?" She''s almost everywhere. I was beginning to see her in my dreamstely.


    "I-I''ll do anything to make it right, I swear! I won''t tell anyone about Kyle''s nightmare, and I won''t listen in on your conversations ever again. Please, just don''t be mad at me!" She began to plead as tears gushed out of her eyes. Her hands were sped together and a small wince formed in her face. She was in pain.


    I softened my face even though she won''t be able to tell the difference. This is the most I have spoken in years anyway. I just needed to prove to Kyle that I don''t have a soft spot for her. "This kind of behavior is uneptable and you need to be punished." Her mouth curled up in what I couldn''t believe. Is that anger I see there? "What? I can''t get water to drink at night?"


    "This isn''t your cottage. This is the pack home. You can''t just walk your way through everything." Kyle injected with a frown on his face. "Her punishment as bait is enough. Besides, you won''t be staying in tomorrow. You areing with us."


    She seemed desperate. "No, I can go to school looking like this. I have to heal."


    "Do you want me to punish you?"


    She shook her head, wiping her tears. "I am okay with this." Then she limped off.


    I couldn''t help but feel a tinge of guilt for being so harsh. As for Kyle''s nightmare, I made a mental note to ask him again about it.

 Chapter 26

    Naya


    Cod


    Okay. I knew I made a terrible mistake by going downstairsst night. I was right when I said Kyle was facing his Nightmare and didn''t want anyone to know about it. He wouldn''t fool me by pouring me soda at school. I have washed it off, yet he is going through the same problem.


    I sniffed my uniform to check if I had any remnants of yesterday''s smell. Mating age? That was the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. What about the rest of the females in our school...?


    Oh. They weren''t omegas like me. Besides, Renee said she knew one or two things about omegas. I should ask her rather than asking Marley, who doesn''t seem to care about me. All her thoughts seemed to revolve around the storm men.


    We were women, and like she said, we lived to satisfy our men. I have sessfully avoided the path where the Storm Brothers would stop and ask me to join them. They wouldn''t catch me by surprise again. Thest time I was forced to stay in between them, I couldn''t breathe until I came down from the car. Not today.


    The bus stopped, and I quickly hopped in just as Storm''s car passed by me. I raised my wrapped middle finger to brush my bangs to the side, hiding myugh when Kyle widened his eyes at me. Let me see them stop the bus and ask me to follow them to school. I wasn''t supposed to go to school today, but Zeke insisted I do. Almost all my body parts were wrapped in white stic because I disobeyed the Alpha and didn''t shift on time. That is no excuse to nearly break all my bones with his voice.


    "What''s that strange smell?" I scrunch my nose, angry that anyone at all would carry such a bad body odor and go about.


    The bus moved for a second before it stopped again. "Alpha..." a scared whine escaped the driver''s lips, and I strained my neck to know who had decided today of all days to stop the bus. A sleek ck car I knew too well was blocking the bus from moving to my destination.


    It was none other than the Storm brothers. They didn''t even allow me to bask in my victory for a second before destroying it.


    Stamping it to the floor. Dashing my hope away.


    Zeke and Kyle came out from the sides of the car elegantly. And of course, Kyle chose to sit on the hood of his car. It was as if it were made to support his weight.


    "Come out,e out, wherever you are!" Kyle snarled in the air, ignoring the loud horns that eventually quieted down as soon as they saw the gold imprints at the back of the car.


    I knew they were here for me, and guess what my instincts told me to do? To hide under my seat! I can trace them, knowing I just gave them the middle finger. Not only that, but yesterday night. They made me promise to take my punishment. Punishment for being thirsty!


    "s**t, s**t, s**t, Naya... think!" My brain couldn''t bring up smooth ideas of escape. It only convinced me to change into my wolf and probably fly through the window. No. That would make them chase me. Besides, where would I run to? I have a test today before being paired for the group project. Today, in general, wasn''t going to be a great day.


    "We are going to bete for school!" Kyle added. He was the spokesman between the two of them. Well, I would have believed so if it wasn''t Zeke who signed my doomst night.


    I was d none of them mentioned my name.


    "Naya Brawn! Don''t make use in there."


    What am I? Seven? "Leave me alone!" I stupidly yelled, causing everyone to re at me. No! Direct your gaze at the Alphas. It wasn''t my fault they pulled over, causing traffic. I want them to leave me alone!


    Or not.


    "Hey,dy. When the Alphas call you, you should answer. You are making mete for work!" A man who resembled a bear growled at me. He might be one of the hunters. His clothes were too casual for someone going to work for apany. I bet he was part butcher. He reeked of the blood of smaller animals.


    I brought the attention to myself, so I am going to settle this by myself. I crawled out of my supposedly safe space. I avoided everyone''s eyes as they all watched me and made way for me to the storm''s car. Just great.


    I limped to the front of the car, determined not to back down. I will board the bus today, and nothing will make me miss it.


    "Why are you doing this?" I asked, like I was the innocent one here. I was.


    Zeke gave the angry crowd behind their wheels a cold smile. He entered the car while Kyle jumped down from the hood. He slipped into the car. The door was still open for me to get in.


    "I want to board the bus."


    "You are wasting people''s time."


    "Don''t make me feel like I am a bad person here. I don''t want to go with you guys." I pouted like a big baby. Who am I to argue with the Alphas in the middle of traffic? Everyone was waiting for a rebellious teenager like me to get it together.


    "You get to do whatever you want to do." Zeke injected, making me sigh in defeat. I turned to find the bear man eying me. I knew he was pleading with me to let him go. The urge to let everyone go was telling on me.


    "It''s your word against mine." I slipped into the car. Reid expertly reversed before turning the car onto the right path, and traffic began to flow again. I nced back to see everyone and the busy road returning to normal.


    "You guys just had to causemotion and include me in it." I was frustrated to the point of no return. Every humiliation had me standing in between. Now the city knows about a certain girl who the Alphas stopped the traffic to take to school for being naughty. Great.


    The drive to school was shorter than expected, and before I could leave, crutches were handed to me by Reid. Then I was asked to leave.


    The carter drove to the main entrance. Zeke and Kyle came down looking elegant as usual, and the wannabes flocked around them. As usual, I stood in the far distance with only nobody to tell that I lived with them.


    I eyed the crutches carefully, wondering if they were there so that I would trip. I would never trust what I was given by the storms. However, this one was handed to me by Reid. Maybe I should trust a little.


    I bnced it on the floor properly. Then I put all my weight on it. It was surprisingly solid. And the color wasn''t that bright. It was a nice shade of gray. Nothing about this told me of the twins kindness. It was just Reid''s way of probably apologizing for sending me into a fight I would never win.


    All I needed to do right now was summon up courage and walk into school, regardless of their curious eyes. I managed with the crutch until I got to the first floor. I didn''t expect Ren¨¦e to be out front waiting for me. I frowned a bit, wondering if it was really me she was waiting for.


    "Hey," I called out when I was supposed to.


    She turned with something like a spray in her hands. Her hands go over to her nose and cover it up. "Goodness, Naya, you reek. Here."


    She handed me the spray bottle, and I looked at it curiously. It was a scentless spray. I nearly handed it back to her. "What would I use it for?"


    She rolled her eyes. "Your scent is going to attract trouble. Spray it all over your body."


    Does it matter that the strange scent I perceived in the bus was mine? I gasped. Then Zeke and Kyle...


    "Have youe in contact with any Alpha? Don''t even go close to Zeke and Kyle. Go on, spray it."


    I thanked her profusely, spraying the scentless spray on my body to hide my scent. "What do I smell like?"


    She scrunched her nose. "Rotten eggs. But to mateless Alphas, you smell like heaven. You might get raped if care isn''t taken."


    Does it mean the monster from the Blood Moon pack was attracted to my scent earlier? Was that why it tried to attack me? I shook the thoughts off before they carried on without return.


    It can''t be.


    Suddenly, the rm red loudly, and heavy hooves reached our ears.


    The monsters were back.

 Chapter 27

    "Everybody,


    run!"


    Panic spread like wildfire throughout the school as the rm red, warning of us approaching monsters again. The students ran in all directions, seeking shelter and safety. Renee and I exchanged a worried nce before we sprinted towards the nearest ssroom. Nah. I limped with an arm around Ren¨¦e. She was strong enough to support the both of us.


    I had totally forgotten I was bait and deliberately sprayed Scentless spray on my body to hide my scent! Luckily for us there was an open ssroom door. I and Ren¨¦e bounced inside and tried to shut the door after us. Well, we weren''t the only ones who entered the ssroom as other students joined us like thest time.


    Before thest person could shut the door, Kyle and Zeke caught it with their foot and they both entered smoothly, locking it after them. We all gathered at the ssy surface of the door trying to see what others were doing. There was pandemonium everywhere. We could all see Mrs. Lau in the distance, hurriedly ushering some students inside the maintenance hall.


    I sighed, leaving the crowd at the door to check the windows. From the window, I could see the horrifying sight outside. The Blood Moon pack''s monstrous creatures,rger than any wolves we had ever seen, were rampaging through the school grounds. Their eyes glowed red with a terrifying hunger, and their sharp fangs glistened in the sunlight. I clutched the scentless spray tightly, hoping it would somehow mask my scent enough to keep me safe.


    I turned back to the crowd at the door, surprised to see that Kyle and Zeke were behind me.


    "We were looking for you." Zeke''s face was filled with confusion as he sniffed the air. I subtly shoved the Scentless spray aside. His sharp green eyes caught the movement. Or rather Kyle saw me doing so first.


    "What the f**k?" He yelled in anger before grabbing the spray can from my hands. His loud voice caught the attention of some of the students. While some of them thought it was wise to stare outside, the foolish ones turned to look at the drama unfolding behind them. The drama in which I was the main character.


    "Oh, is that Scentless spray I see there?" Brooke, which I didn''t see earlier eyed me up and down. I saw something else in her eyes. Fear. She was afraid that I was going to take Kyle away from her with my seductive heat.


    "Open your eyes people! There are monsters outside. I know we are f*****g wolves, but this is worse than thest time." It was all in my head.


    "What are you doing with this?"


    "I knew it! nning to escape alone, Brawn?" Darren''s angry voice made me sigh. Like I said, today wasn''t my day. Besides who put my bullies in one ce?


    "She probably broke her body while running away." Someone added and they all giggled, mocking me.


    Kyle was still looking at the spray can with anger. "Never spray this again."


    That caused me to raise an eyebrow at his bold order. "And who are you to order me around?"


    "Ohhh... Brawn has got balls." Brooke began to snicker as everyone. I tried to snatch the can back, but he just raised it higher.


    "Give it back!"


    "Trying to escape from being a bait? Well the monsters are here and they are attracted to you. We are going to give them what they want." Kyle said angrily. He ignored his brother''s warning hands on his shoulders. I remembered my encounter with the monster in the ss earlier and realized that my scent might have attracted them.


    "Wh-what are you trying to say?"


    "You can''t take her outside." Renee said, her voice firm despite her fear.


    Kyle rolled his eyes. "Obviously, but we have a n."


    "It''s my fault. They must have sensed my scent," I admitted, my voice trembling. "But that was not the reason why I used the Scentless spray. It- it was because..." I couldn''t look at their faces. Maybe it was best if I did it. Yeah. Be the bait.


    Outside, fights reigned as the monstrous creatures broke through windows and doors, seeking their prey. Probably me. The whole school must have known this by now. The question was why. Their howls echoed through the corridors, sending shivers down my spine. I peered out through a gap between Kyle and Zeke, through the ssy surface, hoping it wasn''t the monster again.


    "Look, it''s the Alpha!" Darren pointed with shaky hands. I''ve always known he was a wimp and a bigger bully given his size. We all turned to the window to see Alpha storm''s ck wolf, Storm tearing into the monsters. His presence seemed to deter some of the monsters from attacking the students directly. I watched in awe as he bravely defended the school, fighting to keep the creatures away from the vulnerable students. The rest of the teachers were out there, fighting.


    We all started to cheer, drawing the attention of the monsters. Bad idea. Some of them looked up, leaving the battlefield towards us. Oh, they were probably climbing the staircase right now.


    "s**t! They areing to us!" Brooke panicked, running behind Kyle who wasn''t ready to cover her. His attention was still focused on the outside even as loud bangs startled everyone of us. I flinched at the loud growls and noises.


    "What are those things and what do they want with us?" A girl with a hoodie began to yell and cry. Then she turned her tear stricken face to me. "You were supposed to be bait. It''s you they want. Why is it that you are here?"


    I scoffed. "You came in here didn''t you? Nobody forced you. Beside you were among the people who cheered for the alpha. Your noise drawed them here, not my scent."


    Darren started advancing towards me in anger. Then he paused after Zeke gave a low growl. Maybe something transpired between them thest time I checked.


    To my surprise, as they argued, I spotted Marley''s gray,rge and majestic wolf looking determined and focused as she tore into thick scaly thighs and fur. Instead of running away from the danger, she ran towards it. I didn''t know Marley to be a fighter. I guess she deserved the name, Luna more than being my mother.


    She leaped into action with the Alpha, attacking monsters with fire in her eyes. Their fur filled her muzzle and she spat some of them out. It was the first time I had seen them in their wolf forms, and they were breathtaking. Alpha Storm''s wolf in particr. I guess Zeke''s wolf color must be from his mother''s. Kyle''s wolf was just like his father except his fur was a tad bit darker.


    Great. Now I am analyzing wolf colors before I am being thrown out to the wolves. The irony of it all.


    "You areing with me." Kyle grabbed me by the arm, dragging me towards the door.


    "No! They are out there, fighting for us. I can''t be the bait anymore."


    He wasn''t even listening. "Maybe if you go out, nothing will happen to the Alpha just like in my dreams."


    "Don''t be ridiculous. Nothing is going to happen. What do you think I could possibly do outside? They will rip me apart!" I tried to reason with him because it seemed nobody had the balls to stop him. Even Zeke was calmly watching Kyle drag me to my death! "That''s better than my dad."


    I yanked my hands back and surprised he dropped it. "What makes you think I brought those things here?" I turned to everyone. "What is wrong with you guys..."


    "Everyonee and see!"


    We all rushed to the window again only to see a sight that nearly caused me to faint.


    "I can''t believe it," Renee whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.


    We listened to the sounds of the fight, the snarls and roars mixing with terrified cries from others in the school.


    The rm didn''t stop ring. It was all noisy as we watched Alpha storm try to pry thirteen monsters off his back, legs and hands whilst protecting his vulnerable neck. Our eyes went wide at each level of horror we saw.


    He pried off about five of them before one of them scratched his muzzle with his ws like that of a cuss. Alpha Storm recovered quickly, but the blood pouring out of it made me dizzy. He quickly tore into the rogue one. Six moretched on to him and we all screamed in terror.


    "Dad." I heard Kyle whisper in pain.


    Zeke''s face was expressionless as he watched the whole fight, asionally blinking to show me he was alive and watching.


    I turned just in time to see a big brown wolf run straight for his neck. It attached its teeth tightly to Alpha storm''s neck. So tight.

 Chapter 28

    Naya Cod


    And as for me, I learned that sometimes perceptions can be misleading. People can surprise you, and even the most malicious individuals can harbor unexpected kindness within them. Where the f**k did thate from?


    I mentally palmed my head to bring myself back to the chaos happening right now. I couldn''t believe my eyes. The brown monster wolf had mped its teeth around Alpha Storm''s neck, and despite his efforts to shake it off, the creature wouldn''t let go. Moreover, it seemed bigger than the rest of the wolves. My heart pounded in my chest as I felt paralyzed with fear and helplessness.


    "He needs help!" I wanted to say, my voice was barely audible amidst the chaos in the ssroom. The other students were just as horrified as I was; their eyes were fixed on the gruesome scene outside.


    "We can''t just stand here!" Kyle turned to whisper to Zeke. His eyes were bloodshot and filled with determination. "We have fought those things before." He rushed towards the door, but Zeke stopped him.


    "It''s too dangerous, Kyle. We can''t do anything from here," he said, his voice breaking with emotion.


    "But we can''t let him die out there!" Kyle whisper-shouted. "Remember my dreams? Haven''t you thought it odd that no one is out there to help him? It''s a setup!"


    "And a damn trap if we go out there! You are staying put." Zeke reasoned. "You have to trust him, Kyle." He continued in a soothing voice. Does he reserve that voice for his family members? His voice always sounded rough to me. Like he hated me. His voice became louder to warn us. "Alpha Storm is strong, and he''s fought many battles before. We can''t interfere; we''ll only make things worse."


    Of course we hesitated, but the truth in Zeke''s words eventually sank in. We all watched in tense silence as Alpha Storm continued to fight with incredible experience, despite the monster wolf still clinging to his neck.


    Then something unexpected happened. Marley''s gray wolf suddenly broke away from the fight she was engaged in and sprinted towards her mate. With a powerful leap, she lunged at the brown wolf, knocking it off Alpha Storm''s neck.


    The brown wolf rolled away, momentarily stunned, and Marley wasted no time. She positioned herself between the Alpha Storm and the other monsters, her teeth bared and her hackles raised. It was as if she had instantly be the protector of the pack, fiercely defending her family. It was all a show. Marley was no different from a slut trying to protect her source of ie. The Alpha.


    Or really her mate. I watched with bated breath as other wolves of the Blood Moon pack seemed taken aback by Marley''s fierce disy, and for a moment, they hesitated. This brief respite gave Alpha Storm a chance to regain his footing. It didn''tst long because soon she was preupied again, and the Alpha was left to fight alone. Again. Despite the injuries he sustained, the Alpha stood tall, and with a determined growl, he charged back into the fight. If only Beta Brooke was here.


    We were wolves, and we have an Alpha. It was just instinct to see our Alpha in danger and do something about it. It would break our hearts. I could see some of the students ready to howl in agony.


    These were myst thoughts before I watched the Alpha''s neck get separated from his body after a fierce tug. The strongest wolf in the pack has just been killed.


    In our presence.


    My attention wasn''t on the Alpha because he had never been a father to me. But he had been a father to the boys beside me. Kyle''s face turned pale. Earlier, he seemed torn between going outside to help his father and staying inside to protect us. But now the shadow was about to take over. Zeke finally snapped out of his stoic silence, his eyes wide with concern as he looked at his brother.


    Alpha Storm looked dead to me.


    Some students led the way through the window, while the rest ran towards the monster with only their friends to hold them back.


    "The Alpha is dead!" Someone shouted, and everyone began to howl. The monster at our door red at me for thest time before trampling back down the stairs.


    Poof, they all retreated and were gone in a twinkle of an eye. The rm stopped ring, and an eerie silence filled the air. Soon, we knew it was safe toe out when Mrs. Lau ran past the door.


    The students came out to see the chaos those monsters left behind. As I limped through the wreckage of the school with the crutches Reid had given me, I knew that life was never going to be the same again.


    The Alpha of the Wolf Cove pack is dead.


    Then I felt it again. That creeping sensation behind me. Something was watching me. I turned toward the window. Although I wasn''t aware that Kyle and Zeke hadn''t left yet. The beast that tore the Alpha changed back to its original form. Unbelievable! Mr. Diego? Blood dripped from his body. But the blood on his hands and mouth... he grinned at me, slowly guiding those bloody hands to his lips. He f*****g licked them!


    This caused Kyle to change into his wolf as he charged through the building despite Zeke''s angry calls.


    As Kyle transformed into his wolf form and lunged towards Mr. Diego, Zeke ran after him, yelling in desperation for his brother to stop. He managed to reach Kyle and tried to intervene, but Kyle was consumed by rage and grief. He was determined to avenge his father, no matter the cost. I could see the pain in Zeke''s eyes as he tried to reason with Kyle, but the bloodlust in his brother''s eyes was undeniable. ck and red fur crashed to the banisters and floor as they both fought for dominance.


    I felt a shiver run down my spine as I remembered that Mr. Diego was the mastermind behind the attack. But why? What does he want with our pack?


    I limped alongside the rest of the students who made their way to the ground floor. The teachers had changed back and were looking solemn. Everyone was looking solemn. I walked close by to the Alpha''s dead body, still wary of the fact that the monsters could still be lurking around. If they could kill the Alpha, what about us?


    "Enough!" Marley''s shattered voice stopped Kyle and Zeke from hurting themselves any further. It was their way of consoling themselves. By fighting each other. Pity. "You boys disappoint me."


    "Oh, shut up." Kyle said it heatedly in his changed form.


    My jaw dropped in shock at the sight of the Alpha. Then something caught my attention. It was the sight of the small knife digging into his ribs. I blinked at the familiar knife. Something smells fishy about the whole thing. Where it got fishy was when Marley got to the side of the Alpha. She must have plunged the knife into his chest without his knowledge.


    That was it.


    The knife.


    That was the same knife I had seen Marley with earlier in the day. It was the weapon she used to incapacitate the monsters, including the brown wolf that attacked Alpha Storm. I couldn''t believe what I was seeing-Marley had betrayed her own Alpha, and now she was trying to cover it up. This was to prove that he wasn''t her real mate, as she told everyone and abandoned my father.


    As the realization dawned on me, I hobbled closer to the scene, my heart pounding in my chest.


    "You are too close, Naya. Step back." Marley shot me a venomous re, her eyes warning me to keep silent. She knew that I had figured it out. But how was I going to prove it?


    I had seen the knife. I had seen her use it, but I ignored it. The whole event was nned with Mr. Diego... Ugh, he doesn''t deserve to be called Mr. Diego. If the school finds out... Jeez, it will connect back to me again. Everyone knew I and Mr. Diego were close. Obviously, they are not close enough to plot the Alpha''s death together.


    Things just got a bit darker. And it started when I knew that she was the one responsible for Alpha Storm''s death. It seemed earlier like she was helping the Alpha, but she was actually aiming for the Alpha.


    Marley''s eyes narrowed, and she took a step towards Kyle. "I will ignore what you just said." She turned to Zeke, hissing low. "Control your brother."


    Kyle scoffed. "Do you think I am not aware of everything? You brought your daughter to plot this s**t, didn''t you? I know that too."


    Marley waved him aside. "Oh please. You are in public. We will discuss this at home."

 Chapter 29

    The Alpha''s body was carried by Reid and the others closest to him back to the pack house. I eyed the Alpha''s side onest time to see that the knife was gone from his side. Frantically, I turned around to see who took it. Marley was trying to calm Zeke and Kyle down while the rest were clearing the rumbles and wreckage. "This has never happened before. Who could have done this?"


    "Mr. Diego.. I wanted to say." But I kept my mouth shut. It refused to leave my lips. Thest time I had contact with Mr. Diego, almost everyone knew about my friendly rtionship with him.


    Was there anything I wasn''t involved in? I didn''t miss the malicious gaze Kyle gave me. "What?" I mouthed to him in defense. It was just the three of us who saw him leave grandly. He was different from Mr. Diego, whom I sawst week. The Dean was right to say that those shits would take human form.


    I thought I had found someone I could speak with whenever everyone turned their back on me.


    I have always been unlucky. This was way worse.


    "Naya." said Renne, who was by my side in an instant. She looked as worried as everyone else in the gathering. We weren''t exactly celebrating our Alpha''s death. Even for me. My stay at the mansion will get worse or better; I don''t know yet.


    "It''s Mr. Diego and the Luna." I wanted to say. It got stuck in my throat. It was a hard lump that I couldn''t swallow. Tears slipped from the sides of my eyes. "Aloha Storm is dead. Did you see that? Does it mean I brought those things here?" Renee was a bit confused. "What do you mean? Look, Naya, you had no hand in this. Did you kill the Alpha yourself?"


    "But if I hade out when everyone asked me to. When Big Darren asked me to..."


    Renee''s fingers wiped my tears away. "It''s okay, Naya. There is a reason for all of this, and the elders will get to the root of the problem." She sighed, staring at Zeke and Kyle. "The boys need you right now. You are the closest to a sister they have." I nearly snorted. "Sister?"


    Renee realized what she said. "I may be wrong, and I don''t expect them to change over night, but I think they need you more than that silly bitch." She jerked her head towards Brooke, who was wailing and whooping noisily.


    "Brooke is just heartbroken. The alpha sent her father on a mission. This is his chance toe back home t his daughter." I was saying this based on the knowledge I had concerning Brooke. I could be wrong. "There she is. I hope you are satisfied." The girl who screamed at me earlier in the ss used me mercilessly.


    I sucked in my lower lips. "It isn''t my fault you weren''t bait. If you desired to save the Alpha so much, why didn''t you offer yourself to those monsters?" I was in heat and in no mood for her trash. "You are a whore."


    I scoffed. "Then you are a fool to think that." I was about to retort when a re from Zeke shut me up. If he expected me to be by Marley and their side, he must be joking. "Girls, girls. I understand your emotions at the moment, but this is the wrong time and ce to do thil Mrs. Lau, our dean, groaned at our bickering.


    "Mrs. Lau! The Alpha is dead!" Brooke ran toward her in anguish. A part of me wondered why she was wailing so much. It was all for show. "What are we going to do now?"


    "Get a grip on yourself, Brooke. Everyone is just as heartbroken as you are." Renee snapped. She wasn''t the type to say things like this. This was the first time I saw her this angry. Brooke went to the source, which was beside me. She refused to re at Renee but instead red at me. "You. You caused all of this."


    I rolled my eyes. "You never get tired of this, do you?"


    Her hands found my hair instantly. "You killed our Alpha with your tricks. Everyone said you were bait. You silly girl!"


    The pain shot through my head like lightning. "Ouch." I stamped my shoes on her legs, to which she yelled in pain. It was like the time we fought in the halls again.


    Big hands separated us before it could get out of hand. Zeke''s cologne whiffed past my nose as he stopped us firmly.


    "Naya,e with me now. Kyle, control your girlfriend." He growled at a sulking Kyle, who went ahead to grab Brooke.


    "This isn''t thest of it. Tell them what you did to your Alpha!" She shrieked as Kyle dragged her away. Probably to a quiet spot. I hope he questions her for her stupid actions.


    "Sorry, Naya." Renne whispered before I was dragged away by Zeke into the car. Reid was already standing there and watched me wearily as Zeke gave him strict orders never to let me out of his sight. Just great. I get that I haven''t been on my best behavior. Reid folded his hands across his chest to show me that he wasn''t in the mood to have a conversation.


    Well, I wasn''t either. "Why do you take orders from Zeke? And you stare at me like I am a nuisance." I turned to look at myself through the ssy window. I did look like a nuisance with my red hair sticking everywhere. My scalp hurt from where Brooke dragged me. I had no power to fight her and always ended up bruised.


    My hands and legs ached, and let''s not forget the bandage that kept me standing. I leaned on the door with a heavy sigh. Even Reid doesn''t want to talk to me.


    "You are troublesome, yet weak." He started, causing me to eye his bulgy muscles that threatened to rip out his shirt.


    "You have a mate, right? She must be lucky to have you." I said dryly. It wasn''t intentional, since he chose to call me weak out of the blue. Hello! I am an omega. We are expected to be weak. However, the thought of Mr. Diego and Marley made me pause. It overwhelmed the snarky remark I was going to make to him. "What can you say about the Alpha of the Blood moon pack?"


    Reid frowned before a low growl escaped his lips. "Don''t speak of what you don''t know, Omega."


    I scoffed at his choice of words. "Oh, so it is back to omega, now?"


    Reid clearly wasn''t listening to me. "You need to know your ce. Why the hell do you want to know about a rival pack that just killed the Alpha? Or are the rumors true? Do you have a hand in his death?"


    I rolled my eyes. "You need to know your enemy to kill your enemy." Don''t ask; I just made that statement up. Besides, it was the only way to get Reid off my back. They were all ming me for what I didn''t do, and I hate it.


    Reid sighed, tearing his eyes from the cleaning team. Marley was busyforting some students while Zeke spoke with the elders. Kyle was probably somewhere kissing Brooke or calming her down. The thought made me angry beyond belief. "Knowing your enemy and killing your enemy are two different things."


    "Well, it''s clear who killed the Alpha. However, we need to get closer and know their source of strength before striking."


    He gave me a look of admiration, but it quickly disappeared, and I thought it might be my imagination. "You do know politics. Tell me, little Omega, why did you refuse to be bait if you knew about this."


    And we were back to square one again. It seemed like the conversation was going nowhere. "Because there was no need to. The Alpha came when he was called upon. Why do I need to go out there? Besides, why choose me as bait?" That question always puzzled me. Maybe with Reid, I''d finally get an answer.


    "You are perfect for bait. The Luna suggested it."


    I sucked in my breath just as Marley''s fierce eyes met mine. She was plotting something, and I just knew it wasn''t good. She walked towards us when she saw my eyes linger on her.


    "Come, we need to talk." Marley pulled me to the side. She didn''t give me time to breathe from all the limping when she began to say. "You had no right to interfere. I am d you kept your mouth shut."


    "You killed the Alpha, didn''t you?" I asked directly. There was no point in beating about the bush.


    Marley grinned maliciously. "I did, and guess what? You aren''t going to say anything about it."

 Chapter 30

    I was taken aback by Marley''s confession, but I maintained myposure, refusing to show any fear. "Why did you do it? Why kill the Alpha?" I asked, trying to understand her motives.


    Marley''s grin widened, and she leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let''s get you to the storm manor."


    I was expecting her to tell me the real reason behind it. "Looks like Mr. Diego made your work easier." She knew I was using her. But that was because I couldn''t believe what I saw her do. That knife belonged to her. There was no way she would deny it and I''ll believe her. Never. Marley had orchestrated the entire n to kill the Alpha, and I couldn''t help but wonder if she was the mastermind behind the invasion of the rogue creatures as well.


    I gasped at the realization of that. She could have collided with the blood moon pack to kill him. To what gain?


    "You put the entire pack at risk," I retorted, anger bubbling up inside me. "You endangered everyone just to satisfy yourself? What about the consequences?"


    Marley''s eyes darkened, and she shot back, "You''re one to talk, Naya. Always sneaking around, meddling in other people''s business, and being a general nuisance. You''re just as responsible for this as I am."


    "That''s not true," I protested. "I may have my issues, but I would never endanger the pack like this."


    Before Marley could respond, Zeke approached us, his expression serious. "What''s going on here?"


    Marley quicklyposed herself, hiding her dark intentions behind a mask of innocence. "We were just discussing what happened. It''s a tragedy for the pack."


    Zeke nced at me, then back at Marley, suspicion evident in his eyes. "I don''t like secrets, Marley. We need to be open with each other, especially in times like these."


    Marley nodded, feigning understanding. "You''re right, Zeke. I''m just upset and emotional."


    Zeke''s attention shifted to me. "And what about you, Naya? Do you have something to add to this conversation?"


    I hesitated for a moment, torn between revealing Marley''s secret. But then I remembered the weight of the Alpha''s death on my conscience, and I couldn''t bear the thought of keeping more secrets. "Nothing." Literally nothing came out of my mouth. Sometimes, I disappoint myself for no reason.


    "Why did you do that?" My wolf asked in disappointment. I wasn''t far from it myself.


    I shrugged. "This is a pack issue and trust me Naya, you don''t want me to get involved in pack politics. The elders will question us and find out if I had any connection with this. If they find out that I had the slightest connection to Mr. Diego, I am doomed. With the Alpha dead, I will live in constant fear."


    Zeke''s eyes lowered in intensity. "Alright. Let''s go. The people have made arrangements and have just sent a message to Beta Brooke. He might note." His statement was neither a question. We do not know where Beta Brooke was yet. Although saying this, Zeke''s voice is a mix of disappointment and anger.


    Marley held Zeke''s gaze for a moment before lowering her eyes. "Yes, but Zeke, you need to understand. Beta Brooke is the beta of this pack. You might have to resume responsibilities soon."


    That would mean no more high school for Zeke as he would get pulled into the pack politics and try to avenge his father. He also knew that Mr. Diego was the killer yet he wasn''t saying anything about it.


    I appreciate that he was more cool headed than Kyle, but something tells me that he was even deadlier. Would I prefer Kyle whose emotions were usually disyed on his face or Zeke who you never knew what he was thinking?


    Kyle emerged from the corner with a calm Brooke. Speak of the devil and he shall appear.


    Zeke knew that before he left, he had to give a calm speech to the warriors and teachers that lingered around. Some parents hade and taken their children to the hospital while many of them sat, worried to death.


    "Let''s face the truth. The death of the Alpha, Alpha Storm, my father has put the entire pack at risk, and now we''re in a precarious situation." He said sternly, eyeing everyone present.


    "I''m sorry, Zeke," Marley said, her voice trembling. "I didn''t think it would go this far." To the people, they saw a devoted Luna who although was a w***e, loved her mate so much. That was a fat lie.


    "We need to handle this responsibly," Zeke continued as ranges of ''sorry, Alpha'' filled the air. His alpha instincts were taking over now as I could see me''s red eyes flickering in and out. Zeke must be trying hard to control me. "Everyone here should inform the others. Lock your doors and don''t allow unexpected visitors into your homes. The blood moon pack infiltrated our school. We can''t let that happen again. After the meeting with the elders, we will pass out the next information. Stay safe." More consoling pats to his back and Kyle''s and I was shoved inside the Storm''s car.


    Marley turned to Zeke who was looking out of the window while Reid drove off. "You spoke like a true alpha out there. I am so proud of you."


    I nearly gagged at her disy of motherly affection. She should stop that because it was making me nauseous.


    Kyle has been quiet throughout the journey and I couldn''t help but wonder what was running through his mind. His nightmare happened right before his eyes. His greatest fear had happened. Who was going to guide the pack now?


    By tomorrow morning, the elders will invade the pack house so that the protection barriers and warriors will be informed of thetest events. Revenge will be our next goal.


    I turned to Zeke who was brooding. It was going to be tough for him too. He might be Alpha as he was the first toe out before Kyle. Though with the support of Kyle, he may pass through the challenges of being an Alpha, but Zeke also needs someone like Beta Brooke. Beta Brooke controls all trades and knew what young Zeke didn''t.


    It wasplicated.


    The worst part of it all? Zeke would get challenged by other wolves who feel they should sit on thete Alpha storm''s throne. This was where his training would be put to great use. I have seen things like this in the past, but Alpha storm was a formidable figure. Everyone envied him without balls to confront him. Now if the lesser wolf takes his ce, they woulde to challenge him for it. Poor Zeke.


    As I sat in between the boys, I couldn''t help but feel conflicted. What would be my role in all of these? It was Alpha Storm who requested Ie to the manor. With him gone, am I free to go back to pa''s cottage? On one hand, I knew Marley deserved to face the consequences of her actions, but on the other hand, I empathize with her. The only reason she may have done this might be because he wasn''t her real mate?


    Oh, I don''t know anymore. I am so confused.


    The pack also had the job of protecting their young. With the danger out in the open, the pack would have to grapple with the aftermath of the Alpha''s death and deal with the challenges of finding a new Alpha. Which was to be Zeke of course. Unless they protest which will bring about the pack fight and all that nonsense about tradition.


    I have asked myself the role I y in all these. I think I know the answer. Slowly, I reached for Kyle''s hands and Zeke''s making sure neither of them knew I held their hands at the same time.


    A bright smile filled my face. My brain refused to remember thest time Zeke pped me or the time Kyle posted my nude all over school. All I needed to do was tofort them.


    Their hands were the warmest thing I have ever touched. However, Kyle snatched his hands back immediately, subtly shifting to the far end of the seat. He must be too devastated to hold my hands. My heart strings tugged a little as it hurt to feel unwanted. It wasn''t a new feeling.


    Zeke kept his hands on the seat while I ced my mind on them. Jeez.. he was so warm. We wolves were warm blooded because of our fur. I don''t know why his hands coursed electricity through my veins. It was the same when I touched Kyle. Now that side feels so cold.


    "The first day I met Alpha storm." Marley began. "He was the darkest wolf I have ever seen. Matched with my gray wolf. I was the middle ground while he was the ground itself."


    I held in my snort at my mother''sme attempt to lighten the atmosphere. She smiled sadly at Zeke. "I will do everything I can to help you, even if it means dragging Beta Brooke''s a*s to this ce myself." Well, that might not be so easy.

 Chapter 31

    The car ride continued in silence as we approached the Storm Manor. It was thest ce I wanted to be right now, but hey... anything for Zeke and Kyle, right? The tension in the car after Marley had said those words were palpable, and this was because Zeke couldn''t bring himself to say any other word. Not even a ''thank you for supporting me'' escaped his plump lips. It all ended on an awkward note and I couldn''t help but feel the weight of the situation on my shoulders. I was in the middle of all these no matter how I try to deny it. The pack''s future was uncertain, and the burden of secrets was heavy on me too. Very soon, all connections will point to me as the perpetrator. If it gets to me, I will waste no time in pointing Marley out.


    Soon, Reid drove skillfully into the manor. I never had to look at the manor from inside a car properly. This time, I didn''t have to wait for the gates to be open, because it opened on its own ord as the car glided in until it got to the house I was allowed to live in. Yes, allowed to live in.


    Speaking of living in houses, I haven''t visited the cottage sincest week. It must be dusty and smelly.


    The familiar scent of pines and wood mixed with our natural scents as we entered the manor. The pack house was designed expertly for this. The forest was close by


    if we ever needed a run or hunt. Even though it was private property, it led somewhere. I can''t believe I didn''t see it all along. There is a different feeling to it whening down from one of the Storm''s cars. The ce felt different without Alpha Storm''s presence. It was as if the walls themselves mourned his loss. If he was here right now, he would be sitting right... there. I turned to the patio expecting to see Alpha storm basking under the mild sunlight, sipping coffee and reading a book.


    When I''d pass to throw a trash bag, he would raise his head and ce his ice gaze briefly on me. Then I would be overwhelmed, lower my eyes and hurry to finish my business outside. Would I miss those ice eyes and gaunt face that disyed how irritated he was by my omega presence? No, I won''t.


    But the boys will miss his presence. The kitchen staff were outside alongside the rest of the staff who worked for the Alpha were ready to take the burden of carrying him into the house. "Where are they taking him to?" I surely hoped they weren''t about to take the dead and injured Alpha into the house.


    Marley sighed. Probably frustrated by my pattern of thinking. "To the infirmary. There, the pack doctors will check him and find out the cause of his death. It''s just formality."


    Hm. I turned to study her grim face. Heavens knew that I hated how we resembled each other. Our eyes were both like cunning cats, our lips... Her blue eyes darted here and there. Marley''s hidden motives still puzzled me. Why did she orchestrate the Alpha''s death? What was her endgame? There were too many questions swirling in my mind, and the answers seemed to elude me. "If it''s just formality, everyone saw what the blood moon pack did to him. Will that be good for you?" She knew what I was talking about. I smirked when she wrapped her gray coat around her and dug her hands inside its pockets. She was nervous.


    "Naya, I am not in the mood for your shenanigans. We are both going to be very busye evening. You might want to take a nap before then." With that, she walked off, epting the constion looks the staff gave her. To them, she had just lost her mate. Although my mother killed the Alpha, I can see what his absence for a few hours was doing to her. She seemed physically tired in almost everything.


    The staff working for the storm manor simply consisted of hunters and wolves who wanted to make their lives better than the average wolf. They were thoroughly selected and screened out the moment there was a problem. It made them few yet reliable and efficient. With good pay of course.


    I studied Zeke closely, his emotions hidden behind a stoic expression. I wanted to see him cry orugh or show something at least. He didn''t have to contain the burden alone! He was burdened with the weight of losing his father and Aloha at such an early age and of being an Alpha, but he wasn''t the only one facing challenges. I lost both my parents at a young age, came home one day to meet the one I thought had abandoned me. She gave me a new hell of a life.


    The one I am currently in.


    We had just entered the manor when it got busy. A group of men in white coats- doctors of course, rushed into the Alpha''s suit. I guessed that''s where the infirmary was. Or not because they came rushing down after Marley was on their heels. I was sure she didn''t want them to find out the knife was stuck to the Alpha''s side by her.


    They wouldn''t believe it was her anyway.


    They all spoke in hushed tones as they entered a hall I had never seen before. I turned swiftly to crash into a hard brick. My bandaged arms hit strong abs, causing me to fall and yell out in pain. My crutches scattered everywhere and I raised my eyes to see Kyle looking down on me with his lips curled up in disgust.


    "Don''t ever get in my way again." He simply warned, leaving me on the floor to gather myself.


    I sniffled back my tears as I dragged my lower body to where my crutchesy. I thought we were past this harsh rtionship. He was doing that again. The evil he did when I resumed Wolf cove academy. Always cing his leg where I would pass through so that he would get the joy of me nting my face to the floor. So sadistic.


    Something tapped me from behind. I shifted my weight to the other side so that I could see what it was. It was Zeke holding one of my crutches with an amused tint in his eyes. Does my pain make him happy? This was the first emotion I have seen in his eyes. It was subtle, but it was there. I knew me being in pain made him happy.


    Why do I feel giddy at the sight of his amused eyes? Jeez, Naya, are you getting sucked into a toxic rtionship? It was endless as I wanted him to take me right here like we were animals. We were wolves and weren''t afraid of our nakedness. It was our human side that gave us the sense of decency. Besides who would want to see someone like Reid f*****g out the brains of his wife on his porch early in the morning?


    No f*****g decency.


    "You keep causing trouble Naya. Stay clear of our way." He said, moving to pick the other crutch. Wait a minute, why is he picking my crutches? He should know by now that I don''t trust him one bit when he does a single kind favor. Thest time he did, I was at the receiving end of his anger and kindness. He paused before handing it to me. He was thinking about something. "Kyle is in a bad mood."


    "Yeah, no shit." I muttered under my breath. How much more does he need to prove to me that he was in a bad mood? So, yeah, no s**t.


    A ghostly smile lifted his lips and he leaned closer to where Iy sprawled like a f*****g slut. "Kyle being in a bad mood also means he is in a blue ball stage. You don''t want to cross his path, especially when you are smelling this sweet."


    Shut, s**t, s**t. The Scentless spray! Kyle still had it! I need to cover my scent. I could only imagine how everyone reacted when I came closer- Reid, Marley, Ren¨¦e. Goodness! How had they prepared their nostrils against my scent? Ren¨¦e said I smelled rotten. Why me? Why do I have to be the first to go into heat because I am an omega? Renee already has an experience with these things so she must have collected the Scentless spray from a probably miserable omega so that she would do her job without any mateless wolf desiring to f**k her into oblivion. I had a feeling that Zeke wasn''t just talking about his horny brother, but himself.

 Chapter 32

    Really? If Kyle was that horny, it could only mean one thing. He hasn''t been receiving some from Brooke. It also meant he wasn''t f*****g her! I am sure he was f*****g with her. That realization of hearing Kyle did not soil himself made me feel proud for no reason. Zeke must have seen my thoughts on my face because his next statement puzzled me. He tapped on my bony nose after a word with his index finger. "What. Ever. You. Are. Thinking. Stop. Thinking. That. Or I will do something you will like." With that he got up and With what? you may ask.


    walked


    away.


    With my f*****g crutches under his arm? I was on the clean floor with no one to help me stand up. Zeke was no different from his brother. However, that was the least thing on my mind right now.


    What the heck does he mean by he will do something I like? Did my desires show on my face that much? I didn''t think so. Reid suddenly brushed past with his phone on his right pointy ears. His low voice vibrated through the hall.


    "I will ask the security to let you right in. Oh, you brought the others?" He didn''t sound pleased. It was going to be a problem.


    "Reid!" I iled my hands in the air to catch his attention. "Help me up, please." I didn''t tell him that the others saw me on the floor and ignored my cry to help me get up. Who knew how long I was here for.


    He gave me an irritated look before stretching forth his hands. I see why he always wore that look when he saw me. My f*****g scent! I need that Scentless spray before I distrust their meeting whenever I want to pee!


    I took his hand and he didn''t even move from where he was as he hoisted me up. He dropped my hands immediately and walked off. He was probably going to get the people he was on the phone with.


    Not anyone could enter the Storm''s manor. If it was so, Marley wouldn''t leave herself to get me. She would have sent someone or something.


    Before I could look away, five light brown fur coated wolves flew through the open doors elegantly and majestically. The staff who had ignored my request for help, were standing by with fresh towels and coats for coverage. These whole es didn''t care if there was any one watching as they transformed back to their human form as graceful and possible. There was a pool of blood everywhere. Thank goodness, I was far from it. A strong smell of copper filled the air.


    A woman''s feet was seen first as she stepped out of the blood and was handed a towel. I could only see her long ck hair that shielded half of her buttocks. The front was probably bare. She cleaned her neck from the blood that got stuck to her face and hair. Then she handed it back to the male servant. She collected a white fuzzy coat from the same male and threw on. After buttoning up, she turned to stare at me. She must have felt my gaze on her back the entire time.


    When she grinned, her teeth were silver in color. It gave me the creeps. She didn''t bother to clean her bloody legs and slipped into the heels handed to her by the male servant.


    She was majestic and gave me the creeps too! Why haven''t I seen this sight before? Well, it wasn''t everyday the Alpha died. She tilted her head when she eyed my weak form. Even without the bandage, I was disappointed with my body. I get why she was looking at me this way. Posted by


    Her gaze on me didn''tst long. She turned and glided above the stairs with apparently nothing underneath her coat.


    The second male was halfway cleaning his body. They were all in great shape. Could this be the elders everyone talked about? They were just as young as Alpha storm. Don''t these people grow old or something. Their eyes held experience of their years. He gave me a slight grin before climbing the stairs with vigor. The rest of them followed him with so much arrogance and elegance that I couldn''t be angry at them.


    Their eyes told me they knew something I didn''t. It infuriated me so much. The one person I wanted to see above all was Beta Brooke. How majestic was he going to be? Alpha Storm was just like these people. You could never get to fully breathe in their presence because they made you freeze.


    I and Naya tried to defile his orders and got our bones broken with just amand. Just great. How would it feel to defy these people? I didn''t want to try.


    I eyed the bloody staircase where each of them climbed and disappeared down a corner. The staff went to work without murmuring about the amount of blood that filled the room. Reid didn''t have to give much orders because soon, bleach and antiseptic smell filled the room and it was sparkling.


    "Move out of the way!" Someone yelled beside me, making me quickly realize how much of a nuisance I was bing. Taking Marley''s advice didn''t seem so bad at the moment.


    But the thought of my scent filling the entire storm manor, kept me on my toes.


    By evening, the pack would probably gather for a meeting. The elders only just arrived, it may take long, but the pack will surely hear somethingforting tonight. We were night creatures, wolves, and we did our best at night.


    "It''s okay, Naya. We will be fine." My wolf consoled me with a loud howl in my head as soon as I limped into my room. Ouch.


    My room consisted of a simple bed and closet for my things. I didn''t have half as much belongings so... There was a toilet and bathroom for convenience. It was bigger than my room at the cottage and much cozier, but worse than the Twins and Alpha suite. You could say that my room equaled that of the staffs''.


    Pathetic.


    "Don''t tell me you miss Alpha storm. He wasn''t nice to us." I quickly defended to make sure she removed everyst minute of affection for the dead Alpha.


    "He wasn''t wicked either. He asked Mother to bring us here. You weren''t exactly in good shape before you came here." Naya countered with good points. I don''t think I would ever win her in an argument.


    I was prompted to check how true her words were. There was a mirrorying on the table so I picked it up to check my face. The feature I loved the most on my body was my eyes. It held so much emotion and I could never hide how I felt because my eyes would betray me. It was big and blue. Perfect. My head satfortably on my neck while my short red hair covered my pointy ears. If anyone saw that, they wouldugh because it made me look like a rabbit. My cor bone was fine although I couldn''t say the same for my breasts. They sat on my chest heavily. It wasn''t hard carrying them about, but it attracted Zeke and Kyle as they always stared at it.


    My juices nearly gushed out as I remembered the time Zeke twirled my n*****s with his index fingers. Those times were... right it was my scent. I closed my eyes in disappointment. Why didn''t I think of it? It only became more apparent when I went into full heat mode. I threw the mirror to the side as the rest of my body wasn''t what I''d like to see at the moment. Besides, they were covered in bandages. It would take at least a week to remove them and walkfortably.


    My eighteenth birthday will be here soon.l and the time for choosing a mate will take ce. "What will our mate look like?" I asked Naya who was prancing about my entire mind like it was her space. You are right. It was hers as much as it was mine. "He will look glorious." She said in a clipped tone. I could not help but think she was hiding something from me.


    "What''s wrong?" I asked.


    She sighed. "You don''t like your body and it''s making me unhappy."


    "I don''t like your shape or color either." I snapped at her brooding. She should get over it. It wasn''t the first time I said I was disappointed with both our looks. "Look at me or Shadow... look at Marley''s gray wolf. She doesn''t look better, but she is definitely not our shade of brown. Pa was just normal." "No. You are actually disappointed you took pa''s look and not mother''s." She deadpanned.

 Chapter 33

    She knew I hated it when she referred to Marley as mother. I picked up the mirror to give her a pointed look through it. She didn''t even let me defend myself before she attacked again.


    "And don''t tell me, you feel bad for him, this and that. You and I know that our lives at the cottage were miserable. Remember when you had to work part time at that supermarket? You don''t have to. Or the neighbors that brought you food every morning? You detested that sympathetic shit." She retorted, sitting down to scratch her neck. "How long have you known this truth?" I gave her a sarcastic reply of my own.


    "I am happy with the way I look. I don''t want to look heavy. Just being light as a mutt is okay." She was using my own insultive words as a constion. I admire that. "False and Shadow is my dream wolf. Don''t get me wrong, they look great, but I am fine with being the little one among them, so they would protect me."


    I removed my shirt slowly. It was time to take a shower and stop the horny talk Naya was about to enter into. "That''s the pathway you have chosen?"


    "Oh, please. You want this as much as I do. So be happy. We have majestic beings to protect us. Speaking of majestic things... what should we do about the elderly woman that smirked at you?"


    I sighed. What could I do? She clearly invited trouble when she gave me that degrading smirk. Her body looked great no doubt, but that was no way to smile at your fellow wolf. That was downright rude.


    I hated it.


    "Let''s leave her alone." I said, remembering the spray. "Instead, let''s get the spray. It should be in Kyle''s room."


    "He doesn''t care much about boundaries unlike Zeke. But we should tread softly. He is in a bad mood." Her voice sounded too excited for someone going to do a bad thing.


    I stepped into my bathroom. "Tell me Naya, why are you so excited?"


    "We are entering Kyle''s room for the first time! You know what? I think we should ask him for the spray can than to sneak into his room when he is exceptionally horny. I don''t think it is a good idea." Naya said nervously.


    "Make up your mind Naya, either we do this or we don''t." Walk up to him and ask him for my spray can? Never. He would chew my head off. I can''t even breathe in his presence as his scent makes me want to bed over for him. I would make a fool of myself, never able to resist him of he decided to rip my clothes and f**k me in his room.


    Thest time I entered Zeke''s room ended in a sad tale. Not this time. I will be in and out of his room in no time. He won''t even know I was there because I will use it to conceal my presence right in his room.


    "I don''t like the students bullying you at school. So I am in." She finally said after much thinking. Naya''s thoughts were like mine, but I had the ability to differentiate her thoughts from my thoughts. It wasn''t thatplicated.


    I grinned wickedly. Actually, I was excited to see Kyle''s room. He wasn''t like Zeke so it would end well. I was so sure it would end well.


    Unless it didn''t.


    #


    Zeke''s POV


    I gently ced Naya''s crutches to the side. She was an amusing little wolf. I understood why Kyle behaved that way in her presence. Not after we saw Baron Diego tear our father''s neck during the fight.


    Kyle was aware of the rtionship between Naya and Baron Diego, although I had a feeling she was innocent in all of these. Diego had actually infiltrated our schools as the nicest teacher to Naya. It was only natural she was drawn to him.


    I could only imagine how she felt when she saw that gruesome sight with us. Her best teacher was the blood moon pack leader. A feeling in me inclined me to the fact that he may want something from Naya or simply wanted to use her.


    It made me pity her. Seeing her on the floor like that, innocent, helpless and smelling heavenly like strawberries brought out the Alpha in me. All I wanted to do at that point wasfort her.


    Instead I took her crutches away like the sadistic bastard I was. This was no time to be sympathetic. Without her crutches, she would steer clear from Kyle. It was for her safety.


    A knock on my door brought me out of my reverie.


    "It''s me. Can Ie in?" It was Marley, my father''s mate who said she would protect me. I couldn''t help but feel her intentions were for her selfish reasons. I just have to y along with her kindness.


    "Come in." I say, scanning my room briefly for anything off. There wasn''t. Although I was shirtless. That was nothing she hadn''t seen before.


    "How are you feeling?" She sat beside me on the bed. Subtly she eyed my frame and licked her dry lips. Her gaze reluctantly returned to my face. "I tried to check on Kyle, but his room was off limits. You know, he put out the sign again."


    Oh, the ''do not disturb, Kyle mode.'' sign. The first day I saw that was ridiculous. I thought it was his usual joke until a servant wanted to keep his food and heshed out at her for opening the door in the first ce.


    She was fired that day. Ever since the sign, his food was kept outside his door. When he dealt with his emotions, the servants would return back to cing the food in his room.


    For me? It wasn''t like that. My food was always ced outside and a servant was never to enter my room without permission.


    "I see." I simply said. The atmosphere was getting awkward and I wanted to know why she was here. "What is it?"


    It gave her the opportunity to speak. "Ah, yes. The elders are here and they requested your presence."


    The elders? That was too soon. "The meeting should be between you and them." There would be more workload to add to my school duties.


    Marley held a worried look on her face as she caressed my arms sensually. I''ll pretend I didn''t notice what she was doing. "I know, but you need to attend the meeting. It''s for your father''s sake. If word gets out that you are refusing responsibilities? You will be in worse trouble as it is."


    I shrugged her hands away. "And what do you know about pack duties? It''s politics. It''s bullshit." Thest time my father held a meeting was for the food supplies. There was a heated argument between him and the elders, however his words remained. Alongside the elders. They were a formidable force when they came together. Watching them was hectic, now being in it? Zeke wasn''t sure he was cut out for it no matter what anyone said.


    "Not entirely bullshit." She followed me. "I can help you if you want." She suggested again. I wondered what type of help she was suggesting.


    "Okay." I chose to y along. Let''s see what she''s got.


    As the evening turned into night, the hall became busier for the meetings. The chef''s went into full force, preparing dishes for the otherwise hungry elders. They always ate plenty when they came. Somehow, I wished Beta Brooke was here. He was the closest to my father.


    I had just opened the halls when the elders arrived, and Marley guided me to the center of the room. There was arge table and five chairs surrounded it. My chair was at the very first while my father''s was at the far end of the room. It was off boundaries because his chair was a symbol of the leadership I might inherit. I sat on the edge of my seat feeling like an outsider in the seas of wolves.


    A woman walked in first. I nearly gagged in hoor at the blood sticking to her feet. It glued her heels and her feet together as she skillfully walked in them, taking her seat at the second chair.


    "Pup Zeke," she bowed slightly, almost mocking me. Pup? I blinked, baffled at her audacity to call me a pup when with my father''s death, I am an Alpha. I grunted my reply. Her eyes were cunning and her lips ever raised in a smirk. She was wearing a white fur coat that was stained with blood here and there. She reeked of it. But I am sure she did that just to make me ufortable and on my toes.


    The second man entered not long after. He was also dressed in a white suit and pants with probably nothing underneath, just like this woman was. I could see her perky breasts from under. They disgusted me.


    The male slightly bowed before taking his seat at the fourth table. Not even a word of greeting. The third woman entered the room like a ravaged animal. Panting heavily and wet hair. I expected her to be worse off, but she actually smelled like soap and took the seat opposite me. She too was in a white gown and nothing on her feet. "Alpha Zeke," she greeted roughly. It must be the way she speaks.


    "Elder Rosalie." I grunted back. The blood woman turned with awe in her face.


    "You knew my name yet you ignored me." She started in a calm tone. I could hear the angry edge hidden in it. She didn''t fool me with her deceptive tone for a second.


    "Elder Freya. I greeted you." I simply shrugged. She hasn''t met the rude me yet.


    The fourth and fifth person entered less majestically. They seemed like they were pulled out of their busy schedules and didn''t have time for y.


    I wasn''t here to y either. Marley''s presence nearby added to theplexity of the situation. Her maniptive nature worried me, and I knew she would stop at nothing to achieve her goals. What were her goals exactly?


    Elder Freya turned to see Marley by my side. "Oh, the w***e is here again. When will I stop seeing this old bitche''s face?" Her smirk was still there and her voice sounded kind if I didn''t know any better.


    Marley chuckled bitterly. "Trust me, I don''t want to be here either."


    Elder Rosalie cleared her throat. "We all have a reason to be here. Freya, I suggest you tell us why we were summoned."


    "The Alpha''s death." Elder Freya went back to her business mode. She turned to me. "We need a new Alpha."


    "Are we casting a vote?" Elder Roy spoke.


    "Elder Roy, we have principles here. Someone has to prove himself. And where is your identical?" Elder Freya asked contemptuously. She wasn''t happy with me for no reason. Maybe my father did something she didn''t like. My identical? That was a funny way to ask me of my brother.


    "Did someone call me?" Kyle opened the door wide, allowing it to make a loud creaking noise. He wasn''t prepared to make a silent entrance. Typical Kyle. He went straight to where Elder Freya was and leaned towards her. Sensually of course. Kyle was going to getid tonight. I was sure of it. Then he did something I expected of him. His hands wrapped around her neck from behind, tightly. His long hair was packed up in a bun again. It was his charm. "My name is Kyle." He gritted out. "Don''t you ever forget that." He turned to the rest of the group with a smile on his face. He didn''t care that she was gasping for air. Her long nails wed at his arms and chest. He would kill her if I didn''t intervene. I was about to stop themotion when she suddenly used my brother to climb up the table. Then slowly, she twisted her neck to the side so my brother was holding a lifeless neck.


    "Elder Freya!" Elder Rosalie called frantically. They all watched with wide eyes.


    "Really?" I deadpanned Kyle who simply shrugged.


    "I swear, I wanted to release her but she chose that form to protect her pride." He pointed at the woman who twisted her neck back to position and gasped for air heavily. It would greatly affect her, but she would heal. She was an elder and only elders with great fighting experience could do that.


    I sighed, snapping my fingers at the servants standing by. She refused their help by raising her hands up. Our father taught us how to greet the elders and told us their names. We knew what to expect from the elders already.


    "Elder Rosalie, Roy, Archer and Derek. Wee to the pack home. This isn''t your first time here of course, but if you don''t want to end up like Elder Freya, I beseech you to refrain from saying provoking words. I am not in a good mood." He finally said before taking his seat. So much for a peaceful meeting.

 Chapter 34

    The walk to Kyle''s room wasn''t as scary as I thought it would be. However, I couldn''t walk through to his room without passing through the hallway where the elders passed through. There was no one in the hallway, so I thought it would be alright to peek through. Right? These were dangerous grounds I was treading on, but Naya didn''t let me think twice before I crouched low. I tiptoed gingerly towards the door while darting my eyes here and there.


    I glued my ears to the door of the room. The discussions were heated, voices raised as opinions shed. They have taken extra precautions in sealing the room walls so I couldn''t hear their voices. This was why I could never hear Alpha storm having his meetings with the elders. By the looks of it, the meeting was not going as nned. I was sure that the prospect of a new Alpha brought both hope and fear.


    I narrowed my eyes at the keyhole, hoping to see anything at all. Those majestic wolves I saw earlier weren''t here for peace, my guts told me. They were here for trouble. It wasn''t easy to see through the keyhole. There was a white table in the middle and they were all seated by it. It was like a f*****g cult.


    My eyes caught Zeke, who was listening intently, a sense of determination in his eyes. Despite his calm demeanor, I could see the storm brewing within him. He was about tosh out, I can see it.


    As I eyed everyone at the table including the elders who felt they needed to buttress their points of securing the next alpha for the throne, I grinned. Then I heard footsteps.


    It could only mean that there was one person at the door. Kyle.


    He wasing with full speed that I nearly tripped over trying to hide myself behind the bushes. ¡°F*****g.." I muttered in anger as the rose thorn pricked my palm all in a bid to run away from him.


    "Are we casting a vote?" I heard a gruff man speak. He must be one of the elders.


    "Elder Roy, we have principles here. Someone has to prove himself. And where is your identical?" A woman asked contemptuously. I watched as Kyle paused just at the foot of the door before inhaling and exhaling. He too was just as nervous as Zeke was in the room. He felt as though he was entering the fire while Zeke was already in the fire, looking just as miserable as anything I have ever seen. The boys had just lost their father and they were going in the midst of the elders to be saddled with responsibilities. Clearly, the elders weren''t here to sympathize with the boys. All they needed was to f**k the boys up, deem them irresponsible of taking the throne and rule themselves. Yeah, I knew a little about politics. It was them who birthed the council because they felt it was their right to rule the alpha in his own pack. What a ridiculous mentality.


    Besides, who asks about twins like that? Zeke''s identical? Whosoever asked that question was ridiculously stupid.


    Kyle took another deep breath. He didn''t notice my presence which deems it a perfect time to sneak into his bedroom and steal the Scentless spray for myself. However, the urge to watch the drama unfold was my greatest priority now. I wanted to see if he would y their usations cool or he would leave them alone. His hair was packed up in a tight bun that made him look older and masculine than he actually was. And for him, I couldn''t describe him manly enough. There was nothing morel wanted than to rub my hands sensually around his head and release his hair so that it woulde cascading down.


    How would Kyle react to them calling him an identical instead of an Alpha?


    "Did someone call me?" Kyle opened the door wide, and it made a loud creaking noise which further hid my presence from them. The room became clearer and I was surprised at its sheer beauty. It wasn''t a ce for strangers as you would not be ever wee. Knowing Kyle, he had been taking in those deep breaths to prepare himself for a grand entrance. He was so handsome when he did that. Very usual for him to show the world that he was there unlike Zeke who snapped when things didn''t go his way. He was more reserved, but even deadlier. The twins may seem like they differed but they were not much different from each other. Immediately he disappeared behind the door which closed with a loud thud, I crawled to the keyhole to stare at what he had got to show. My jaws dropped as he went straight to where probably the woman who had degraded him sat. He leaned over her sensually and that made me feel jealous. I thought he was going to hug her out and the matter would die down. What was I thinking? He was a f*****g Alpha and not an omega like me who forgave a bit too easily.


    35: Witnessing Kyle''s strength


    Her back was pressed against his chest and his eyes were hooded and held an amused tint. Everyone, including me, thought he was going to let it go. It was until he pressed her neck with his arm, I knew that Kyle was pissed beyond recognition. "My name is Kyle." He spat out clearly in anger as she had misjudged him. Really, many people misjudge Kyle as the yful one without a backbone. If he thinks I haven''t noticed his escapes with girls other than Brooke, he must be joking. They see him as the ck sheep of the family. Whereas, Kyle was just as Zeke was. A responsible aloha hidden behind all the rumble and facade of yfulness and boyishness.


    The woman held his hands tightly, trying to pry it off of her. "Let me go..." she wanted to say. I could barely hear it behind themotion as other elders felt it was helpful to yell and ask Kyle to let her go. Hell, they couldn''t even bring themselves to say a single word due to fear. Fear of the alpha.


    "Don''t you ever forget that." He faced the rest of the group with a silly smile. The one I havee to love as he bullied me. It rather turned me on. Jeez.. Naya, you are getting out of hand. I scolded myself for getting wet during his administration. If he was able to do this to a f*****g elder, then Kyle Storm was not afraid of any body or anything.


    The woman struggled for air. She tried to remove his hands by wing at them. Red blood seeped through the scratches she had made with her own fingers. She was desperate for air now and her face was turning red with each squeeze. Now blue and then purple. My ears perked with the loud shouts of one of the elders. The room walls weren''t as sealed as I thought they were. Suddenly the woman did something I thought an elder would never do. It was a risky move that could kill you. I guess she was that desperate to let go of herself. From Kyle''s strong grip. "Elder Freya!" Elder Rosalie called frantically. They all watched with wide eyes.


    "Really?" Zeke asked in a bored tone. I could see that he wanted to intervene since Kyle might end up killing her. If he killed her, there would be consequences. I didn''t think Zeke would like to see his brother being taken away or an action melted against him. It may be little considering they were alpha''s now, but still. A punishment. The woman twisted her neck to the back and dropped lifeless in Kyle''s hand.


    Kyle left her immediately and she dropped to the ground like a lifeless doll. "I swear, I wanted to release her but she chose that form to protect her pride." He pointed at the woman who twisted her neck back to position and gasped for air heavily. My goodness, he had done a number on her with just an arm squeeze. did she have to go through that point of twisting her own neck to the back? I guess that is why she was called an elder. She was the only one who would take drastic decisions to end a cold or unfair game. No matter how I hated this woman, she suddenly gained my interest and admiration.


    The twist to her neck would greatly cost her a day''s work or two but she would be alright in no time. I heard from the teachers that they weren''t called elders for their wisdom, but also for their ability to see through things and heal as fast as an alpha could. They were the ones who kept the alpha in check. I was in awe of her and her ways because olly elders with great fighting experience could pull that s**t which she just did.


    Zeke quickly snapped his hands, causing me toe back to reality. It would be dangerous if I am found listening in on their conversation. Yet my eyes stayed glued to the events unfolding before my eyes. No wonder their meetings were shielded against the pack. This was what went down indoors.


    Such a disappointment and also a blessing.


    The servants gave a small sigh before attending to the Alphasmand. I bet they were also fed up with the elder who didn''t know her ce. She refused their help by raising her hands up. I didn''t know what to expect from Kyle but he has greatly passed my expectations. He strangled an elder! I will tell Renee this stuff.


    What, ''tell Renee?'' Do I consider her my friend or something? It was a bit irritating to think this way.


    Kyle''s loud voice boomed again, causing me to raise my head up. It seemed he wanted to say something important again. "Elder Rosalie, Roy, Archer and Derek. Wee to the pack home. This isn''t your first time here of course, but if you don''t want to end up like Elder Freya, I beseech you to refrain from saying provoking words. I am not in a good mood." Wow. That was... exceptional. I should make sure this enter my books tonight.


    As the night wore on, the meeting showed no signs of conclusion. Everyone was anxious, eager to find a resolution, but it was noting easy. The elders debated, trying to assess who among them was worthy to take on the responsibility. Kyle or Zeke. Of course it would fall on poor Zeke or the both of them with Kyle his right hand. Where the f**k was Beta Brooke? I wished he was here.


    As I looked around, my thoughts turned to the twins again and Marley who was trying to make herself as small as possible. I thought she said she was going to help the twins? What was she doing there without speaking when needed to? I wish I was allowed to enter. I would let her know that I didn''t take her cowardly traits at all. The type that killed the alpha secretly with a life instead of challenging him to a real fight. Their lives were about to change drastically, and they needed support now more than ever. Zeke might be Alpha, but his path wouldn''t be an easy one, especially if others challenged his position.


    Unaware of my internal conflict, Kyle seemed lost in his own thoughts. I wondered how he was coping with everything, and I wished I couldfort him, but our past and present kind of held too much pain. Our rtionship wasplicated, and now was not the time to address it.


    The elders meeting continued well into the night, and as dawn approached, a sense of exhaustion settled over me. I couldn''t believe I let myself stay till the night on the floor without going to Kyle''s room. If I keep on kneeling here, I will nevery my hands on the Scentless spray. The discussions had reached a temporary impasse, and the elders decided to reconver to make their final decision. The decision I knew was to make Zeke the alpha of the wolf cove pack.


    I quickly made preparations to go to Kyle''s room. It wasn''t far from here. My heartbeat increased as there was no one in the hallway. My thoughts were simple, what if they finished the meeting now and came out of the hallway and went into his room? What would be of me?


    Yet, I had to get the spray. His room was nothing I had seen before as I opened the door. It was dark and smelt of his cologne. Then I blinked to get used to the darkness. I turned to the side, finding a switch. When I switched it on, I was shocked to see how neatly arranged his room was. Although not as Zeke''s, I was pretty impressed by the sheer neatness. There were no underlying clothes even though some were hanging in his wardrobe andundry basket. I moved around the room trying to find out where he dropped the spray. My eyes swept through the reading table.


    Nothing.


    It swept through his open cab. Nothing. But everything here looked f*****g exquisite and extravagant. It felt like I was in a men''s boutique. The king''s bed was at the center of the room and I scrunch my nose at the rumpled sheets. I found myself drawn to his open balcony, seeking peace in the early morning breeze. It was the perfect view. I did not know about Zeke''s because I was in a hurry to use his toilet and never got the chance back into his room. He was a close minded piece of s**t who imed he loved his personal space. I mean who didn''t love his or her personal space? I made one mistake, just one and he s**t me out since then. He must not like people who make mistakes then because I make a whole lot of f*****g mistakes. The events of that day and night have left me feeling overwhelmed, and I needed a moment of rity. rity to understand the strange things happening in the storm''s manor.


    36: A new day, A new alpha


    From the balcony, I gazed at the pack grounds, a mix of emotions swirling within me. There would be a definite meeting tomorrow where everyone would hear of the new alpha. The presence of Marley in the room with the elders bothered me. Not to think of the times she actually threw herself in the presence of Zeke, rubbing her breasts or pushing them up to him. Or the times she had actually tried to adjust her dress so that her breasts would be shoved to his face. She was truly the queen of seduction. Hence the bully I got at school. Not even an ounce of shame for her daughter''s crush. There was no way in hell, Marley wasn''t aware of my crush. I love being in the same space with Zeke and Kyle, not one more than the other or just one. Both of them. It puzzled me yet intrigued me of how it would be when the both of them epted my strange desires.


    Something told me it wouldn''t be such a bad idea.


    The uncertainty of the future and the secrets that surrounded us were suffocating. My heart ached for the twins, and I hoped they would find the strength to ovee the challenges ahead. I sighed, turning back to the room to search for the Scentless spray. I have wasted enough time as it is. The sun would rise soon and Kyle woulde bursting into his room with probably anger, a smile or neutral.


    "There you are!" I grinned at the bottle staring at me. It was hidden under the pile of clothes at the end of the room.


    "What are you doing?" A strong voice asked me, causing my spirit to nearly leave my body. It was Kyle. When did hee in?


    I whipped my head, knowing I could get a whishter. "Nothing? I was stumbling to the toilet when I thought this was my room." Yeah, the same trick might not work for Zeke''s. Startled by Kyle''s sudden presence, I quickly had to make up ame excuse about stumbling into his room by mistake. I hoped he wouldn''t see through my lie and get angry. This was Kyle we were talking about and an elder pissed him not too long ago. I wondered if he would fall for my tricks or strangle me for my lies. The thought of him cing his neck around me sensually, filled me with a sense of warmth. It would be the closest his hands were ever to my neck. "Uh, yeah, sorry about that. I''ll be on my way now." I stammered nervously, trying to hide the Scentless spray behind my back. He narrowed his eyes at me suspiciously, but surprisingly, he didn''t say anything. Instead, he just chuckled and said, "You''re such a weirdo, Naya. But fine, you can stay for a bit. Just don''t mess up my stuff."


    I let out a sigh of relief, trying to act casual. "Thanks, Kyle. I promise I won''t touch anything."


    As I continued to search for an excuse to linger in his room, he went to sit on the bed, his face showing signs of exhaustion. "It''s been a long night, and it''s not over yet. The elders won''t stop until they reach a decision. I don''t envy Zeke right now. The responsibilities of an Alpha are enormous."


    "Yeah, it must be tough for him," I replied, trying to sound sympathetic. "But you''ll support him, right? I mean, you''re brothers after all."


    Kyle''s expression softened, and he nodded. "Of course, we''re family. I''ll stand by him no matter what."


    I couldn''t help but feel a mix of admiration and longing for Kyle as I watched him. He was aplex person, and despite our past, I still cared for him deeply. But I knew that now wasn''t the time to address ourplicated rtionship.


    "So, uh, do you need anything? Can I get you a drink or something?" I asked, trying to be helpful.


    He smiled gratefully. "That''d be nice, thanks. Just water will do."


    As I fetched a ss of water from his bathroom, I couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to our encounter. Kyle seemed on edge, and I wondered if it had something to do with the elders'' meeting. I handed him the ss, and he took a sip, looking thoughtful. "Hey, Naya," he said, breaking the silence. "I know we haven''t always gotten along, but I appreciate you being here tonight." That was a very unlike thing for Kyle to say.


    I blushed at his unexpected words of gratitude. "Yeah, Plus, it''s not like I have much else to do."


    He chuckled again, and I couldn''t help but smile. Maybe there was hope for us to build a better rtionship after all. He paused a bit. "Do you know I don''t appreciate people taking things from my room?"


    I froze at the mention of that. He got up, admiring the gently glowering sunrise. "The first time Brooke came here, she took my t-shirt. I went ballistic on her."


    I folded the Scentless Spray under my clothes so even if he shook me, he wouldn''t see me drop it. That was pathetic. He caught me. He didn''t have to go through the corners to tell me that I took the Scentless spray.


    "You know, as long as my things are concerned, I like leaving them wherever they were before. Now tell me Naya, did you take anything from my room?"


    I gulped audibly, giving myself away and still praying he didn''t hear it. It would further confirm his suspicions. He gently turned to look at me and the rays gave him an illumination that I envied. His five o clock jaws were perfect and an evil smirk made it perfect. He was teasing me for the sake of teasing sake and enjoying the hell out of it. My heart raced, and I felt a bead of sweat forming on my forehead. Caught red-handed, there was no way out of this. "Uh, well, you see, Kyle, I... I might have taken something," I stammered, trying toe up with a believable exnation. Saying I took the Scentless spray will even make me much of a fool than I already am.


    He turned to face me, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "And what did you take?" he asked, taking slow, deliberate steps towards me. I backed to the nearest wall with no way of escape. He was going to be the death of me.


    "Um, just... a pen! Yes, a pen! I saw it lying on your table, and I thought I could borrow it," I said, attempting to sound innocent. I have always been innocent. It won''t be different this time around. I never felt more stupid. He had purposely tried to act kind to throw me off bnce so that I would trust him enough to tell him whether I took stuff from his room. I knew that all the questions and kindness was a facade. Or not? I don''t know any more. The Scentless spray was under my shirt and it made me sweat even under the cool breeze that drifted from the balcony inside his room.


    "A pen, huh? Interesting choice," he said, inching closer. "You know, Naya, I''m not so sure I believe you."


    I gulped, feeling the walls closing in on me. Each step to the back felt like I carried the world beside me."Well, um, I''ll just return it right now. It''s no big deal, really," I said, trying to make a quick escape. The Scentless spray underneath my clothes gave me heat like never before. It burned through my skin.


    But Kyle wasn''t having it. He moved even closer, now standing just a breath away from me. "Naya, you can''t just take things without asking. It''s not right," he said, his voice low and teasing. Then he lowered himself, intimidating and making me breakout into a sweat. Jeez what was I thinking when I said I was going to get into his room? I wasn''t thinking straight.


    "I know, I know. I''m sorry. I won''t do it again," I said, feeling the blush creeping up my cheeks. I feel nothing more than to kiss the hell out of him. If I kiss him, everything will be fine. I think?


    "You better not," he said, a yful smirk on his lips. "Otherwise, I might have toe up with a punishment for you."


    I raised an eyebrow, trying to hide my nervousness. "A punishment, huh? And what would that be?" Did I have the audacity to ask him what type of punishment?

 Chapter 35

    He leaned in, his lips dangerously close to my ear. "Oh, I''ll think of something," he whispered, sending shivers down my spine. He tapped on the Scentless spray. It was like an obstruction to whatever was about to happen and I wished I didn''t have to take the Spray can from his room. It would have allowed him more ess to him. This was the closest I have been to Kyle. Why the f**k was this problem about Scentless spray getting to me? Before I could respond, he pulled away, his expression turning serious. "But seriously, Naya, just ask next time. I don''t mind giving you stuff, as long as you ask nicely." He grinned his signature grin.


    "I will, I promise," I said, feeling a strange mixture of relief and excitement. Let me go now, please just let me go. If it was Zeke, he wouldn''t let me off the hook so promisingly. He would try to f**k with me andter f**k me.


    He gave me a small smile before patting my head gently. "Good. Now go get some rest. It''s been a long night. "I need to catch a few hours of sleep before the day starts. You should head back to your room too, Naya. Don''t want you getting into trouble." He shooed me while eyeing me with a creepy smile that told me, ''I knew what you took and I knew what you did. You can''t hide from me forever. They were nothing but kind to me. It felt like i had just escaped a f*****g lion. Or this time dare it be an alpha wolf. "Yeah, you''re right. I''ll go back now. Goodnight, Kyle." I quietly slipped out of his room, lost in thoughts, trembling and clutching the spray can with all my might. I walked back to my room with my heart still pounding, but this time it wasn''t just from fear. There was something different about my encounter with Kyle, something that left me feeling giddy and intrigued. I brought out the Scentless spray, spraying it on my body. I couldn''t help but think about everything that had happened. The elders'' meeting, Kyle''s unexpected kindness, and the strange feelings I had for both him and Zeke. My life had be moreplicated than ever, but somehow, maybe, just maybe, there was more to our rtionship than I had ever imagined. And as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn''t help but wonder what other surprises the future held for us.


    "Goodnight, Naya," his kind voice echoed in my head as Iid down on my bed..What was he thinking while saying that with a creepy smile?


    I couldn''t sleep as this was my first encounter with Kyle and he had to make it so f*****g memorable. As the morning sun rose up so high in the sky that I knew that the day would bring more revtions, more decisions, and more uncertainty. The secrets of the blood moon pack, Marley and the elders still loomed over and I couldn''t shake the feeling that there was much more to their sick motives than they were revealing.


    The storm within the pack was far from over, and I couldn''t help but feel a sense of curiosity and suspense. The truth remained hidden, and as the day unfolded, the pack''s destiny would be decided, leaving us with more questions than answers. Who will be the alpha and will he be challenged? With the look of things, Kyle seemed calmer than usual. Was he chosen as the aloha of the pack?


    My rtionship with the twins remained aplicated web of emotions, further entangled by the events of the previous night with Kyle. I knew that whatever happened, the bond we shared would be tested. I rose with these thoughts in my mind and not a simple ounce of sleepiness when the sun rose higher in the sky. I stood on the balcony, my heart filled with curiosity, suspense, and a tangle of romantic feelings, ready to face whatever the day would bring.


    It might surely be chaos for me.


    It was easy by morning because the pack became even busier than ever. Everyone was gathered by morning as they tried to keep quiet as soon as possible. Their hushed voices however awakened me from where Iy by the side of the balcony. Drool reached the side of my cheeks and I wiped it off out of disgust. Just great.


    Arge thud to my door, further awakened me of the situation at hand. Today the aloha will be chosen. I nced at the clock and was surprised to see the time. It was worse than I had imagined. The time was past twelve. Jeez. It was no longer morning but slipped into the afternoon. I was sure the alpha was announced already.


    All my night was gone just like that. I couldn''t f*****g stay asleep for the big reveal of who the alpha will be. I already knew who it would be but seeing it would give me satisfaction. It would be Zeke or Kyle, either way, I would be happy.


    Maybe they would make a rule about my bullying toe to an end non-stop. It will be over soon. I stepped out to my balcony to see that Zeke was locked in a fierce fight.


    My eyes widened as it could only mean one thing. He was already pronounced Alpha while I was f*****g sleeping! How could I have missed the big reveal just thinking about Kyle all through the night. I was highly disappointed in myself. I clutched the bannister with all my might as I thought Zeke was going to get killed.


    I flew down my room as I could see that he was getting torn into by hungry wolves. The ones who wanted him for power. I tumbled down the stairs as my heart couldn''t bear but see him get torn by the silly wolves who wouldn''t ept the poor boy as an alpha. He was just a teenager and they were willing to tear him to pieces. I had just burst through the doors when Reid grabbed me and pulled me to a sit so I would not cause troubles. I had justid my b**t to the seat when me stared at me with pain in his eyes. A ck wolf tried to tear into his flesh but he quickly averted his gaze from me before turning to bite the stupid wolf. The fight was getting worse and words couldn''t describe how I felt with him getting bitten and trying to emerge the winner every single time. As the fight with the fifth wolf reached its climax, I stood on the edge of my seat, my heart pounding in my chest. My eyes were fixed on me, who faced the challenges thrown at him by the other wolves with unwavering determination. Every blow he took made my heart clench with worry and protectiveness.


    This was the six wolves now.


    I couldn''t stop looking at him. It was as if he was telling me something. Only Naya, my wolf, could be able to interpret his soulful eyes. I felt f*****g tired and wanted to just run into the ring and save him but everything was happening so fast. Our eyes kept meeting, and I could see the raw desire between us, even in the sunny heat. me''s intense gaze sent shivers down my spine, and I knew he felt the same pull towards me. The fight was showing me that he was going to win. He drew strength just from looking at me. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, me tore into the neck of thest fighting wolf. The poor wolf gushed out blood andy limp while the pack doctors ran to him to help him to a stretcher. me emerged victorious, proving himself worthy of bing the new pack Alpha. One by one, the other wolves dispersed, leaving him standing tall and battered, yet triumphant. Relief and happiness washed over me, knowing that he had seeded. Yet I couldn''t run towards him and celebrate his wins. He was seriously injured and it made me angry.


    I couldn''t bear to see him injured, so without a word, I followed him as he dismissed everyone by turning back to Zeke with a hurt look in his eyes. Everyone had left with their injured ones. He was all alone with Kyle nowhere to be found. Kyle must have not been angry enough not to stay and watch his brother being ripped to pieces. He was somewhere oy Zeke would know about.


    Zeke entered the bathroom, leaving the door open as he knew I would follow him in. Soon we were alone in the dimly lit bathroom. Shadows danced across his face, making him look even more alluring.


    "Thank you for being there, for supporting me," Zeke said softly, his voice filled with emotion. I didn''t support him or do anything. We only stared at each other during his fierce fight. A fight I thought he wasn''t going to survive in. He was Alpha now so it was a thing of the past.


    "You''re wee, Zeke. You deserve to be the Alpha, and I''m proud of you," I replied with a gentle smile, feeling a rush of admiration for him. It was a weird thing to say but I would not stop admiring him for a second.


    I quickly opened the cab with a sigh to attend to his gushing wound. As I tended to his wounds, the air between us became charged with unspoken words and emotions. I felt a strong connection to Zeke, one that went beyond mere Alpha and subject.


    "I don''t know why, but my heart races whenever I see you hurt," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. Like the time he stood up for me against the monster and I handed him my scarf in school.


    His expression softened, and he reached out to gently touch my cheek. "There''s something about you, Naya, something that draws me in."


    I wouldn''t deny it was the same for me either.


    Blushing, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.


    He leaned in closer, his breath brushing against my lips. "I don''t want to fight it anymore." I wondered what until his lips met mine in an undeniable chemistry that sparked. Our lips met in a kiss that curled my toes to heaven. It ignited a passion that had been simmering between us for so long. The bathroom and mistrustful world around me faded away, leaving only I and Zeke in the midst of them all.


    He growled lustfully as his kiss deepened. He picked me up from the dirty floor and my legs wrapped around him as I held him tighter and moaned then he mmed my back to the wall, leaving no room for me to breathe or escape.


    "Zeke, please." I moaned and whined as he was driving me crazy.


    "Please what?" He mumbled, putting his hands under my shirt to fumble with my breasts.


    I have fallen for you Zeke.

 Chapter 36

    "Zeke," I whimpered like a slut as he carried me up to the sink, my legs wrapping even tighter around his. As our kiss escted, the pain from Zeke''s wounds couldn''t be ignored. Every now and then, I could hear him wince in pain. It brought me back to reality, reminding me of the brutal fight he had just endured. He just fought twenty freaks hungry for power! He deserves love. I pressed at his rip only to hear him wince again.


    Alright, that''s enough. I tugged at his hair to stop him from nibbling at my neck. He was going to leave a hickey, and Marley would be suspicious. Her eyes have been around my belongingstely. Or Brooke? Brooke woulde for my head if she saw that I was staying closer to Zeke longer than I should. We pulled away from each other, breathless and with a mix of emotions swirling in the air. "Stop, Zeke," I said firmly, feeling a sense of responsibility and concern. "You need to rest and heal. We can''t let this moment cloud our judgment."


    He tried again, not listening to me. He went straight for my cor bone, attacking the soft skin just above it. I knew he was aiming to create a hickey. This was moving Ng way faster than I expected it to. His eyes flickered from red to green, and I knew that me was just below the surface. Wasn''t he tired from the fight?


    Though I didn''t watch the first game, I watched the second and third wolves almost rip off his neck and dig out his intestines. I pped his back gently, feeling angry at myself for refusing him when I had him just where I wanted him. He kissed his way down my shirt, leaving me breathless.


    "Zeke, you are injured, I don''t think we should do this."


    "My stamina is better than you actually think." He growled, kissing me in a teasing manner. "You are doing it again."


    I raised an eyebrow. What does he know about me doing it again? "Doing what?"


    "Overthinking it." He pressed his index finger on my mold making my eyes roll to the back of my head. He rubbed it again and again. "Just feel it, baby. Do not worry about my wounds." Yeah, he was doing whatever he was doing again. I spread my legs wider so he could have ess. He shifted my pants to the sides. Wetting his fingers with my juices, he plunged them inside, making me gasp at the waves of emotions following through me. He went slowly this time, pulling out just as he grazed my spot. "Oh," I sucked in my lower lips as he pleasured me.


    "Did you touch yourself?" He asked icily. His voice held so many emotions that I understood that he wasn''t just doing this for me but for him to forget about his problems. If he meant touching myself after the day I nearly spilled my juices in the presence of Alpha Storm and Marley, then no. Although I don''t know what he would do to me if I said yes.


    "Yes." I stuttered, urging him to go faster. I was close to cumming all over his huge hands.


    He sighed, pulling outpletely. He was going too slowly for my liking. I took over, moving his fingers in and out. "You shouldn''t lie to me, Naya."


    "Huh?" I asked,pletely out of it. His words were lost on me, as I couldn''tprehend them again. "I am close; please don''t stop."


    To my shock, he stopped, pulling his hands out of me, and no matter how I tried to get them back in, he resisted. Not that I tried really hard. "If you pleasured yourself, you wouldn''t be so needy." He ced both hands in my mouth, so I tasted my juices as his hard- on poked me. They seemed big and really pointy enough to reach the ces I wanted them to.


    I wasn''t known for being this sluty, but the things that run through my mind whenever I see Zeke... I can''t exin it. I sucked on his fingers with relish. "I am sorry for lying. Please.."


    "Please what? Do you love having my fingers inside you?" He asked darkly, his voice husky andpelling. There was no way I could resist it, with his eyes looking red and wild. me was at the surface, and I secretly hoped he would take me here.


    It was going to be rough, but I will take it. My juices will be enough. I stretched my hands to undo his belt. They dropped to reveal his beautiful briefs. It hugged his a*s well, and I gulped at the package in front. Slowly, I traced my hands around it, loving the way it twitched in response. It made me giddy to know that I could have this type of effect on Zeke Storm. One of the strongest Alphas I know. Then my eyes caught his open stomach. It was oozing out blood and pus.


    "Yuck." Instantly, my desire was reced with care. My omega wolf couldn''t let him remain that way, desire or not. His eyes trailed mine, and they stopped at his open wounds. He looked disappointed but nodded in agreement.


    "You''re right. I should clean this up and rest." He turned away, trying to hide his pain, but I could see it in his eyes.


    "Let me help you to your room," I offered, wanting to ensure he would be safe. I adjusted my clothes and patted down my ruffled hair. Just like that, the desire was gone. With this new Zeke, I was sure we would have plenty more moments like this. I only hoped he wouldn''t get swayed by the school and bully me again.


    He hesitated for a moment before giving a small smile. The heavens may have been in my favor since yesterday, when Zeke Storm smiled at me. Me?! He rarely smiled, and it had be the norm since his father died two days ago. I wondered what he had in store for me, just like Kyle''s.


    As I assisted Zeke to his room, I couldn''t help but wonder about theplexities of our rtionship. He and Kyle had just be the Alpha pair, and yet, we all still had so many unresolved issues. The wounds on Zeke''s body served as a stark reminder that our crush couldn''t overshadow the challenges he would face as the Alpha of the Wolf Cove pack.


    As Zeke limped away and I was under him, my attention moved to the small movement behind the wall. Kyle stood there, leaning on the wall with both hands in his pockets. I guess he was back from his angry fest.


    Did he hear my moans in the bathroom? Kyle had been watching us from the shadows. As we walked away, he stepped out of his hiding ce, his expression unreadable. I was right. He heard us. He had seen the connection between us, and it probably didn''t sit well with him.


    What could I do about it? I thought Zeke was going to tell me to leave. Surprisingly, he allowed me into his room. Where were the others? I guess they wouldn''t be near his chambers since he was the Alpha and needed to nurse his wounds alone. Not alone, as I would be here to help him however I could.


    As Zeke and I settled into his room, his heart heavy with the burden of leadership and mine with the burden ofplicated emotions I was just trying to understand, we heard a knock on the door. "Where is your cab for emergencies?" I asked, desperate to leave. What if Marley found me in this room?


    Zeke groaned as hey on the bed, breathing fast. His chiseled abs called to me. "No. Let''s clean him up first." I chided Naya, who licked her muzzle in hunger. He pointed at his closest, which I slipped into. Zeke called out, "Come in."


    To my surprise, it was Marley who entered the room. Did shee here that often? From where I stood, pretending to take the first aid box, I saw Marley look at him with her piercing eyes, seemingly seeing through his soul. She was here for something. Her hawk eyes raked his battered body.


    "I heard about the fight, Zeke," Marley said calmly. "Congrattions on bing the Alpha. But remember, leadershipes with great responsibility."


    Zeke nodded, a faraway look in his eyes. He must have noticed I was taking too long to get a simple box. "I understand. I''ll do my best for the pack."


    Marley then turned his gaze to the balcony. "And as the Alpha, you have to pick a Luna that will y a crucial role in guiding the pack. Your actions and decisions will be scrutinized as well by your Luna."


    I raised an eyebrow, feeling the weight of the position Zeke was in. So this was her n all along.


    Marley smiled, as if sensing his unease. "Don''t worry, Zeke." She was acting overly sweet. I didn''t like it very much. "You have me and Shadow. My wolf included, it won''t be that hard. Besides, with Freya out of the way..."


    "Freya is just an elder that needs to know her ce."


    Could they be talking about that cocky elder?

 Chapter 37

    I smiled at the realization that Zeke hated the guts of Elder Freya, or let''s say the twins detested her. She was simply amazing yet terrifying and didn''t know when to stop provoking the Alpha Storms. I crouched quietly in the closet, trying to stay out of sight. My heart raced as I listened to their exchange, feeling like an intruder in their private moment.


    Which was not supposed to be.


    Marley smiled wickedly. "And I will show her where she belongs." She smoothed her gown before taking her seat beside him. "You know, the only reason why the elders are still feared is because of that stunt she pulled right away." She sighed as if tired. I was tired of hearing her talk already. "As much as I hate to admit it, with Beta Brooke not here, you need them. You need to speak with Kyle." I knew what she was implying. It was the fact that Kyle had disrespected the elders in the topic. It served them right to me. The only abnormal thing was her presence in his room acting like a doting mother. The fact that she was only concerned about the politics of the pack made me see red. Couldn''t see Zeke''s side oozing as she bbered about what not? He was in pain and from his silent groaning, I could tell he wanted nothing more than to heal without her presence.


    "Elder Freya had been an asset to the table. She will do well if we can put her on a leash." Zeke mused. He was desperately trying to hide his pain as the newly appointed Alpha of the pack. This was the part I always see from afar. I never see him smile, angry but expressionless. His wild green eyes always held something I couldn''t read. Sometimes, he would let himself feel whenever I was bullied. Except he...


    ... bullied me more.


    I could tell he wanted to be able to tell her it his pain and anger to the world. However, he has to be the rational one out of the twins. I was d I saw him groan. I was d to have seen his smirk whenever he was teasing me. I was d I had seen him at his worst. Even though it was a tiny glimpse.


    As if on cue, Marley eyed his side, tracing his hands over his abs sensually. "That should heal in no time." He should at least clean the wound, but here I am in his closet, hiding away. Marley''s attention seemed fixated on the topic of the new Luna. And Zeke? Well, Zeke skillfully distracted her by asking about the pack''s well-being and uing decisions.


    "You will be turning eighteen soon." She cleared her throat. "Any ideas on who your mate may be?"


    Her prying questions dampened my spirit. I was sure I wasn''t his mate. He was just fooling around with me and when he found his real mate, I would be left alone. What are the chances that an omega would be his mate? Being close to him was a terrifying thought alone. It doesn''t mean I was free from his bullying. Being his mate was going to be worse, I was sure. It would guarantee no escape for me. As much as that thought haunted me, I still wished he would be my mate. The mating age hase and it was a period that ensured I was well slicked for my mate. It caused my heat toe anytime and made me horny as hell.


    It was why Zeke took advantage of it. That bastard! He knew the strawberry scent was mine. I sighed in relief. The Scentless spray has be something I hold onto with great care. I decided to forever cherish this gift Renee gave me. It hid my shame and would do so now from hungry Alphas.


    Zeke sat up, biting his lip as though he wasn''t in pain. Who was he fooling? Certainly not me. "My mate is close by."


    Naya''s ears perked up at the sound of that. She had been quiet all along, watching with seething rage as Marley tried to seduce poor Zeke. Not that he was as helpless as I thought. But now, I can smell something different from Naya.


    I dare say... she was jealous of his statement! I really hope our short and untimely encounters in the bathroom with Zeke didn''t make her forget that this was the Alpha of the pack. Our rtionship was a secret hence the reason why I was in here and why he hadn''t called me out. He was scared too. I was perfectly fine with staying in the shadows until this.


    "His mate is close by?" I muttered to myself, pausing when I realized there were wolves with incredible hearing in this room. I mped my mouth shut. Jeez.. Naya, way to go.


    Marley was about to say something when she stopped. Her sharp eyes scanned the room, and for a moment, it felt like she might sense my presence. I held my breath, praying that I hadn''t made any noise that could give me away. The closet felt cramped, and the adrenaline coursing through my veins made it difficult to stay still.


    ''please, please, please,'' I chanted in my head as Naya paced about. She wasn''t worried about Marley but the gravity of Zeke''s statement. He didn''t tell me he had seen his mate. Was he using me to experiment onest time before he got to his mate? Pure and virgin mate? I mean, he wasn''t like Kyle to sleep around. He could have any girl he wanted. Why me? It was disappointing. I was disappointed to hear him say this.


    "What is it?" Zeke''s eyes momentarily flickered over to me. Then he directed it to Marley who was still searching with her eyes. Zeke''s heavy clothes were doing me a lot of favor by hiding my rotten scent and blending it with his much stronger ones.


    "I thought I heard something.." Marley rose up from the bed. "What if there is an intruder? You just became Alpha and I don''t want you to be in trouble already." She eyed his form. "Especially not in this state."


    "I am fine, Marley. It could be a squirrel or something." Zeke deftly avoided the question. "You are right. We need the elders and we need tread on dangerous grounds. I will handle it tomorrow. For now, I need my rest." Although Zeke changed the subject, mentioning some pack business that needed their immediate attention.


    Marley seemed to take the bait, her focus shifting away from me and back to the matters at hand. With a sigh of relief, I silently thanked Zeke for his quick thinking. "Okay. I will leave you to heal. If you need me, I am downstairs." With onest sweep at the room, she walked out. I quickly exhaled in relief. Still, I couldn''t shake the feeling that Marley suspected something was off. She seemed too attentive, her eyes darting around the room asionally. I hoped my instincts were wrong, but I couldn''t take any chances As the door closed behind her, Zeke let out a sigh of relief. It was as if the air in the room became clearer for us to breathe in.


    "That was close," I whispered, finally stepping out of the closet.


    Zeke nodded, a small frown forming on his face. "Yeah, you are being clumsy and indiscreet." He signaled for me toe closer. That was not good. I whirled back to the close to get the first aid kit. I should not dare go closer to him. He might tear my clothes. Jeez... I should have sprayed something this morning.


    "I hope she didn''t suspect anything," I said, feeling a bit anxious as I retrieved the box. I turned to find Zeke in the closet staring at me strangely. Something told me he wasn''t pleased with my actions earlier. I was running away.


    "Don''t worry too much about it," Zeke reassured me. "I need to focus on healing and preparing for the challenges ahead."


    I raised the box higher to shield my hot face. "Yes, you need to focus on healing and preparing for the challenges ahead." I could feel his gaze piercing through the box and drilling a hole in my forehead. Was I that obvious? He raised his hands and ced them on the box, bringing it down, still staring at me intently.


    He didn''t even blink. "Come on, don''t get shy on me now."


    How could I not be shy when he was looking at me like he wanted to eat me alive. I felt the heat but the thought about his mate made it die down. "Let me clean your wounds and be on my way."


    He eventually blinked, giving me a single nod. He drew his clothes to the side and took his seat right there. He knew what I was thinking

 Chapter 38

    I carefully tended to Zeke''s wounds, trying my best to maintain a professional demeanor despite the awkwardness of the situation. I had tantly declined to have him closer to me. I couldn''t look at him for fear of seeing his hurt face. Surprisingly, he remained silent, watching me closely as I worked. The atmosphere was tense, and I couldn''t shake off the feeling that he was still upset with my earlier behavior. "Are you alright?" His low voice brought me out of my reverie. It was funny that he asked me such a personal question. Justst week, we were always at each other''s necks.


    "I can''t understand." I rolled my eyes. "What changed betweenst week and today?"


    He was quiet. Zeke wasn''t much of a talker, but his silence scared me a little. I raised my eyes to meet his gaze. My eyes went down just as quickly as they came up. "Death." He simply said.


    I stopped dabbing at his side. "Death?"


    "My father''s death. It made me realize I am Alpha. What Alpha would hate his subjects?" s**t, he thinks of me as his subject. I dabbed harder at his wound, which was beginning to close up. By morning, it would be a pink scar. But now, it was still open and oozing slowly. He winced at my harsh movements.


    "Gently." He groaned in pain. Never. He was an alpha and would take it. How dare he? I wanted him to feel the pain in my heart whenever he thought of me as his subject. Who was I toin about his attention to me in the first ce? I dabbed harder, and when I was done, I wrapped his side with clean white clothes. He was cleaner than Kyle.


    "You need a pain reliever." I narrowed my eyes on one. "Here," I said, popping the bottle open. "Have it. It will help with whatever you are going through. You are supposed to be healing by now." I muttered angrily as he threw the pills into his mouth. I stood there staring at him for who knows how long until he sighed heavily, catching my attention.


    "You smell amazing. You are amazing." He said it sadly. His eyes were green but tired. He must be exhausted from all the fights. Poor Zeke. No matter how angry I was, he was my Alpha, and I was his subject.


    "You need to rest. Should I make porridge for you?"


    His head dangled to the side. The effect of the treatment must be taking its toll on him. His words were beginning to slur, and he seemed sleepy. His eyes fluttered open and closed. It was so fast and cute, too. I would haveughed unless his words haunted me. I am his pathetic subject. They reechoed in my head without mercy.


    "You know, you don''t need to hide from me. You are my friend, and I won''t hurt you intentionally." He said it softly, throwing me off.


    Friend? I thought I was his subject. I was tempted to ask the question Marley asked. "What about your mate? Is she going to be a good friend to you too?"


    He gave a smallugh. I nced up, surprised. This was the first time, and goodness, were his teeth dazzling. I kknewl loved his smile, but I hated not being able to predict his next action. "Do I smell jealousy in the air?" He grabbed my hands, dragging hmeback with him. I didn''t even have the chance to hold my bnce.


    "What the..."


    "I am dead serious, Naya. You are too serious for your own good."


    I gasped, trying to release myself from his strong grip. "What are you talking about?" He was the one being serious. I meant ridiculous. What the f**k is he spewing out of his mouth? He must be drunk on drugs.


    "See? And you overthink things too." He gently raised his hands to my face. He gently tucked my hair behind my ear. What''s with the loving attitude? It was too overwhelming.


    I tapped on his chest to let me out. "Let me go. This is so weird." By evening, he would return to his natural state. "It''s the medicine talking." It was hard to tell sometimes when he was just ying around and when he was serious.


    His gaze became serious again. "You are the first to truly care for me." He has wlessly avoided the ''mate'' question again. I have to give it to him. He was the master of changing topics. If I wasn''t consistent myself, I would think he answered me. He never did. I raised an eyebrow. "Marley?"


    He puffed out his breath. "The Luna?" He bit his inner cheeks as if in serious thought. "She cares for me as her next target." He began to close his eyes. Next target?


    Does it mean he knew about it? The knife and the crocodile tears she shed at the fight scene. If he did, knowing me, he would have ripped Marley from the inside out. He can never know. "Hey," I tapped on his cheek to keep him awake. His strong hands still held me in ce, keeping me from leaving.


    "Hm." He hummed, snuggling into his sheets. Who knew at school that the great Alpha was such a big baby? He was vulnerable to me without knowing it. It was refreshing to see him in this state, even though it waspletely the effect of the drug. "Stay." Thin drops of tears escaped from his eyes, and it melted my heart. I found myselfying on his chest.


    "I understand why you feel this way." He did? He has humiliated me in the presence of my friend. By Monday, I dreaded seeing him act like we hadn''t had this special moment alone in his room. "I haven''t been your best friend. You already have Ren¨¦e upying that space in your life."


    That caught my attention. Renee? "You know her name?"


    He scoffed with his eyes closed. "I am the Alpha, of course I know everyone''s name."


    I rolled my eyes, inhaling his clean and antiseptic scent. "By morning, I will forget we had this conversation." I expected him to say something else. When he didn''t, I raised my head to peer at him. His voice almost scared me. Most importantly, his tears made me sad. "Naya." He hummed, opening his eyes to reveal tired but beautiful ones. My heart skipped a beat at his touch and the way he called my name fondly and softly. It was my first. Bad Mr. Diego was the kindest, but seeing him kill the Alpha made me consider Zeke my second kindest soul. Kyle too.


    "Yes, Alpha?" I answered. He said I was his subject, right?


    His harsh grip made me pause. "Say my name."


    "Ze-zeke." I stuttered in embarrassment. I prayed for nothing more than to disappear and never be found. I was embarrassed beyond relief.


    He nodded in appreciation, closing his eyes. "Do you think a simple drug would knock me out?"


    "The drugs are for wolves in severe pain." I deadpanned.


    It made him sigh. "No wonder I am acting this way." Like I said, by morning, he would forget this cherished moment in my memories. "Your kind voice never leaves my mind. The way you moan out my name and beg me for more."


    It was getting hot in here. "What are you saying?"


    "And she''s back to being shy again. You aren''t when I kiss you."


    I wanted to kiss him, but I would never take advantage of him in this state. "Let me go, Zeke. What if Kyle or someone elsees in and sees us this way?"


    "Are you afraid? Was that why you hid in my closet, coating your scent with mine on purpose?" Dang it! He caught me. This moment felt surreal to me. It was as if I were in a fairy tale, and the heavens knew I wanted to wake up. Being close to him drove my senses crazy. "Thank you," I whispered, trying to hide the emotions welling up inside me.


    Zeke sighed, opening his eyes to reveal dull ones again. Maybe he couldn''t sleep with me so close by. "About what you overheard earlier... The elders-you need to stay away from them. It is a delicate situation, and I''m not entirely sure what to do."


    I nodded, understanding the weight of the situation for an Alpha. He was the Alpha, and I was his subject. For the thousandth time, I repeated it. "Finding a mate is a significant responsibility, and it affects the entire pack. Take your time, Zeke, and trust your instincts." I only wanted to get in his pants; however, the thought of him just getting into my pants and leaving scared me.


    He tilted his head to the right. "I will. I just hope it won''t cause anyplications within the pack."


    Here we were, with me on his chest, having a normal conversation. If anyone walked in right now, it wouldn''t end well. He would go back to his bullying attitude.


    Again.

 Chapter 39

    Naya


    Cod


    We stayed in silence for a moment, and I couldn''t help but wonder about my own feelings. Again, the possibility that he might find his mate soon brought a pang of jealousy and sadness. I pushed those thoughts away, reminding myself that I needed to focus on my


    own path and not get entangled in his affairs.


    The next morning, as the sun''s first rays peeked through the curtains, I woke up on Zeke''s bed, my head resting on his chest. I must have dozed off during our conversation. Jeez, I sure had a peaceful sleep while on his chest. As the memories of the previous night came rushing back, I blushed, realizing the intimate moments we had shared.


    Zeke was still asleep, looking peaceful and vulnerable. It was a rare sight to see the mighty Alpha in such a state.


    "You are so beautiful," I muttered under my breath." I gently disentangled myself from his arms and tiptoed out of his room, not wanting to wake him. I needed some time to process everything that had happened.


    I nearly fainted when I saw Kyle waiting for me outside his door. "Jeez, Kyle, you scared the f**k out of me."


    Kyle simply twirled the phone in his hands. "I gave you that spray for this purpose. What the heck are you doing, Naya Cod?"


    I swallowed my fear. It came right back up. "What did you think I was doing? Cleaning the Alpha wounds." I narrowed my eyes. "Were you listening to our conversation?"


    Kyle stood upright. "What if I was?" He was grinding his jaws, and I knew he was upset. The question was, Why?


    I couldn''t stop him from listening in on the conversation. "You are a jerk; you know that, right?" He was kind to me a few nights ago. Why was he acting this fussy? Was it because of the fight his brother had alone? "And why does it bother you?" He scoffed. "You are a slut like your mother. I have you use that spray so that you won''t go sleeping around with everyone. I won''t have my brother fall into your omega trap."


    If his brother''s statement about being a subject under him wasn''t painful enough. I raised a trembling finger at him, taking a step back because I was afraid he was going to crush it in anger. "You are an a*****e." "Spray the Scentless spray on your body, Naya, and stop acting like a wolf in heat." He snapped, opening the door to his brother''s room.


    "I am a wolf in heat! I am a damn wolf. Stop treating me like I am not part of this pack." I wanted to say all these things but couldn''t at the sight of his mischievous smile. He was purposely doing this to hurt me. "One more thing: Wash my brother''s scent off you before the elders think you are his mate." He sighed. "And Marley, of course." With that, he mmed the door in my face.


    That hurt.


    It hurt so much. I thought we were making progress, only to hear him say these hurtful things to me. I held the banister for bnce. My legs shook as the scent of Zeke remained with me. What happened when he woke up and remembered he said kind things to me. Will he act like Kyle or rekindle what he started?


    Over the next few days, I kept my distance from Zeke, trying to act as if nothing out of the ordinary had urred between us. It was challenging, but I knew it was for the best.


    As the weeks passed, things seemed to go back to normal. Zeke''s wounds healedpletely, and he resumed his Alpha duties. We interacted as we used to before the incident, but there was an unspoken understanding between us-a connection that we both chose not to acknowledge. The scentless spray helped me. He couldn''t locate me most of the time. I knew he remembered our conversation. Our kiss and rtionship. Yes, our rtionship needed to stay professional and respectful, especially considering the pack dynamics and my role as his subject.


    "Naya!" I heard him call as I hit the gym bag. I turned to find Zeke walking towards me. What the... I frantically searched for Reid, running towards him.


    "Reid. Please tell Zeke I am going to wash up." My legs quickly carried me through the woods to the pack doctor''s home. Along the way, I sprayed the Scentless spray on my body so he wouldn''t know where I went. Yeah, I lied to Reid. I wasn''t going to wash up. I had taken up another mission to find out what Marley was up to. I forgot to mention that the pack doctor was the one who attended to the Alpha''s dead body. I needed to know if he found out about my mother''s knife plunged to the Alpha''s side. Hence, I made her my friend. She was just like Ren¨¦e. Kind, yet fierce. And she cussed a lot. Jeez, they always came out of her mouth in waves.


    It was really hard to get any information, given my position in the pack. I was still in the process of finding anything at all. However, Marley''s behavior toward me changed. She seemed to sense something was different between Zeke and me, even though we tried our best to act normal. She became even more antagonistic towards me, trying to create conflicts at every opportunity.


    Like the one time we had a fight at the dinner table. It was a simple fight over who was going to take Zeke''s food to his study. One evening, after a particrly tense interaction with Marley, I found myself seekingfort by the cove''ske. It was the most serene ce in the pack. A ce I was allowed to think without anyone finding out. The moon was full and reflected its gentle glow on the water''s surface. I sat on arge rock, lost in my thoughts, when I heard footsteps approaching. I wanted to slip out when Zeke''s strong voice stopped me.


    "Mind if I join you?" Zeke''s voice was soft, almost hesitant. I looked up, surprised to see him there. Okay, he was acting in a manner I couldn''tprehend. I wanted to ask why he felt like joining me, but I held my tongue. He was still my Alpha, no matter what. "Of course, Alpha. It''s your pack."


    He grunted, sitting beside me. His features had changed dramatically. Jeez, I hadn''t been paying attention, and I thought of ways to avoid him. His stubble had grown all over his face, and he becamerger. I guess the Alpha got to him. It was probably the same with Kyle; I haven''t been paying attention. It hurt me greatly to see him this way.


    School would be resuming in two days, and I wondered if he was going to be home-schooled or day-schooled. "True, but I am not here as the Alpha." He was saying those things again. The things he said thest time. They scared me.


    A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips. "Of course. You don''t have to ask for permission to sit here."


    He sat in silence for a while, a small frown marring his features. Oh, what was he expecting? I''d run into his arms like thest time. But I told myself honestly, I enjoyed hispany and the peaceful surroundings. It felt good to be close to him without any tension or expectations. Although I had expectations, it''s alright.


    "You know," Zeke finally said, "I''ve been thinking a lot about what we said that night."


    "About finding a mate?" I asked, ncing at him. Please don''t let us go into that. I prayed to the heavens.


    He nodded. "Yes. And about you."


    I held my breath, not sure where this conversation was heading. About me?


    "You''re right," he continued, "finding a mate is a significant responsibility, and it affects the entire pack. But I can''t shake the feeling that maybe I''ve been looking in the wrong direction."


    I looked at him, puzzled. "What do you mean?"


    He turned to face me, his green eyes locking with mine. "Maybe the person I''ve been searching for has been right in front of me all along."


    My heart skipped a beat, and I couldn''t find the words to respond. I was torn between the hope that he might be talking about me and the fear that I was just reading too much into it. "Then go for it. im her as yours." I said, daring to look into his eyes. He stared at me for a while before turning away. What went wrong again? "I will. I am just waiting for when she realizes it herself."


    I sighed. "Whoever she is, she is lucky."

 Chapter 40

    Zeke''s POV


    "Whoever she is, she is lucky."


    I heard Naya say it with an edge to her tone. She was jealous; I could feel it under the facade. I wondered why. My sides hurt. It hurt so bad that I couldn''t breathe the other night. I woke up imagining I spoke with her until I felt her warmth on my chest. She had probably dozed off on my chest.


    I loved having her close to me. The fact I did so made me start bbering nonsense to her. Her surprised looks and time told me she wasn''t pleased with what I was saying but rather had to put up with it. I wasn''t sorry. The only thing I forgot to add was that she wasn''t just my subject. She was one of my most treasured subjects.


    Yesterday, I couldn''t bear the res Kyle gave me as I fought. I didn''t want to see his angry yet amused eyes. They were empty. Of course, we had both been the next in line for the Alpha title, but Kyle was required to help me from the side. He wasn''t doing much to help me, and that offended me. You can''t possibly imagine my happiness when Naya came to watch me fight. I felt like I had something to hope for and live for.


    I felt I could be vulnerable with her without feeling ashamed. Naya made me feel that way, and no matter how hard I tried to deny it, I failed woefully. She had me on a leash and didn''t know it.


    She cleaned my wound and cradled me like a baby, but I tried to f**k her with my pain. Her moans and twisting made me exceptionally happy. So happy that he wanted toe and y with her. It made me wonder if she was his mate or if he was just messing around with her. Knowing me, he wasn''t messing around with Naya. me wasn''t a y-wolf-like shadow. If he liked you, he would make sure to get you under me with my c**k drilling into your hole.


    "Alright me. You can stop it now. Stop putting these dangerous thoughts in my head." I tried to stop me from putting these crazy thoughts into my head. I knew he was the one doing it.


    "What do you mean? Don''t you want Naya?" me asked the morning after Naya purposely sneaked out of my room. I thought I heard Kyle in the corridor. He better not chide her after abandoning me on the field. He was supposed to f*****g help me! The door opened a bit, and Kyle walked in after whispering something probably hurtful to Naya because she didn''t turn to look at me again.


    He sauntered into my room like he owned it. He knew how much I loved my space, yet he pretended to own it. "What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to get up from the bed.


    He grinned. "Is that the way to greet your brother after a victorious fight?"


    He was patronizing me, and I hated it. "Don''t get smart with me, Kyle. You have been off ever since our father died." That changed his facial expression.


    "Don''t. Don''t talk about him now."


    I rolled my eyes. "Why shouldn''t I? After all, you were acting like he was only your father. You disgust me, Kyle. Get out of my room."


    Kyle perched his b**t on my bed. "Don''t be such an old, fussydy. I have gotten over it."


    "I guess the sight of me in pain got you thinking, huh? What the f**k were you doing when you were supposed to fight by my side?" I spat in anger. me wasing to the surface now. This was why I didn''t want my wolves to be actively involved in my business. He was going to ruin things if I didn''t intervene. He was probably not in the mood to see Shadow have a smart mouth.


    "Come on, Zeke. Don''t bring that up now," Kyle said, his face tense. "I was just caught up in my own grief, but I''m here now. I watched you fight yesterday, and you did well." With the way his voice came out, it must have been hard for him to say it. Kyle hardly apologized for his misdeeds. Never to Brooke, and never to anyone.


    "Well, you could have been there to support me. I needed you by my side, not just sitting on the sidelines," I replied, frustration evident in my voice. Naya was the only one who was worried for my sake. The rest of the wolves, including the elders, seemed excited about my defeat. Crazy bitches.


    "Naya was there, wasn''t she? She seemed pretty interested in watching you fight," Kyle said with a hint of jealousy. That was what I was looking for. He spoke badly to her just now. It''s going to be tough getting back to her. I have tried to preserve our rtionship by not giving her much and not taking too much. Kyle was certainly here to jeopardize it. It amused me.


    "Wait, are you jealous of my rtionship with Naya?" I chuckled. "She''s just my subject, Kyle, nothing more." Hopefully, Naya wasn''t at the door listening to our conversation. She would go ballistic. However, I also needed to preserve my rtionship with my brother. It wasn''t like I was going to totally ignore her existence again. I would try harder to get close to her, but that was it.


    He shrugged nonchntly, but I could tell he was bothered. "I just don''t want you getting distracted from your responsibilities as the Alpha. We have a pack to lead, Zeke." Typical Kyle.


    "And what is with your tone? You haven''t been behaving Alphaly recently." I said, bringing up thest time he went crazy because of our father''s death.


    "Leave the murder of Dad to me to solve." He suddenly said, "Marley seemed to know something. She has been acting on edge recently, minus the fact that you are f*****g her."


    I blew out an air of frustration. Did he think I stuck my d**k into any hole, like him? My brother doesn''t understand, doesn''t he? "You are sick, Kyle. Fine. Focus on Dad''s murder and the attack. Also, do not forget that you need to find a mate. We both need to find mates. For now, be nice to the elders." I sighed. "I know, and I take my duties seriously. But having friends and connections outside of our pack is essential too," I reasoned.


    Kyle sighed, looking away for a moment. "You''re right. I just don''t want to see you hurt, especially if Elder Freya''s attention is on you. On both of us."


    "You don''t have to worry about that," I assured him. "I have a feeling that I and Elder Freya will be good friends. Don''t speak badly about Marley or Naya; they are both trying their best, and I''m grateful for Naya''s support during the fight. It''s not like that between us." Okay, I lied. I lied multiple times, but I need to get Kyle''s head on the right path.


    Kyle nodded slowly, seemingly relieved, which was weird. He knew we hadn''t been kind to either Naya or Marley. "Alright, just be careful, Zeke. You know how people can be around those in power."


    "I appreciate your concern, but you should trust me to make the right decisions," I replied, trying to ease his worries.


    He smiled faintly. "I do trust you, Zeke. You''re my brother, after all. I just... I don''t want to lose you too." Oh, that was what all this was about. He was scared of losing me, too. Yet he left me to fight alone. I needed to stop thinking this way, or we would never work together.


    I softened, understanding his feelings. "You won''t lose me, Kyle. We''re family, and that bond is unbreakable."


    He nodded again, and I could sense a weight lifting off his shoulders. "Thanks, Zeke. I guess I needed to hear that."


    "Anytime, Kyle," I said, reaching out to pat his shoulder reassuringly. "Now, let''s focus on leading our pack together and making sure they obey."


    Kyle smiled genuinely this time. "Yeah, that''s what we should be doing. Together."


    Now, I faced Naya, who was staring at theke. I had recently found out she wasing here. She had been avoiding me plenty of times, and I don''t like it. Coupled with some special agreement she had with Kyle, I haven''t been able to smell her. It was infuriating. "Have you been using that bottle again?" I asked out of the blue. My dear was confirmed when she gasped; her face and eyes were seemingly innocent, but they were filled with much attractive fetish, as I came to understand the other day. "What bottle?"


    I scoffed. "You have been avoiding me. Why?"


    "I am your loyal subject." She simply said. She was purposely trying to make me angry.

 Chapter 41

    Naya Cod''s POV


    "I am your loyal subject," I replied, trying to hide the nervousness in my voice. I couldn''t let Zeke know how much he affected me, how my heart raced every time he was near. But avoiding him had be a coping mechanism to protect my emotions. Zeke raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying my response. "Loyal subject, huh? You know, loyalty doesn''t mean avoiding your Alpha." His voice wasced with annoyance. Of course he would be annoyed. I have been behaving strangelytely. Kyle was the cause of that. To be honest at first, I wanted everything to do with the brothers. But now? I don''t think I want to get entangled in their fights. Kyle was angry at Zeke for some reason and he was taking it out on me. I knew he didn''t mean to, but he was hurting me in every way possible.


    I could feel his presence watching me and Zeke from afar.


    "I-I didn''t mean to avoid you. It''s just that... I thought you needed some space after the fight," I stammered, trying toe up with a reasonable exnation. No matter how I tried to hide my feelings, he kept forcing me to open up. He needed space with his brother. Perhaps am I the hole that needed to be filled? Would my presence bring the two brothers together or drift them after? I was almost taken aback by his sudden movement. Zeke leaned closer to me, his piercing gaze locking with mine. "Space? You think I need space from you?" His voice was low and dangerous, sending shivers down my spine. Well, I thought he needed space to mourn his father and watch over his reckless brother. He was the reasonable one here while Kyle and I were miserable. I, in love with him...? It was crazy.


    I looked away, unable to hold his intense gaze. "I don''t know... I mean, after the fight, you seemed upset, and I thought you needed some time alone."


    He let out a frustrated sigh, running his hand through his hair. "Naya, you can''t just decide what I need without talking to me." He narrowed his eyes at my response. "Don''t y games with me, Naya. I can smell the deceit on you." His eyes flickered with something I couldn''t read, but he quickly regainedposure. I rolled my eyes, wondering why I was ying hard to get. The bullying got to me and seriously, I was tired of it all. He hasn''t said the real reason why he was here. "You are doing it again."


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about, Zeke. I''ve been busy with my own duties as a pack member." I repeated again, trying to hide the tremors in my voice. How could I ever concentrate with him so close to me? His breath was amazing! I wanted to hold my tongue, deciding against it, I released my tongue. "It''s not just you, Zeke. I''ve been avoiding everyone, including Kyle. I needed some space to think and sort things out."


    "What things?" He pressed, my curiosity piqued. "The mate thing?"


    I nced at the calm waters, nearly giving myself away. Zeke was no fool. He knew I was bothered by the thought of him finding a mate and the words he had probably said behind my back. We had something special, but we were both afraid to take a step. "It''s...plicated," I mumbled. Speaking of which... he has said a lot of words in a few seconds. I raised an eyebrow to remind him. "You have said a lot of things in a minute." He kept quiet again.


    I sighed. "We have been going back and forth over this discussion... I don''t even know what we are talking about. The question is... Zeke, you are the Alpha of this pack. What are you doing here?" I looked back at him, my eyes locking with his. "Tell me, what do you want from me?" I urged, my concern growing. He was here acting like we have been friends, forgetting the times he bullied me, pped me and humiliated me. Did he think as an omega, I was probably invincible to his actions and would forgive him instantly for the pain he caused me?


    He was quiet again. I think I may have struck a chord. "To have ast quiet moment with you before work takes me away." He hasn''t been eating nor attending to his usual activities. Poor Zeke. He needed to take his mind off the things that would envelop him in a second. Things like me.


    "I think I might have feelings for someone," I quickly said, regretting my words immediately. Unfortunately, I couldn''t take it back. He needed the space. Enough with theplicated emotions. I expected anger or something else...but, he was trying to hide the surprise on his face.


    "Oh? And who might that be?"


    "I''d rather not say," I said, blushing slightly. s**t! It would give me away. "It''splicated, and I don''t want to cause any issues within the pack. You are right, this is ourst meeting together."


    He chuckled in amusement. "Naya, you can''t keep this to yourself. If there''s something bothering you, you need to share it," he insisted gently. "As the Alpha, it''s my responsibility to make sure you are happy. Who is the lucky guy?" There was something in his tone that scared me a bit. I felt sorry for whoever name I was going to mention. I dared not mention that person''s name. It was him and Kyle. I was sure he would find it weird when I said I loved the both of them.


    I took a deep breath to gather my thoughts. They were all over the ce. "It''s between two people, alright? I think I might have feelings for them, but I don''t want toe between the two. It could create tensions. I care about both of them, and I don''t want to ruin their rtionship." I was speaking in f*****g parables. I dared not give anything away.


    My revtion must have caught him off guard because I saw something I have never seen before. Zeke was the master of poker expressions and unpredictability. But this time around, I swear I saw a mix of emotions on his face - surprise, jealousy, and concern all at once. But above all, they disappeared just as they came.


    "Okay, this is weird." He muttered.


    "I am sorry for leading you all along. I am an omega and my scent must have probed you to do crazy things to me." My voice trembled slightly. Crazy things I loved. I want him to do more crazy things to me. s**t, Naya, you are just afraid of the Alpha. You have always been a coward and look what it''s getting you. Away from Zeke and Kyle. However it was better than epting his friendship after getting bullied.


    "We can''t control our feelings, Naya," He simply said. "But we can continue what we were doing before..."


    "I''m sorry," I mumbled again, feeling guilty for misreading his feelings. "I didn''t mean to overstep my boundaries." If I didn''t say it again, we might probably f**k. My senses were in an overdrive. It was as if the Scentless spray converted my scent into his. He shook his head, his expression hardening. "No, I''m sorry too. I shouldn''t have assumed you were avoiding me intentionally." He stood up, dusting the back of his trouser. His voice was hard. s**t. Monday would be crazy. I should get ready to be bullied all over again.


    "It''s alright," I said, finally meeting his eyes again. "We all have our moments. But I want you to know that I''m here for you, Zeke. As your loyal subject." Loyal subject? Gosh, that was as pathetic as hell. I could feel the tension between us increasing. This was ourst meeting together. It broke my heart to see him leaving this way before being dragged into Alphaly duties. I would cry my heart out after this. His gaze softened, and for a moment, I saw a vulnerability in his eyes that he rarely showed to anyone else. I couldn''t help but feel a surge of guilt. Despite his tough exterior, there was a part of Zeke that was hurting, that needed someone to lean on. I wanted to be that person for him, to offer himfort and support.


    "You don''t have to be alone, Zeke," I wanted to say. "You have friends here who care about you, including me." It never left my lips. I got up, dusting the back of my gown. This ce has been polluted, I would nevere back to this serene ce again. We stared at the calm water, watching a bird dive in and catch a fish before soaring high into the sky. The silence was suffocating and I wanted nothing more than to leave. However, my feet were glued to the floor. I wanted to tell him how much he meant to me. I couldn''t.

 Chapter 42

    Zeke''s POV


    "You are in such a shitty mood, brother, and I don''t like it." Kyle whispered in my ears before dragging Brooke out of the ss, probably to s**k on her face and do whatever they did after ss. School resumed quickly, but my wounds healed faster than I expected. By the next day, it was just a pink scar.


    "Oh, f**k off, Kyle." I gave him the middle finger as I watched Naya hide her face in her book. She was such a nerd and sometimes refused to acknowledge it. Pff, I would have loved to tease her, except our conversation back at the manor made me rethink my actions. I wasn''t surprised to see that everyone had forgotten about the incident that urred three weeks ago. Most importantly, I am the Alpha now. Not officially, though.


    "The monster tried to eat me. I yelled, ''No!'' Take Brawn instead! She is the one you want!" Well, not everyone had forgotten, I reminded myself as I watched Darren tell his made-up tales to the stupid girls around him with a devilish smirk, to which Naya paid deaf ears. Although I could see the tip of her pointy ears turning red in anger. Her hands squeezed around the book until her knuckles were white. She was pissed, and I could tell that much.


    A loud growl escaped my lips as I needed the silence. Okay, that was from me. He has been angstytely and has snapped at everything thates his way. To the extent Kyle noticed.


    The whole ss stopped what they were doing, and one by one they all bowed in reverence before leaving the ss. Soon enough, the ss was empty save for me and Naya. The tip of her ear wasn''t red any longer, and she seemed more rxed than before. Coming from me, her bully, I must say she seemed a bit too rxed in my presence. Yesterday, I expected something better from our conversation. It was true when I said that was myst moment of peace before being dragged away in alphaly duties. And she did make it worthwhile with her innocent gazes and unfearful looks. For once, she didn''t look scared of what I''d do to her.


    "Don''t you have something to do?" I snarled at her rxed form. She slowly froze, dropping the book to the table. "I-I..." she stuttered, beginning to stand up.


    I knew I was being a jerk right now. Sending her out of the ss will only make her a target for the likes of Darren and Brooke, and probably all the girls who hated the eventst week. However, the failure of our discussion made me angry each time I remembered it. I thought she wanted me. How dare she im to be my loyal subject after everything I have done to her? Surely I wasn''t expecting her to wee me with open eyes, but I thought we had a pretty decent conversation the other day when sheid on my chest. Save for me being tired, I would have rubbed my desires on her. "Get out." My angry voice rattled the doors, causing everyone in the hallway to leave. She flinched, running out of the door.


    I noticed that ever since I won the fight, my stature and height have increased dramatically. Same with Kyle''s. Our voice became deeper, and our strength was a bit unmatched. Although I haven''t seen Kyle fight, I know he was just like me.


    The problems to solve on my desk were enormous. The first was to keep the Elders in check. They should serve me and not be against me by forming the council. I have to ensure that the council is not formed under my watch. Secondly, the fact that Marley bothered me as a mate. ording to her, I need a mate by my side. Her intentions may have been clear to me, but her motive scared me. I had a feeling she wanted to rule by my side as Luna. It would never happen, hence I have to find my mate as quickly as possible. The third was to avenge my father''s death. Kyle already told me to leave it to him, and Kyle was careless. I couldn''t help but wonder what he had up his sleeves. He was going out with Brooke more often, which made me suspect he was out for Beta Brooke too. Where the hell was the Beta of the pack? With him here, I wouldn''t have this much on my te. I bit my lower lips, pulling out my phone to call Marley.


    "Hey," Marley began, making me cringe at her sickly sweet tone. What the f**k does she want from me? Whatever it was, I needed to y along. She owns half of the pack as a former Luna, and her connection still cuts through ces I do not know yet. I am still inexperienced as we speak.


    "What is the status of the elders?" The ritual was to acknowledge me as their Alpha. It''s been two weeks into the position, yet I haven''t heard a date about the ritual.


    Marley gave a tired sigh. "I feel they are waiting for you to present your mate. You are of mating age." There she went again, insisting I bring my mate before the ritual when I knew it wasn''t true. You don''t need a mate to be an alpha. Hence the reason why I need to abolish some of the elders'' beliefs. If I let them continue, they would form a council under my nose. A council was a group of elders that came together to overrule the Alpha''smand with their silly rules for protecting traditions. My father, Alpha Storm, has tried to stop it, but he has been killed by the Blood Moon pack.


    I should visit the pack doctor soon to discuss the state of the autopsy. The doctor has been quiet for too long.


    "I don''t care. Set up a meeting. I speak of a pack meeting." I snapped in impatience. Let''s see if the people will reject me as their Alpha again. If they didn''t say anything, then the elders would have no choice but to crown me Alpha. Not ording to lineage now, but ording to their good books. Those sick f***s should know that I could kill them if I wanted to and rece them. It wouldn''t be easy, but...


    I''ll be calm for now.


    I''ll be calm for now.


    Her surprised gasp could be heard. "But you are not ready yet. You are not ready to address the people. Thest time you did that, over fifteen wolves challenged you. They saw you bleed, and they saw how hard it was for you to fend off fifteen wolves. They could decide to be a hundred wolves ande at you at once. You haven''t been crowned Alpha officially."


    She was right. The pack had minds of their own. They all respected me, but they would never go against tradition. I was an unofficial Alpha. It only made matters worse. "s**t?" I nearly screamed to the heavens. "What''s the easy way out of these?" Her voice was calm, as if she had been expecting me to ask. "Get a mate and be on the good side of the elders. They might crown you as you wish."


    Never. I will never lick the asses of the elders. The good elders deserve my kindness, not the likes of Elder Freya. She was a b***h and needed to be reminded of her ce constantly. It came as a surprise for Marley to suggest such a thing, seeing as she hates Elder Freya.


    "I hate the stand of the elders as much as you do, but we need them in our good books. I suggest we y by the rules, get a Luna, and avoid long cuts. Your father took your mother in. When she died, Bless her soul, he took me in; hence, we are still on track. Don''t you see?"


    Her words about my mother caused my insides to recoil. "I will address the issues with the pack present. If there is anyone who has anything to say, they should say it to my face. Besides, I know who killed my father; I need to be Alpha first before going about my personal business." "It''s dangerous..." She began to stop me.


    I tapped the hang-up button. Just then I heard a loud noise, and I turned just in time to see Naya running off.


    s**t, she has been listening to my conversation with Marley all this time. I pushed the chair aside in a bid to catch her. That sneaky rat didn''t leave when I asked her to.


    My heart raced as I chased after Naya, my footsteps echoing through the empty halls. She was quick, and I had to push myself to catch up to her. What did she hear? Did she hear my conversation with Marley? A subject should never hear them.


    "Stop there!" I called out, my voice carrying down the corridor. Some students watched me chase after her in shock. She nced back, her eyes wide with surprise and maybe even fear. Her pace didn''t slow down, and she continued to run. I cursed under my breath, realizing that if I didn''t catch her soon, she might misconstrue everything and make things worse.


    Why do I even care?

 Chapter 43

    Naya''s


    POV


    When he sent me out of the ssroom, I wanted nothing more than to leave. Unfortunately, I wanted It was painful, but I agreed to leave.


    I stayed by the side of the ssroom, terrified to go close to the crowd surrounding Darren and his mi Marley. That Luna b***h, also called my mother. My eyes widened each time he said a word, and I cam challenge. The so-called elders were what I called despicable. How could they leave a poor Alpha alore, My hands started to tremble in fury. I didn''t know where it wasing from, but all I knew was that I And what did I do?


    be closer to him. He gave mefort and protection, even for a brief moment. s**t! We sat infortable silence until he began to snap and told me to get out.


    Then I heard his deep voice. My heightened hearing picked up what he was saying, even though I couldn''t hear from the other side. My gut told me it was nderstand that Zeke wasn''t officially the Alpha. Oh, so that was why he was left alone after the fight... I knew something was definitely fishy with the defenseless, all for the sake of...


    unleash it on someone, something, anything. The book I held in my hands flew towards the window. It made a loud crash that had Zeke running towards me.


    Run. Which was a very bad idea for a wolf. Wolves consider it rude for you to run while they chase you it was supposed to be romantic and yful when between friends or mates. Zeke was neither. He was the goddamn Alpha, and I was running away. I was giving the Alpha a chance to chase me before killing me.


    Except he wasn''t officially the Alpha. I should be safe for now.


    He finally managed to close the distance between us and reached out, grabbing my wrist gently but firmly stopped abruptly, turning to face him, my chest heaving as I caught my breath. I was sure that my eyes were a mix of confusion and panic. "Let go of me," I demanded, worried that my shaky voice would be heard.


    "What did you hear?" He asked urgently, his grip on my wrist loosening slightly. Although I knew he had no intention to let me go until I told him what I had heard and my understanding of it.


    I tried to pull away, but he held on tightly. "Tell me what you heard right now." He added with a snarl.


    I just heard what I wasn''t supposed to hear. Pack discussions were supposed to be for the stakeholders to listen and not for ''loyal subjects'' like me.


    I raised my eyes to look at him. There was uncertainty in my eyes. "Exin what? That you''re discussing mating and pack issues with Marley? That you''re nning to be an official Alpha?" Jeez, I could never get tired of my snarky mouth, could I? "I was discussing pack matters, yes, but that doesn''t change the fact that I caught you eavesdropping.


    doing it again. Please don''t humiliate me in front of the school.


    I thought we had gone past this. It was like my nightmare was happening all over again. All because I


    wrist, his fingers pressing into my skin. "You had no right to listen to my private conversation. Do you think


    were you hoping to hear?" He growled under his breath. It caused a vibration in the hallway that attracted the students'' attention to us. No, Zeke, you are


    ''t allow my curiosity to die. Zeke''s eyes shed with a mixture of anger and frustration, and I could sense his irritation growing. He tightened his grip on my you can just invade my privacy whenever you want? What did I tell you about MY personal space?"


    My heart raced as his tone became more heated. I had never seen him this angry before, and it scared me shitless. "I wasn''t invading anything," I shot back, my voice growing thinner. "I was passing by, and I happened to overhear something. It''s not like I was intentionally trying to spy on you."


    He scoffed, his lips twisting into a bitter smile. "Right, just a coincidence that you conveniently overheard a conversation about my position as Alpha and my personal matters." He leaned in closer, his voice dangerously low. "Don''t y innocent with me, Naya." He red at his surroundings, giving a satisfied smile when the students lowered their heads. I wanted to let them know that he wasn''t officially an Alpha yet, so they could rx.


    Who was I kidding? He was terrifying either way. Come to think of it, Zeke has gotten way bigger now.


    I tried to yank my wrist out of his grasp, my own frustration now bubbling to the surface. He didn''t even flinch. "Oh, I get it now. You''re upset because your precious little secrets were exposed. The big, bad Alpha can''t handle someone knowing more about him than he''d like." Where did thate from? It took a moment for me to realize that Naya, my wolf, had taken over, and hell, she was pissed. I eyed the mirror close to me to see that my eyes were totally blue and ssy.


    "No, wrong timing, Naya. Get back inside and let me handle this in my form. me won''t take it likely to see that we are insultive." Wolves had egos, and with an Alpha? His ego was ten times the average wolf''s.


    Naya spat heatedly. "Let me protect you this time. We already did something we weren''t supposed to. You are not in the right frame of mind to confront Zeke." She was offended and had taken over my body to protect me. This made me think about what she meant by that. What did I do? I couldn''t remember, even if I wanted to.


    "I will exinter. Don''t distract me." She said impatiently to me, allowing me to watch in shock what the heck was happening. How had she taken over without my being in control? She has been speaking a lot about protectiontely, and we were both as weak as f**k. Something was not right.


    Zeke clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing at me. He must be aware that it wasn''t me who spoke to him. It was Naya. "You have no idea what you''re talking about."


    "Enlighten me then," Naya challenged, my voice dripping with sarcasm. Almost everyone gasped. "Tell me, Alpha Zeke, what''s so secretive that you had to grab me like a criminal for overhearing?"


    He took a step closer, our faces just inches apart. His gaze bore into mine, his eyes a storm of different emotions. "It''s none of your damn business."


    He took a step closer, our faces just inches apart. His gaze bore into mine, his eyes a storm of different emotions. "It''s none of your damn business."


    Naya huffed out a frustrated breath, not backing down. "You''re right. It''s not. So, let go of me, and let''s just forget this ever happened."


    Zeke''s expression wavered, his anger mixing with something else-something that resembled regret. "Naya, I-" He started, his voice softening slightly before he caught himself, and his features hardened once again. s**t. Naya turned away from him, crossing her arms over her chest. Okay, she was acting weird again. "Just save the Alpha intimidation act for someone who actually cares. I have better things to do than deal with your mood swings." Oh no.


    His hand reached out, almost as if he wanted to touch me, but he pulled it back before making contact. "Wait. It isn''t you talking."


    Naya spun back to face him, her patience wearing thin. "What, Zeke? What could you possibly want now?"


    He sighed, his shoulders slumping as his anger seemed not to dissipate. "It''s you. She is a coward, running away from me." He was talking about the fact that I allowed Naya to take over my body. It was the first time, I swear, and not voluntarily. Naya raised an eyebrow. "Complicated? Oh, I see. It''splicated because you have feelings for Marley and you''re supposed to mate with her for pack politics, right? Is that why you''re so touchy about this?"


    His expression shifted again, this time into one of exasperation mixed with resignation. "I knew you were not her. You sound jealous."


    "Yes, Naya, what the f**k? You sound like a jealous mate. How could he have feelings for the old Luna? Get a grip on yourself; people are watching. I demand you give me back my body!" I yelled at my wolf, Naya.


    Naya ignored me. "No, Zeke, you''re not making anything easy. You can''t just expect me to pretend I didn''t hear anything and go back to being your ''loyal subject"."


    He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "You have no idea what''s at stake here. It''s not as simple as you think." Seeing as everyone still watched our exchange, he growled angrily, and they all scrambled. Hopefully, the part where he wasn''t officially the Alpha would be lost in their minds.


    Naya took a step closer to him, her voice quieter but no less intense. "And you have no idea what it''s like to be treated like you''re invisible, like you''re only worth as much as your usefulness to the pack. You have no idea what it''s like to hear you talk about Marley and then pretend like you don''t even remember my name."


    What in the actual f**k?


    Naya!!!

 Chapter 44

    Naya''s


    PoV


    Naya ran to the toilet, closing the door immediately. Then she walked gently to the mirror, where I was waiting for her. Although I wasn''t expecting to see the frustration and self-disappointment clearly in her eyes. She sighed deeply, and my reflection stared back at her with a mix of irritation and insecurity. "Seriously, Naya? Are you that shameless?" I muttered to her, my voice tinged with annoyance. "You had to go and act all jealous in front of Zeke? What were you thinking?"


    She ran her fingers through her hair in frustration, her brows furrowing as I continued berating her. We were one, but apparently I was too angry to let her go free after confronting Zeke in that manner. Did she even know what she had done? If Zeke is eventually crowned Alpha tonight, we are both doomed. Yes, doomed! "He was having a conversation with Marley and what? You had to let your insecurities show? You know better than that, Naya." I definitely knew it was Naya. Jeez, we look so much alike, as she was using my body for her shenanigans.


    his morning, pretending like you were mad at him for grabbing your wrist? Yeah, that was really mature."


    I would never have spoken to Zeke like that, no matter what he did to me. "You can''t let our emotions control you like that. You can''t let Zeke see how


    anting her to share the reasons with me. "I had been making progress avoiding him. While you''ve been working so hard to be strong and to prove yourself,


    could continue my self-berating weirdness, a knock at the door interrupted us. She nced towards the door, and my irritation shifted to curiosity. od. The girls had probably watched my exchange with Zeke and wanted to know what transpired for us to be that damn close.


    rls from my ss standing there, smirks ying on their lips.


    I made sure my reflection seemed to re at her, as if judging her actions. "And that little stunt you p Naya scoffed at the mirror to tell me that she didn''t care. It only allowed my anger to grow because sh much he affects us. He''s probablyughing at us right now, thinking how easy it is to get under MY ski She let out another exasperated sigh, her shoulders slumping as she leaned against the wall. I tried a and now you''re throwing it all away because of some stupid jealousy?" What was she thinking? Her quiet staring made me frustrated every damn minute. She knew it was what I hated so much. Before "Let me have my body, Naya, so that I can handle this." With snickers outside, I knew it wasn''t going to "No." Was the only word Naya spoke to me before she walked over and opened the door to find a grou "Well, well, if it isn''t Brawn the Jealous," one of them sneered, her words dripping with condescension Suddenly, I was flushed with embarrassment and anger. It was Naya''s emotions, but she managed to h "Oh, nothing much," another girl who I recognized as one of Brooke''s minions chimed in. Did Kyle send make him mate you? And probably have a little revenge on us?" Her hand pped the wall beside me Naya''s jaw clenched, her fists curling at her sides. I knew she was not going to let these girls get to he The girls exchanged knowing looks before bursting intoughter. "It looks like she can''t handle the truth, Naya''s patience was wearing thin, but she refused to give them the satisfaction of seeing her break. "You''re right," she said with a forced smile. "I can''t handle stupidity, so I''ll just leave you to it." With that, she turned to walk away, her heart pounding in her chest. However, before she could take more than a couple of steps, one of the girls extended her foot, causing Naya to trip and stumble forward. She let out a startled yelp as she fell, her hands instinctively reaching out to brace her fall.


    ember her. She was the one who told me to sacrifice myself to the monsters the other day!


    r head high. "What do you want?" she asked, her voiceced with defiance. I could never be this brave.


    here or Zeke? "We just thought it was really cute how you practically drooled over Zeke this morning. Tell me, what were you two discussing? nning to


    ng Naya to flinch. They were really huge, I swear. The other girls began to giggle in mockery.


    hat was the problem. Our mouth was our best weapon. "Is that why you came here? To make fun of me?" one of them taunted.


    Laughter echoed in her ears as shended on the ground, her knees scraping against the smelly, hard floor. Anger surged through me, and she turned to re at the girls, who were nowughing openly. "Having trouble staying on your feet, Naya?" Tess, the biggest of them, taunted with a triumphant smirk on her face.


    Naya pushed herself to her feet, her cheeks flushed with a mix of humiliation and anger. "Really mature," she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I hope you''re all proud of yourselves."


    As she walked away and into the janitor''s maintenance room, I could still hear theirughter echoing in the hallway. It was then that she allowed me to take control of my body again. When I did, my hands were already clenched into fists. I scoffed sadly. Poor Naya; this was the first time she was taking my humiliation, and she already has a clenched fist. Tears dropped from my eyes as I couldn''t shake off the feeling of beingpletely humiliated by a group of girls in my ss. I was the type who needed care and love. I knew my ce was not to fight but to protect and, in turn, be protected for. It was painful to see that the two men I cared about were living their lives, humiliating and ignoring me.


    It was at the fourth ring of the bell that I realized that I had missed all sses. I couldn''t dare show my face in ss. Not after my wolf''s confrontation and bullying. My knees hurt like crazy, and they have refused to heal. I gently wiped the tears from my face before reaching down to clean the wound. It shouldn''t be dirty, lest it be infected.


    It was at the fourth ring of the bell that I realized that I had missed all sses. I couldn''t dare show my face in ss. Not after my wolf''s confrontation and bullying. My knees hurt like crazy, and they have refused to heal. I gently wiped the tears from my face before reaching down to clean the wound. It shouldn''t be dirty, lest it be infected.


    To my knowledge, there will be a pack meeting tonight. Marley and Zeke would be addressing the pack. I should be able to see the Elders in their full glory. Tonight, it will be known to us if Zeke will be the Alpha or not.


    By the time I came out of the room, everyone had left the school grounds. It was the perfect time for me to leave, too. Limping, I made my way out of the school and back to the storm manor, where I sneaked into my room and never came out. Unless for snacks. I made sure I never bumped into the twins by spraying the Scentless spray. Even if they tried to sniff me out, they never got to where I was.


    The sun set earlier than I had anticipated. If anything, I dreaded the pack meeting tonight. Zeke might be forced to make the decision to provide a mate. That also scared me. From my balcony, I watched as Wolves from all corners of the pack gathered in a clearing, their anticipation filling the air.


    I didn''t want anyone to recognize me, so I pulled my dress and a hoodie over my body. Gently, I dragged my socks over my scraped knees. It was a painful reminder of what happened today.


    Soon, Marley approached the podium, where Alpha Storm usually stands. His presence should be greatly missed by all. Not me. Tonight, she was putting on a simple red gown. Her presence as Lunamanded all attention to be on her. It was the power my mother wielded against the people and Elders. If she had such power, why would she kill the Alpha? A powerless girl like me knew not to poke around. That could cause me to meet my end quickly.


    "Pack members," she began. Slowly, the loud muttering quieted down. The elderly wolves might know what they were here for. It was younger wolves like myself who were still in awe of the procedure for bing an alpha. It was different, even if you were a prince. Wolves were strong animals, and we needed a strong Alpha to lead us. A weak prince would never be our first choice. "As you know, Zeke has taken on the role of an unofficial Alpha. It''s time we addressed the pack officially and discussed the implications. However, he wishes to advance to the next level. We all know what that means." Her voice dropped to a lower octave. It spelled trouble.

 Chapter 45

    Naya''s


    pov


    My heart raced as Marley''s words hung in the air. I knew exactly what Marley was implying-the challenges to Zeke''s authority, the potential for a new Alpha to be chosen. The implications of it all sent a shiver down my spine. They were all too familiar and deadly. It was to fight to the death.


    Oh, I have seen this before. Thest time, Zeke came out battered and speaking nonsense. It caused a strain in our rtionship. Now? I don''t even know why he chose this f*****g path! If I thought he was a sociopath before? I was wrong. He is a f*****g psychopath who doesn''t care about my feelings, but goes ahead to hurt me all over and over again. I hate you Zeke. Scratch that... my admiration for you has even grown ten times better than thest time. You have no all that.


    idea how taking the long cut made you sound and seem sexy. I licked my dry lower lips as he locked his eyes on me. Emotional support, yeah... I was totally Marley''s eyes swept over the crowd, her gaze intense as she held the attention of the pack members. She did enjoy having everyone take a little breath and holding it until she was ready to speak again. "But before we proceed with the formal challenge, let''s take a moment to discuss the tiny hindrance to this challenge at hand."


    Hindrances? There were many of them. I narrowed my eyes on the approaching elders who felt their grand entrance and its impact on the audience was more important than whatever s**t Marley was saying. My mind became torn between my anxieties and the words Marley was speaking. The presence of the elders gave me a sense of unease and at the same timeforted me. Thebination was sketchy even for wolves like myself.


    Today''s event already shook me to my core. I was still surprised at how Naya was able to take over my body without me knowing. Besides, the s**t I pulled at the hallway was nearly discovered. My reading book broke a f*****g thick window ss! How was that even possible? I nced around at the wolves surrounding me, wondering if they were just as nervous as I was.


    Nope. They were mostly excited.


    Marley''s steady voice brought me back to the challenge at hand. "We lost our former Alpha to a tragedy. However, we need a new one. An Alpha is not just a leader in name. They are the protector of the pack, the one who makes decisions that affect all of us. They must be strong, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. It''s a role thates with great challenges and sacrifices. Elders on the other hand," she gave a knowing look to the Elders in their eerie attire of white and rods. "Are the symbols of unity and control. Whatever the Alpha loses control of, the elders take charge of it. Zeke is here to prove his self control to the elders so that he can be fully acquainted with both sides as free of hindrances."


    Naya''s pov


    As Marley spoke, I couldn''t help but steal a nce at Zeke, who stood slightly apart from the Elders. His expression was unreadable as usual, his eyes keenly focused on Marley as she spoke gibberish. Half of what she was saying was lost on the younger wolves, I was sure. It was the older wolves that appreciated her silly words of power. I didn''t.


    At this point, I wondered what was going through Zeke''s mind again. This Alpha would be the death of mes


    Then I remembered. Kyle. Where the f**k was Kyle Storm? He usually disappeared during times like this. Zeke would be disappointed, no doubt. I hoped he wasn''t somewhere drilling into Brooke. Haven''t they broken up already? No. One after the other. Let me deal with Zeke first, Kyleter.


    Marley''s gaze shifted to Zeke, her eyes locking onto his. "Zeke," she addressed him directly, "are you ready to take on the role of an Alpha, to face the challenges thate with it?"


    Zeke''s response was firm, his voice carrying a quiet confidence. "I am ready."


    I chuckled, feeling a mixture of admiration and concern for him. Despite his facade of bravado and arrogance, I could see that he understood the gravity of the situation. He was willing to step up and fight, even if it meant the wolves tearing his guts out. It was all to find the murderer of the former Alpha.


    Oh, Mr. Diego... you don''t know what ising for you.


    Marley nodded approvingly. She stepped back a bit and the elder who I recognized as Elder Freya due to her newly dyed orange hair came forward. She removed the veil that covered her face. It held the same arrogant smirk I saw the other day. I wished I could scratch it off her face with my ws.


    "Very well. Then let the challenge begin." She raised her staff high and the people hooted for the Alpha. Although there was tension in the air as the wolves awaited the start of the challenge. "If there is anyone in objection,e forward and stake your im." Everyone knew this was going to happen sooner orter. The ambitious older wolves already informed their elder children of what to expect at the pack meeting. Who would want an inexperienced wolf without the Beta of the pack to rule over them? I scoffed because it seemed like they preferred their children instead. It didn''t stop my heart from racing violently against my chest. This was the moment everything would change. I watched as Elder Freya stepped aside, allowing space for any wolf who wished to challenge Zeke''s authority.


    Suddenly, a wolf stepped forward from the crowd. His fur was a dark shade of blue, his eyes determined. Did he have toe in his wolf form? I wondered in contempt. I was about to protest in my mind when I recognized his hind legs. s**t! I could recognise those fat limbs anywhere I go. It was none other than Darren. He didn''t have the chance to challenge Zeke before, back when Zeke was an unofficial Alpha, and I knew that he was ambitious and hungry for power. He hated losing at all.


    Jeez, Darren, walking to your death aren''t you? It made me remember thest time Zeke took him out for a discussion. Ever since, Darren hasn''t bullied me directly. What exactly transpired between these two?


    The tension grew as Darren changed back to his original form. His gaze was locked onto Zeke''s. "I challenge you, Zeke," he dered, his voice echoing in the clearing.


    Zeke''s expression remained calm and collected, his gaze unwavering. "Very well," he replied, his voice steady. It would be a one on one challenge first before they came at him. At the Elders side, the number of wolves who came out for a challenge was getting to ten and still counting. s**t Zeke.


    I smirked as I watched the two wolves face off.


    Elder Freya''s voice held satisfaction. It was as if she knew this was going to happen. Her voice cut through the silence, her words carrying a weight of authority. "Let the challenge begin."


    The Alpha wolf and Power wolf lunged at each other, their teeth bared and their ws elongated. I watched in tense silence as Zeke fought for his position. It was a struggle for Zeke seeing as he just recovered a deadly blow to his side. It seemed like Darren was heavier with his blows while Zeke fought with experience, avoiding every blow. I feared for Zeke because the determination to end Zeke''s life was evident in Darren''s eyes. I didn''t need a soothsayer to tell me what had transpired between the two of them. How could I have forgotten the bruise Darren was spotting when he came back from the talk with Zeke? Zeke had beaten him, but he acted like it was okay. I couldn''t tear my eyes away from the spectacle. My emotions ran through me, chaotic and restless. On one hand, I feared for Zeke''s safety and worried about the potential oue of the challenge. On the other hand, a part of me couldn''t deny the rush of excitement and adrenaline that surged through me as I watched Zeke''s intense disy of strength and dominance.


    "Naya." I heard someone call my name. I turned to find Kyle beside me, a cloak around him to hide his features from the rest of the wolves. What was he doing here? Being a spy?


    He touched my elbow as if to warn me. "Act cool. Don''t draw attention to ourselves."


    I cleared my throat. "What are you doing here? You are in the midst of excited wolves, they will scent your Alphaly genes and..."


    "Which is why I came to you. With you, they won''t smell me." I could see a sh of his pearly white teeth. He was f*****g smirking now of all times!

 Chapter 46

    Naya Cod


    The fight between Zeke and Darren raged on. What''s more? The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. I could hear the growls and snarls of the two wolves filling the clearing and drowning out the whispers and murmurs of the people. Seriously, I was worried sick. It seemed like Darren was fighting too hard to get the upper hand. Knowing that Darren was a boy who loved to be above thew, I don''t know who will win. But I trust Zeke. Kyle''s presence beside me was a surprisingfort, even as there was a battle for dominance and power. I nced at him, furrowing my eyebrows in confusion. "You aren''t supposed to be here. After all, you called me a slut. I will ask again, What are you doing here?"


    Kyle''s eyes held a mix of amusement and seriousness as he leaned in to whisper. "And I will reply again; I came to see the challenge. Thest thing I need is to be caught in the middle of this mess."


    I couldn''t help but chuckle softly at his response. "Right, because a cloaked Alpha in the middle of a pack challenge is inconspicuous." It was utterly ridiculous. "You are in a mess already. He is your brother. You should help him."


    Kyle grinned, hissing a bit. "Well, I hate to admit it, but Zeke doesn''t need my help. He is doing perfectly fine. I should help him from the side." I don''t think Zeke would appreciate that very much. However, Kyle''s confident demeanor was a stark contrast to the turmoil that raged within me. I was trying to hide it well, but Kyle seemed to notice because then he ced his hands on my shoulders, causing me to flinch a bit. He was too close forfort. My attention was divided between Zeke''s fighting and his hands on my shoulders.


    My hope started to soar only when I saw Zeke manage to dodge another deadly blow and pin Darren to the ground, his teeth dangerously close to Darren''s throat. The tension in the air was palpable as the pack members held their breath, waiting for the oue. Would he bite or withhold himself for the sake of loyalty to the pack? It was customary to finish the loser off. We all waited as Zeke roared, growled, and barked his teeth again at Darren''s fear-stricken face. He whined and probably wished he hadn''t taken up the challenge to fight Zeke. Yes, he should have thought twice before engaging in a fight he wouldn''t win.


    Suddenly, I could feel Zeke''s eyes on me. It was as if he wanted me to tell him what to do. His expression was so visible on his expressionless face. I gasped quietly as he raised an eyebrow. I cleared my throat before shaking my head. Darren wasn''t worth it. Now he would know who was really Alpha between the two of them. After onest howl, Zeke patiently waited for Darren to yield. It wasn''t easy for Darren to do it, but he eventually turned his neck to the side, causing the whole pack to howl in delight.


    Elder Freya came forward with a dissatisfied look on her face. Then she snapped her fingers, and the pack doctors came along to drag Darren away. The boy had been paralyzed with fear. Alpha Zeke had just saved his life because of me. I touched my ming cheeks with both hands. I could feel how hot I was at the thought of being a part of something big in Zeke''s life. I guess Naya talked sense into him.


    Zeke wanted me to have a say in my bully''s death. He too was a bully, but I preferred him over anyone else. These kind gestures made me giddy and excited.


    Kyle''s voice broke through my thoughts. "Impressive, isn''t it?" Oh, I had nearly forgotten he was here. My ming cheeks became cold instantly. I hope he didn''t just witness the small moment between me and Zeke. Even if he did, I don''t mind, but I would love to know his thoughts about it.


    "Impressive? You call all of this-fighting for power and dominance-impressive?" I tore my gaze away from the podium to look at Kyle. His expression was thoughtful as he leaned on one leg.


    "It''s a harsh reality of our world, Naya. Survival of the fittest, as they say. Zeke fought for his position because he knew what was at stake. He''s willing to put himself on the line for the pack. Yet people don''t appreciate him for it. Look, there is another one." My brows furrowed. "And that makes it okay? That makes it impressive?" Zeke had yet to recover before another wolf lunged at him. It was going to be a really long night. And I was tired already.


    Kyle''s gaze met mine; his eyes were serious. It was the second time I have seen him this serious, besides fighting for his father''s uwful death. "Sometimes, we have to do what it takes to protect our own. It''s not about whether it''s right or wrong; it''s about being stable for the sake of the pack. Zeke understands that, even if you don''t agree with his methods." If Kyle was this knowledgeable... What else has he been hiding under that yful demeanor of his?


    I opened my mouth to respond, but Kyle held up a hand to stop me. "I''m not saying it''s easy, Naya. I''m just saying that in this world, sometimes we have to make difficult choices for the greater good."


    I sighed, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I just... I don''t know if I can ever fully understand that mindset." It was true. The fact that Zeke chose the long cut to Alpha''s seat? Never betraying his true mate was truly remarkable. I love him for it. I grinned. "I didn''t take you to be this wise. You have so much, Kyle. I don''t know why you are hiding it under this facade of..." I wanted to say wickedness and add selfishness, perhaps? But that would be crossing the boundary between us. Frankly, the fact that I was able to have a meaningful conversation with the twins still surprises me. I still get overwhelmed whenever they are too close forfort.


    "Facade of what?" Kyle muttered, just as Zeke threw off the wolves on his back and another cheer erupted from the crowd. I was afraid of saying what Kyle was hiding his real emotions under. It terrified me to say that because, just like his brother, he was getting unpredictable. The death of his father really took a toll on him.


    Kyle''s voice came from afar. "I am my own person with my own beliefs. You''re your own person with your own beliefs. We all have to make decisions. The type I have to make is for the safety of my brother, my mate, and this pack. Zeke''s decisions are driven by his duty as a potential Alpha." He gave me a brief nce. "We have all made wrong decisions at one point, and we are still making them. But the truth remains. The type of decision I make is for the safety of my brother, mate, and pack."


    It made sense. His words did. The wrong decision he was talking about was when he bullied me. Slept with other girls and neglected his duty, or What does he mean when he says the decision he makes is for his brother and... I gasped in realization. "Kyle, I don''t mean to pry, but have you found your mate?"


    He was quiet for a while. "Yes."


    My saliva lodged in my throat, causing me to choke. I began to cough so loudly that all attention was diverted to us. My eyes watered, and my throat was on fire. "You have found your ma- mate." I stuttered while choking.


    Kyle gently patted my back. "Shut up, brawn." He gritted his teeth, covering his face some more. "Can''t you be quiet?"


    I swallowed my next cough when it seemed as if Zeke looked in my direction. He was momentarily distracted, which caused the other wolf to nearly swipe at his eyes. What the f**k? I shrank away from Kyle''s touch because he made me want his touch more. What is happening to me? I took a deep breath to calm my raging hormones. I was so d I sprayed the Scentless spray again before leaving my room. I regained myposure so that Zeke wouldn''t be distracted again.


    "What is she like?" It was the same question I wanted to ask Zeke when he told me his mate wasn''t far away from him. I didn''t get the chance to because he called me his f*****g subject. It wasn''t a surprise to hear that the twins had both sensed their mate was not far from them. Should I have a threesome with them before they go to her? They would leave me when she eventually came.


    Who was their mate?

 Chapter 47

    For minutes, he kept quiet, which was unlike him. I asked what she was like; he hasn''t said anything yet. I wanted him to tell me her name. Brooke Bentley? I subtly tugged at my hair in frustration. Why wouldn''t they answer me directly? I must have gotten lost in my thoughts because Elder Freya''s voice rang out once more, her words carrying a sense of finality. "By thews of our pack, Zeke has proven his strength and dominance. He is the rightful Alpha."


    I raised my eyes to see that Zeke had managed to force all of the challengers to submission. If Zeke and Kyle found their mate, does that mean that I would be one of those women who would fight his mate and see if she was as strong as Luna? Marley didn''t have to fight for long because she was a b***h. No one could stand her except with their tongues, of course, which they used to speak evil at her back. What would people then say of me? A mixture of cheers and murmurs rippled through the crowd as the pack members processed the news. A small smirk lifted my lips as Zeke stood victorious, his chest heaving with exertion and his gaze unwavering. I couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride for him, despite the tremors that swirled within me. Wait... he was injured. I sighed, knowing that I would be the one to tend to his injuries again. Perhaps he could tell me who his mate was again. My smirk spread wider. Oh yes. This was the opportunity to make him talk out of the drug for pain relief. It was funny how the normal drugs didn''t do him anything, but this particr pain reliever had the ability to make him sound drunk or probably see things.


    Elder Freya''s eyes bore into Zeke''s, her expression a nd mixture of approval and caution. "Congrattions, Zeke. You have proven yourself once again." She would have no other option but to crown him Alpha. She picked up the wooden crown sitting on a soft, portable cushion. It was filled with thorns and seemed dangerous. Yet when she picked it up, the elders gathered around him and ced it on his head. None of the thorns pierced his skull. But it seemed damn heavy. Zeke nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes briefly flickering to meet mine before he turned his attention back to Marley. I wondered if he considered her more important than me. Besides, he was thinking of taking her in as a mate earlier. I could never be more grateful that he chose the long cut, mate or not. "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown." Kyle muttered, bringing me back to what he said earlier. had topose myself, of course. Asking him about his mate was one thing. Being desperate was another.


    "You should go and stand by his side, Kyle." I muttered, not trying to tell him what to do. We weren''t close enough for that to happen. His presence still causes me difort sometimes.


    Kyle sighed. "You never get tired, do you?" Then he paused. "I thought you asked me something earlier Okay, he was back to his cheerful tone. Maybe it wasn''t a sensitive question I asked him. "Look, the wolves are paying their respect to him. You should go and do the same."


    He was right. I should go and do as others are doing. However, I still had time before Zeke would finish sniffing out other wolves as members of his pack. After sniffing them out, he would be able to tell when an intruder had entered the pack. Scentless or not. I grinned immediately when he changed into me. So majestic and beautiful. I would want nothing more than to run my hands through me''s reddish coat. From afar, it seemed like a me. "What is she like?" I dared to ask Kyle again.


    "I wish you were this stubborn when bullied. You don''t know when to give up, do you?" He chuckled when me shook himself to get rid of the excessive sweat in him. When it sshed on the people closer to him, they all basked in glory, bowing and showing how much his scent meant to them.


    I only had one word for such wolves.


    Ew.


    "Quite the spectacle, isn''t it?" he remarked, his voice a low murmur. I knew he was able to tell me something filled with wisdom again. Yes, I havee to understand Kyle like this. "My brother in all his glory reminds me of wherever my father came back from the borders, all bloodied yet powerful."


    I probably nodded with a thoughtful expression on my face. I couldn''t understand what he was saying, but I could only imagine it. It didn''t answer my question about his mate. We can start from here. "Yeah, it seems... intense. But it''s not just about power, is it? There''s something more beneath the surface." I was sure there was something more beneath the surface. Alpha Storm was known as a cold Alpha who cared for nothing other than to protect the pack. He was a terror to the lower wolves, but a necessary one. What did Kyle know about his father? Probably how he was loving to the inner circle of his family alone.


    Kyle''s eyes held a knowing glint as he met my gaze. "You''re perceptive, Naya." He nodded. "And I like it. Of course, there''s always more to these things than meets the eye. Power struggles, alliances, secrets-it''s all part of the silly web that our pack is entangled in. This is why I need to know what happened to my father. Not being by the side of my brother is part of the n. I am sure the Blood Moon Pack has heard that my brother is now Alpha. They haven''t heard of me yet. It''s my best weapon."


    My brow furrowed. "In running away from duty? To me, that''s just an excuse."


    "And you are back to being dumb again." He growled under his breath.


    That shut my runny mouth up. Then his lips curled into a half-smile. "Who knows? Circumstances change, and sometimes you find yourself bing a yer in the game when you least expect it." His eyes were telling me something now. They were asking me to spill the secrets I knew. Why should I spill my mime when he has skillfully refused to answer my question for over ten minutes. "I paid a visit to the pack doctor. He said you have been frequently going to see him and asking... prying questions."


    I knew it! I knew that Kyle wouldn''t stand close to me without some reason. Cunning big bastard... My gaze returned to the clearing where Zeke now stood, deep in conversation with Marley and a few other wolves. His hand was held out for whoever wished to kiss it. In turn, he sniffed his hands so that he would be familiar with their scent. Such a gross custom "I er..." s**t, Naya, say something! His gaze was really making me unable to talk. "What happens to you even if I go to the pack doctor?" I went for the offense. There was no way I would let him get to me again.


    "You are asking questions that could put you into trouble. Leave it to me. I don''t want to suspect you, so I am going to ignore it. Never go there again." He warned. Something told me he wasn''t just warning me about that. "Why? Am I not allowed to have friends?" I questioned myself, folding my hands across my chest.


    "You are misunderstanding me. I won''t repeat myself again." He rather said that, cing his hands across his chest.


    "You didn''t tell me about your mate; instead, you warned me about who my friends should be." Okay, that wasn''t part of the n.


    He was quiet for a moment. "That was way out of line, Brawn." That''s what I do not like. His quiet time. He used it on Elder Freya. It didn''t end well. "Why do you want to know about her?"


    "Because." I simply said, getting ready to run to Zeke''s side if I have to. I mean, he was yet to scent me... s**t! I sprayed the Scentless spray.


    "Because of what?" He asked again, causing me to flinch. "I haven''t told anyone about my mate, and I cannot risk you babbling to everyone about her. So keep it a secret." He begged me toe closer.


    I leaned closer to listen to the big secret.


    Except he flicked my forehead.


    "Ouch." I yelled, drawing Zeke''s attention to me. "What was that for?"


    "For acting like you have every right to question me." He cleared his throat before waving to Zeke. "Brother!"


    He f*****g left me here after flicking my forehead.


    "You don''t look so well." Kyle grimaced at his brother''s battered look. He turned to the Elders. "Elder Freya, I see you are not your usual self today."


    Elder Freya had her eyes on me instead. "I heard this is the newest addition to the family."


    I gulped.

 Chapter 48

    Naya Cod.


    Zeke gave a small smile. I wondered who it was for. "She is our half sister. My loyal subject."


    What the f**k?


    "Half sister?" Naya, my wolf nearly caused me a headache with her yapping. She hasn''t been in a good mood since yesterday. Today was no good.


    "Rx, Naya. You are causing me a headache." I hissed, raising my head to smile at Elder Freya. I still have to pretend I don''t know her name yet. What? Was I supposed to tell her that I witnessed Kyle strangling her at the table? She has be quite popr these days. It was hard to miss her name with the way people ran their mouths about the strict, orange-haired Elger. I would be strangled in an instant!


    "Half Sister?" Elder Freya gave a mockingugh. She turned to the rest of the Elders. "Did the slut produce another slut for thete Alpha or something?''


    The other woman with reddish hair sighed. "Elder Freya, Zeke just won the victory. We don''t have to be like this."


    "And I am standing right beside you." Marley gritted her teeth under her breath.


    "Speak of the devil." Elder Freya cleared her throat, clearly referring to Marley and me as the sluts of the day.


    "Elders, I don''t think we should stand here and discuss such tribal matters. I am sure you don''t want to get on my bad side after such a long Victory. My blood is still pumped." Zeke growled gently. It was a subtle warning directed at Elder Freya. She doesn''t know when to stop talking, does she.


    "Alright. Alpha Zeke. We will visit you tomorrow morning and brief you on the pack issues. You shouldmence your duties by tomorrow evening. There is no time for rest." Elder Freya grinned wickedly. "Now that Beta Brooke is nowhere to be found. I am sure you will do just fine. Or you can just appoint your loyal subject to be your beta for the day." Herughter echoed in the air as she found her way down the podium. "Come with me, Elders. We have a lot to do."


    "Is she the leader?" I asked Naya, who was thinking the same.


    "Clearly, she is." Naya grudgingly replied beforeying her head down for a nap. I was d because it seemed like yesterday drained both of our energies. The only people who could exin what Naya did the other day were the elders, but obviously Elder Freya doesn''t regard me as anything.


    The second female Elder bowed her head in reverence. "I am sorry for Elder Freya''s words. She can be a bit." She pursed her lips, looking for the right words to qualify her snarky tone in order not to offend Elder Freya, standing a few meters away with a scowl on her face.


    I volunteered toplete the sentence for her. "Rude, annoying, and disrespectful." I mped my mo ut when all eyes turned to me. Way to go, Naya. You have attracted attention to yourself again.


    The reddish-haired Elder turned to me. Her hair was almost like mine. The only difference was that the top of her hair was colored wine. Did they dye their hair different colors every day or something? It was such a beautiful color. As much as I hated to admit it, all the Elders looked good. There was a white-haired, green-haired and even a light blue-haired Elder. Almost transparent and surreal. It made me wonder if their wolves had such beautiful fur coats too.


    The elder eyed me from head to toe with curiosity. She stretched out her hands to touch my hair. "Your hair... It''s just like mine. Did it go under chemicals?"


    I shook my head as a ''no'' to which her eyes widened a bit. It disappeared just as quickly as it came. "I didn''t dye it." I nced at Marley, whose hair wasn''t as reddish as mine. It made me the center of attraction sometimes and, of course, the target of bullying. Everyone hated red hair. It was a hatred I could never understand why it came to be. Me especially. "Although there is someone better suited to tell you what happened to my hair."


    She did not need me to tell her that I was speaking about Marley. A soft smile graced her lips. "I am Elder Rosalie. I watch over the pack." She waved her hands for the rest of the Elders to introduce themselves to me. I never understood why she would do that. She pointed at the white-haired Elder. "Elder Roy is in charge of the babies."


    Oh, no wonder his face looked so smooth. I nearly snorted. Babies are so important. They kept the line of the wolf cove alive.


    "And Elder Archer is in charge of the warriors, and Elder Derek is in charge of our Territory."


    I giggled at him, to which he grunted. It seemed like he didn''t speak much. "Exins the green hair." Then I frowned. "What about Elder Freya?"


    Elder Rosalie gave me a sad smile. "She watches over the weather. It''s a tough job, really, since our feeding depends on her. That''s why we all answer to her and you, of course." She bowed to Zeke again. Oh, she was talking to him and Kyle as much as she was talking to me. What a shame. I wanted to ask her so many things. I nearly forgot about the men beside me. However, Zeke''s stench of dirt and blood distracted me for a moment.


    It was weird to see this kind Elder answering to Elder Freya. What was so special about Edler Freya? So what? She watched over clouds to feed us. That has to be the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. This woman watches over the pack... "Em.. Elder Rosalie?" She turned to me with a smile. It was gentle, like she knew something I did not. Frankly, I didn''t like it. No wonder Elders are respected. They actually dealt with magic, unlike the Alpha, who dealt with the papers themselves. Poor Zeke and Kyle. "What do you mean by you watching over the pack?" I asked carefully. Her power wasn''t clear to me.


    She sighed, ncing at Elder Freya, who grew irritated the more they stood with us. "Why don''t we discuss this over tea tomorrow morning?"


    "What? She gets invited and I don''t?" Kyle scoffed. He had been watching our exchange since then without uttering a word. It was mesmerizing to talk with an elder.


    Elder Archer walked towards me with a frown on his face. His eyes went straight to the open bruise on my knees. "You are injured."


    I blinked, shying away from their gazes. It was like they were all noticing me for the first time. It made me Unsettled. "I simply tripped and fell." I avoided Zeke''s annoying re and Kyle''s amused ones. Lastly, it seemed like Elder Rosalie was giving Zeke and Kyle the stink eye. She was clearly not happy with them for some reason. She did not even blink at my mother, who shrank away from the group.


    Elder Archer, the warrior guy, knelt down. Then he ced his hands on my knees. When he removed his hands, it was just a scar. It wasn''t visible unless you looked for it.


    "Wow. How did you do that?" I smiled genuinely for the first time. I no longer felt pain. It was gone, just like that. I knew that the Elders wielded magic, which made them slightly more powerful than the Alpha.


    Elder Archer shrugged. "I merely fastened your healing process. It''s nothing great. Whenever wee back from war, I try to heal the warriors'' injuries. It makes me feel great."


    "Elders!" Elder Freya''s thin patience snapped like a twig. Maybe she was going to make food rain from heaven this time around. I held myugh in.


    Elder Rosalie gave me a worried smile. "Tomorrow, over tea. I have something important to tell you."


    I nodded. What was so important that she couldn''t tell me now? Damn Elder Freya!


    The Elders bowed to Alpha, congratting him on his victory. I eyed the victory gifts they had dropped by the side of the podium.


    "He got to heal you but didn''t even nce at my side." Zeke muttered immediately as they left.


    I raised an eyebrow at him. "You were quite content with that." Something told me he wanted me to clean him up like thest time. We still weren''t on good terms.


    "It shocked me how the elders were so mesmerized by you. Do you meet them behind our backs or something?" Kyle was the first to attack. I haven''t forgotten about the painful flick he gave me on my head.


    I, too, was shocked by the events that unfolded. It was as if I wasfortable with them. Except for Elder Freya, of course. However, she seemed like a sulking baby to me, and I wasn''t afraid to talk her down. A lingering question kept me standing with the boys as we watched the Elders walk away. "Kyle?"


    He sighed exasperatedly, like I was bugging him. "What is it, Brawn?"


    I let it slide. "Are there other elders in our realm?" The world here meant other packs. Certainly, they can''t be the only ones in this world. Zeke was the one who replied to my question.


    "No. They are thest five. In our realm." He added it for effect.


    "That''s why our pack is the most targeted pack of all." Kyle added with a sigh. It was bing a habit.


    A habit I was beginning to take on too.

 Chapter 49

    With the defeated challengers slinking away with their tails tucked between their legs. The crowd had totally dispersed, leaving just me and the Storm brothers. A sense of relief washed over me. I turned to Zeke, bowing my head a little. When he called me his half sister, it made me warm inside. Although it won''t be easy for me to admit it.


    "Congrattions."


    Zeke scoffed, grabbing the side of his ribs. They looked really sore. This time, his healing was fast. I eyed the injury, asking if it would be like before. "Elder Archer chose to heal you. I wonder why."


    I clicked the roof of my tongue in annoyance. "He just left. You should run after him and ask why."


    "Where is Marley?" Kyle asked suddenly, and my breath hitched. Kyle never asked about my mother. If anything, I feel he has some cold grudge against her. He asked me recently about the pack doctor. He must have found out the truth. About the knife. "I need to speak with her."


    Zeke looked around. I was certain he did not notice anything suspicious about his brother asking for Marley. "She is somewhere." Kyle walked off before he couldplete his sentence. Now, it was just the two of us. It wasn''t surprising that Marley slipped away while we were all discussing whatnot. She was always the type to walk away from situations that weren''t beneficial to her. Just like she walked away from Pa and me.


    "Want me to clean that up for you?" I cleared my throat. It''s not like I was insinuating thest incident should happen again.


    We still weren''t on good terms.


    He raised an eyebrow. "I am a little suspicious of what you are asking."


    Frankly, Kyle and Zeke im to have found their mates. They have given me subtle hints in their conversations with me, and I am no fool to recognize when a wolf has found his mate. Deep down, I wanted to fool around with the both of them for thest time before they went to their mates forever. This was why I allowed myself to be open to their conversations, be bullied and humiliated by them many times, and still crawl back to them like the b***h I was. I licked my lower lips. We both knew what we wanted. I could see the longing in his eyes, no matter how he tried to hide it. It''s been weeks since we''ve gone without touching each other. Sneaky touches here and there.


    This was it, so I decided. Either I move forward or I do nothing. I moved to his side, putting his hands over my shoulders like thest time. "Let me take care of you." His hands dragged me back, eventually they moved alongside me, and I knew he was just trying to humor my strength.


    "You try to gain attention everywhere you go." He started as we walked back to the packing house. He has managed to hold out his pain since, and I was impressed. I was d he was chosen as the Alpha. No wolf would be able to hold out his pain in such a manner. "And you try to act strong." I said.


    "You are annoying."


    "And you are annoyingly handsome." I blunted out. Then the realization came over me. I just said Zeke was handsome. "Ignore me."


    Zeke did not say anything afterwards. We both went into the pack house, and I wanted to die of embarrassment. "I am." He said.


    "You are what?" I asked stupidly, like I didn''t know what he was replying to.


    "Handsome," he said. I purposely grazed my elbow around his injury, just below his ribs.


    "Ah..." he groaned in pain. "I''ll get you back for that."


    I smirked. "That''s a promise when you regain your strength." Soon we were at the foot of his room. This is it now. Go back or enter and get f****d. Which was it? "When." He said this, looking behind him. "I know I said so many things about personal space. We didn''t even care thest time... so. Do you want toe in?"


    Wow, here was Zeke acting like a civilized wolf. Being an official Alpha must have changed him, huh? "Yeah." The door was opened in an instant, and the next moment found me cleaning Zeke''s wounds in his bathroom. Just like thest time. Only this time, our desires weren''t in control, and we had our heads in the game. I was gentle with his wounds, which, with every dab of the antiseptic, were closing up.


    "I just wish it didn''t have to be this way. The fighting, the challenges... It''s like we''re all pawns in some grand scheme. Kyle was right." Zeke began to say. He made me look up at him. Kyle''s fear of the unknown was beginning to get to him. I never knew the Storm twins had this much wisdom to think about things like this. I thought they were just bullies without a conscience. Well, time will tell. My gaze softened as I regarded him. It was obvious we were all pawns in the Blood Moon Pack''s grand scheme. They killed the Alpha and have patiently waited for another Alpha to be crowned. It was just like he said. They wanted something. The Elders. They will never get them.


    Although they could have Elder Freya if they wanted. She was an a*****e.


    "It''s natural to want peace and harmony. But sometimes, achieving that requires making difficult choices and facing challenges head-on." I said, trying to cheer him up. He just won a victory. That was the first step he took to protect the people he loved. Just like how I faced the challenges of my bully head-on. s**t, I almost forgot Naya took the fight for me. I was such a wimp.


    Zeke''s shoulders straightened as he absorbed my words. "You''re right." My heart soared at his agreement with me.


    "But.." The words were stuck in my throat. I didn''t want to live like this forever. I knew everything was a fight for survival. I wished I could get it whenever I wanted. I wished I didn''t have to fight for it. "Just... I can''t help but hope for something different." This was me being truthful. I have had to fight for almost everything in my life. My father, my mother, my life, and now the twins, because some mate had gotten to her before I did.


    Why was I so unlucky? Look at me, pathetically trying to stay by his side for thest time before he went to his mate.


    Zeke leaned closer, his presence looming over me. "Hope is a powerful thing. It keeps us moving forward, even in the darkest of times. I have a dark time. You have a dark time too. But remember that hope alone won''t make us see the light. It takes action, courage, and sometimes even sacrifices to pick up the touch." He finished coolly. We were silent for a while.


    Then his words sank into my head. What? A snort escaped my lips. "To pick up the touch?" I wrapped a bandage around his wounds before proceeding to wash my hands of the blood. He was clean now. He quickly pulled his shirt off, dumping it in theundry basket. "Shut up. You get what I mean." His annoyed voice cracked me up. Here we were having a normal conversation. It was enlightening.


    "Zeke, you hardly say a word. Hearing you say these things makes things awkward." I said betweenughs.


    Zeke nodded, his gaze fixed on me. "I''ll keep that in mind. Thank you, Naya."


    Wait, he wasn''t appreciating me for telling him such an insulting word, right? Myugh slowly died. My gaze flickered to his strong abs. It was happening again, like thest time.


    His hands reached out to gently brush against mine, sending a reassuring warmth through me. "Can I?"


    "Can you what?" I asked knowingly.


    "Can I kiss you?"


    I guess thest conversation we had must have made him believe that I wasn''t just a slut.


    #


    Zeke''s POV


    "Can I kiss you?" I asked, holding my breath a bit. I was nervous that she would ept me again. My side hurt, but I was ready to go if she would let me. I was the f*****g Alpha and could do whatever I wanted. With her consent, of course.


    She gently gaped at my request. I have seen her eyeing my abs countless times. She had more self-control than I thought. She had been asking a lot about my mate recently. The fact was that she didn''t know who she was. I was going to let her know tonight. Three weeks without her had been hell for me. I have tried to contain myself and give her space since I haven''t been nice to her all these years in school. But it was tough for me. Now she was close to me. So close.


    I didn''t want her to reject me.

 Chapter 50

    Zeke Storm


    This confirmed my thoughts all these years. Her resistance to my touch, the electricity that passes through us at the slightest touch...


    She is my freaking mate! I have always known she was the one. I just didn''t know how to tell her. Dad would have been the one I shared this secret with. He just had to leave me and Kyle to ourselves. To navigate the power of the mating age alone. In the uing month, me and Kyle will be celebrating our eighteenth birthdays. Two yearster, we would be out of high school. Although I don''t know if I would be homeschooled or allowed to go to school. Everyone was awkward with me around. I need something neutral, something that would make me not feel alone.


    Naya is that person.


    The mating age was nothing special, really. Except it disgraced you everywhere you went. It did the same for Naya, and no matter how she tried to hide it, me was able to sniff her out. Oh, the times she avoided me? Pugh! I knew she was hiding behind the fridge when I passed by for a drink, and I knew when she crawled under the table with the scent spray showing me her path. I didn''t know how to tell her that I could see her wherever she hid.


    And I knew Kyle could too. I saw them talking while I fought. I had my eyes on Naya the whole time and was shocked when I saw my brother whispering to her.


    Strangely, I didn''t feel offended. Kyle needed someone tofort him too, and if he got it from Naya, then who was I to oppose? Besides, we can''t share a mate, even if we are twins. Naya was okay with being his friend. In her rtionship with Kyle, they haven''t been on good terms, and Kyle harbors some kind of hatred for Marley, which I wouldn''t me him for.


    She deserved it sometimes.


    I gazed at Naya, the soft light casting a gentle glow on her features. I was leaning on the edge of the sink while she was standing so close to it. Her hands dripped droplets of water as she had just washed them. The scent of my blood on her drove me crazy, and I knew it got to her too. My room was located close to a small clearing, so the rustling leaves and distant sounds of the forest created a beautiful backdrop for the moment. My heart was thundering, and anticipation coursed through me.


    I wanted to kiss her badly. No. me and I wanted her.


    Her eyes met mine with the same intent. "You usually take without asking." s**t! It was all my fault for treating her like my personal toy. Please don''t say ''no'' this time around.


    I subtly took a deep breath so she didn''t see how nervous I was. "I want to kiss you. But only if you''refortable with it. Your consent means everything to me."


    "Really?" Her gaze held something thoughtful. It was as if she was skeptical. For a moment, I could see the internal struggle in her eyes-the war between her vulnerability and the desire to let go. The mating age made her soft to my touch, but I can see how she was struggling to gain control of her desires. If she said no, I wouldn''t push. Although my heart ached as I waited for her response, I hoped that she would share this intimate moment with me.


    It felt like thest time we would be touching ourselves again.


    I pulled back slightly, my forehead resting against hers, our breaths mingling as we caught our breath. "Naya," I whispered, my voice filled with vulnerability. I have never let anyone hold or see me like this. She was my first. And myst.


    She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a lot of emotions. The most prominent one I could see was sadness. Like she lost me to someone else or I wasn''t hers for the taking. I am sorry, Naya. I can''t let you know and have you reject me. "Zeke," she replied, her voice just as soft.


    "I''ve wanted to do that for a long time," I admitted, a slight chuckle escaping me. It felt good to be honest and share my feelings with her. "You avoided me."


    A scoff tugged at her lips. "You have always been a jerk." Oh, now she has the audacity to talk to me. Thinking of it, she has always talked to me without stammering or acting shy. She had the characteristics of a Luna without knowing it. She may not be physically strong, but she sure knew her way around words.


    I chuckled softly, my fingers gently brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "You always know, don''t you?"


    She shrugged with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Which is why I always fall prey." She was telling me about the times I and Kyle humiliated her. I won''t promise that it won''t stop, but I won''t let her cry.


    "You''re something else." I murmured, our lips touching each other as we made small talk.


    Naya''s gaze softened, and she looked at me with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. "Zeke, I''ve been trying to fight this, to resist the pull between us."


    My heart sank slightly at her words, the fear in her voice touching something deep within me. "Why?"


    She sighed, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest. "I am afraid, Zeke. You have a mate. And I am just your loyal subject." She said thest part so low that I thought I misheard her saying ''loyal subject. What the f**k? Are we still on that? She just had to ruin our moment again with a word I said out of stupidity.

 Chapter 51

    d. We were so close to each other, yet she was pissing me off. I licked my dry lips to get my act together. "You scoffed."


    "What do you want me to say?" She sighed a little. I was sure she knew that her snarky words turned me on. This was getting sick. "We both mean something to each other." It wasn''t a question. It was a statement. She knew something but probably didn''t know how to exin it.


    "You don''t have to be afraid of me." I promise to protect her. It was going to be tricky. I was learning how to ept the new feeling of her being my mate.


    Naya''s eyes locked onto mine, and a slow smile spread across her lips. "You really mean that, don''t you?"


    I nodded, my gaze never leaving hers. "I do."


    "I can''t promise you that. I am definitely afraid of you. After everything..." She wanted to continue, not with my hands on her mouth to shut her up.


    "I can''t apologize for it. I can only make up for those times."


    "Are you saying these things to get into my pants?" Does that line work on all girls?" I couldn''t let her know that I was a virgin. There was an underlying hint of jealousy in her tone. Suddenly, I regretted what I told Kyle about it just being a fling. It wasn''t just a fling. If it was a fling, why was he going close to her? A part of me told me it wasn''t just for friendship. It was for something else.


    "Kyle''s girls." I said instead. I was insinuating Kyle''s girls were bitches, including Brooke. It sort of gave her the satisfaction she needed. Her gaze softened more as we touched our foreheads and rubbed our noses. I was ying in dangerous territory. But I like this. I liked telling her exactly how I felt, and the way she replied with her snarky tone spoke volumes of how honest she was in return.


    Not like the fake ones that came around me just because I was the Alpha. These were strengths I was sure she didn''t know she had. She would make a good Luna. Compassionate, friendly, innocent... They were all with her. She just needs me to show her. Afortable silence settled between us, the weight of our feelings hanging heavily in the air. And then, without saying a word, Naya leaned in and captured my lips in another kiss, this one filled with more confidence and passion. It was a kiss that spoke of promises. Her promise. This is what I have been waiting for.


    As we pulled back, our foreheads resting against each other once again, Naya chuckled softly. "You know, I never thought I''d find myself in this situation." She was teasing me again. Pulling in and out until we both couldn''t take it anymore.


    I grinned, my fingers gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "And what situation is that?"


    She rolled her eyes yfully. "Kissing the Alpha in his room."


    Iughed, the sound filling the room. "Well, life has a funny way of surprising us."


    Her innocent gaze held mine; her eyes filled something deeper. "Thank you for protecting me the other day."


    I narrowed my eyes at the times I protected her. They were countless, but if she could just mention one, "What day?" My actions said something else because I pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, my heart swelling with affection.


    "The day with Darren. The day with Mrs. Lau and probably others." I didn''t expect her to suspect me and Mrs. Lau-another trait I respected. She also had keen senses.


    "I didn''t exactly protect you. I traded something for something." I rubbed my chin, trying to remember why I took Darren outside that day. Then I chuckled. I simply told him to beat me in a fight and nevery his hands on Naya. Of course, he couldn''t beat me, which is why he tried to challenge me today. I should have broken his legs for his insolence.


    As for Mrs. Lau, She is one feisty woman. We talked about Naya for a while, and in return, I gave her a piece of jewelry I bought from a vendor. Not without rubbing my scent on it. Maybe she could use that to masturbate or something. The scent would surely fade in a day or two. I knew about her secret crush on me. But that was just it. A secret crush, which I merely acted upon. I paused my thoughts. Then the person I saw hiding behind the hall that day was. Naya. Jeez, she did really spy on me, didn''t she? Naya''s curious gaze was upon me in an instant. "What did you trade?"


    "A night with you. And I want you right now." I was tired of the small talk. It was time to get on to why we were both here together, in each other''s arms.


    "I want you too."


    I picked her up from the waist, and I kissed her senselessly, shoving my tongue into her mouth and sucking on her tongue. She moaned again, driving me insane. I pulled away to calm me down for the hundredth time today. "The f**k, me?" I yelled at my impatient wolf.


    "f**k our mate, or I will do so myself." me sneered, pacing the entire space.


    "Your eyes are red." Naya said it with genuine awe. Wasn''t she afraid of me popping out any second. Oh, thest time he didn''t, he demanded a damn belly rub from her! "Don''t try to control it. I want to enjoy this as much as I know you want to. Let me out and let both of you feel."


    Her words were like spells, and in one instance, me was out, except this time around, he didn''t push me to the back of my mind. I could see Naya in his red eyes just as much as he could see Naya in my green eyes. It was amazing.


    Naya looked as if she glowed. Her hair was almost surreal under the bright lights. "See?"


    I totally agreed with her. I leaned closer this time, initiating the kiss as me pulled her closer to my waist. I made sure the kiss was gentle, even though my hands were a bit tough. With my interference, me would be gentler. With that settled, I carried her to my king-sized bedroom, where there was enough room for it, unlike the crumpled-up bathroom. I spread her legs as Iy between them, wrapping them around me. My junior poked her pants as she pushed herself further into me. Jeez, she was so responsive to my touch, which was supposed to be since we were friends.


    Her eyes were closed as I removed her top to feel her cor bones. They were boney but strong enough to carry her heavy breasts. Her breasts were bigger up close, and that was one of my favorite parts of her body. I ced one of the rosy buds into my mouth, sensually sucking as she arched her back, panting in the most s****l way. I may be a virgin, but finding Kyle with a girl in bed filled me with enough experience to know what I was doing. I removed my mouth with arge pop before I loved the next,vishing it with the same love and attention as I did the first. Her pants, groans, and utterances of gibberish were my undoing. She was perfect in my arms.


    I quickly undid my jeans, wondering where all the energy came from when I shoved out my d**k. It pped against her thigh, and she nearly gasped at the size of it. Yeah, I knew I was big. She was probably wondering if that would fit in. It was thick, long, and veiny, with a cap of veiny purple. Well, I have been holding myself back for this moment.


    I raised her legs up, bringing them to my shoulders to gently remove her pants. Seeing how wet she was made me go crazy, and we both dug in. Her scent was the strongest here, and the Scentless spray didn''t help because she obviously couldn''t spray it down here. She tugged on my hair as Ipped at her clit hungrily. They were engorged, red, and fluffy. I pulled back the skin so I could get to her sense zones. I alternated from fast to slow before tongue-f*****g her as I sucked in her juices. They were salty and perfect. My mate was perfect. I was still lost in her moans and cries of pleasure when I heard my door open slowly. I sniffed the air to recognize my brother''s annoying scent.


    So what if he caught Naya in this position?


    How long has he been listening?

 Chapter 52

    Kyle''s


    POV


    It was so frustrating. I have been going through Dad''s record, and I couldn''t find anything to show that he was affiliated with the Blood Moon Pack. This had to be a collective attack. There was someone in the pack who worked with the rival pack. How else could they have known where to look? Especially Mr. Diego, who was appointed teacher and nobody suspected him.


    I should question our school dean. I could only wait until my brother was the official Alpha. That way I could ask questions in his name and not get reprimanded by the elders for prying too much into matters that concerned the Alpha. My brother was Alpha, and so was I. We were both born with genes anyway. The only thing that separated us was the fact that he came out three minutes before I did.


    "Reid, did my father confide in you or anything as such? He must have known the reasons why the rivals were attacking us." I asked Reid, who just stood by the door like a butler, awaiting instructions. I closed my eyes in frustration when he didn''t reply. "This is your father''s office. In other words, it would be Zeke''s soon. You know he doesn''t like things being messed up."


    I rolled my eyes. "Well, he can tell the staff to arrange the papers and whatever this is." I nced at the stack of rumpled papers around me. He was right; Zeke would go ballistic if he saw me doing this to his soon-to-be office. I knew I wasn''t supposed to be here. I raised my head to Reid''s stern ones. I will be eighteen soon and be an adult, so I don''t have to answer to him all the time.


    "Alright, I will leave." I raised my hands in surrender, kicking a document to the side. "On one condition."


    Reid subtly sighed. I hid my mischievous smile. It was hard to get him ruffled up like this. I loved it! "Did my father tell you anything?" He knew what I meant. I didn''t have to spell it out for him.


    He stared into space for a while. "No."


    I groaned loudly. Jeez. Where do I start? Everyone is acting like the alpha''s death was just a coincidence. Well, given the circumstances, I wouldn''t me them. The Alpha does, and all traces of the fight disappear. Only my father knew that those monsters were from the Blood Moon Pack. No werewolf resembled the type of creature that almost strangled me the other day. He knew everything, and I need to know what he knew that led to his death.


    "You can ask Luna. I believe he shared everything with her."


    I narrowed my eyes on him. "What do you mean you shared everything?"


    Reid simply shrugged before bowing and walking off. I promise that when my brother sits on his throne, he won''t dare walk out on me again! I heaved, walking out of the room. I was met with three pairs of fearful eyes. They were staff and waited until I was done so they could clean the office for my brother. I snorted at their trembling forms. Why? Maybe my dad''s death changed me, or maybe I have always been this type of a*****e who doesn''t give a s**t about people. Except for someone.


    "Clean that s**t up. Let it sparkle. Don''t tell my brother I was in this study." With that, I walked off, watching out of the corner of my eye as they all rushed to do as I had said. They knew better than to rattle me. Suddenly, a scent caught my nose. It tickled my nostrils, and I sneezed in the most ungraceful way.


    "What the f**k?" It came again almost immediately. I sighed when I realized who it was. Oh, it was my personal secret. I didn''t tell anyone that I could perceive Naya''s scent even while the scentless spray was on. I only knew she sprayed it because it tickled my nose, and instead of keeping me away from her, it led me directly to her so that I could stop her from destroying my nose any further.


    "Really?" I bellowed in the space, scanning the room for any sign of her. "Don''t think I don''t know what you have been up to!" I yelled some more so that she woulde out of wherever she had been hiding.


    There was no reply. It was then that I realized she must have probably passed through the house. Besides, my brother''s fight was tonight, and I haven''t been in a good mood.


    My phone vibrated in my left pocket. I pulled it out, only to find Brooke''s ID on the screen. I cleared my throat before pressing the green button. She has been too clingytely, and I knew it was because of the challenge my brother had. Does she think she is our mate? Deep down, I knew she wasn''t.


    "Babe." I cooed softly. It was the voice she had known all her life. I could never reveal my other side to her. It won''t end well. Only Naya has seen that side and hasn''t run away. Yet. "Feeling lonely?" I wasn''t feeling lonely, as the case of my dad clouded my mind. I haven''t gottenid in a week now, which is a world record. Maybe I should write it down somewhere, like allzy girls do.


    "Yes," she said in a sweet voice. The one I havee to hate recently. I grimaced at her tone. "I feel so sad about my dad. He has refused toe home."


    There she goes again with the sad story. Don''t you see that I am trying to solve a problem here? To me, my problem was worse than hers. Couldn''t she f*****g get it? I rubbed the bridge of my nose so that I wouldn''t snap at her. She has always been this selfish. "Babe, why don''t I meet you for dinner tonight?" Anything to make her shut the f**k up.


    She sounded delighted. "Yes. I will make mac and cheese. I know you like it."


    Do I? All foods were my favorites, especially meat. "Alright."


    I clicked the red button before she could say anything else. Now, to the source that tickled my nose. As I made my way to the arena, I could hear the loud groans of my brother. He was fighting for his life while I was here, messing up the whole manor. There were three things I needed to find. The first was Marley, who I knew was a f*****g leech. She came here with her daughter to suck my dad''s d**k. Who knew? She could have killed him for all I cared.


    Secondly, there was the pack doctor. That bastard would surely know something because it''s been a month and I haven''t heard s**t about my dad''s autopsy. Thest time I checked, he only hinted to me that a certain girl who walks around Scentless has been asking him the same questions I asked him.


    Naya was the only one who wasn''t proud of her scent. I mean, why would she go about asking for my father''s autopsy if she wasn''t hiding something? Dad suggested she be bait earlier, so I knew they weren''t exactly on good terms. It made her questions even more suspicious. She had better stop, or the rats of the Blood Moon Pack would fish her out and kill her just like my dad.


    Come to think of it, the monsters had targeted her earlier. Even though I wanted her to be bait, I couldn''t let her go out there. It was funny to see her beg for her life and give so many excuses for why she couldn''t be bait.


    She was smart, as far as I know. All these were leading me to her. I needed to know what she knew. I paused for a bit to watch the fight from a distance. It was going well. My brother was doing well. me was really delivering good and heavy punches on... wait a minute. I know that hind legs... Darren? I scoffed. That piece of s**t doesn''t know what he put himself into. I wish Zeke would break his bones properly. The audacity he had to challenge my brother was amusing.


    Then it all happened slowly. I could see Zeke looking into the crowd. His gaze held... love? Hope? I tilted my head to see who it was. I followed his gaze, and no shit... it was Naya.


    Naya f*****g Cod... Brawn? Yeah, we all call her brawn because she was the weakest girl we have ever seen. It was mocking because everyone could clearly see that she was not physically fit. She was thin and bony. Brawn was a ridiculous but perfect name for her. It only confirmed my suspicions. Zeke actually likes Naya. I shrugged. It was refreshing to see my brother like a girl. However, I wasn''t pleased. How could he like someone for whom we do not know her true purpose ining into the family?

 Chapter 53

    Kyle Storm


    Naya Cod... I can''t trust her. Neither can I trust her mother. I eyed the bodies of the crowd that surrounded her. It would be tough to get to her without gaining attention. They would all clear the path, including her, which would bring up the question. Why the hell is the Alpha here? This could mean that I need my cloak. It was the cloak dad used for his out-of-pack meetings when he didn''t want anyone to recognize him and create a ruckus.


    Yeah, I found it in his office and officially made it mine. Maybe I would share with Zeke. It was big enough, and its dull color of ck helped it blend in. Immediately, I turned back to get the coat. Halfway through the entrance halls, I found Dr. Ali closing the infirmary door behind him while speaking on the phone. He had a frown on his face, and I could only imagine what he was saying. He seemed angry.


    I changed paths. "Dr. Ali." I c****d an eyebrow when he quickly hung up before I got to him. "Am I that much of a nuisance that you had to end the call?"


    He bowed nervously. Seeing as we had spoken before and he was much calmer, I suspected who it was on the phone. "No."


    I ced both hands in my pocket. "Alright, tell me who it was on the phone."


    Dr. Ali cleared his throat, his expression mixing unease with reluctance. "It''s... it''s not something I can discuss, Kyle."


    I raised an eyebrow, my lips curling into a half-smile. He was lying to me. If I demanded to know who it was, he had to tell me. "Oh,e on, Dr. Ali. You can''t just drop a bomb like that and not expect me to be curious. Was it your mate?" He better remember thest time he used Naya to escape my probing questions. Not this time. Everyone was a suspect to me.


    His eyes darted around for a moment before he let out a sigh. "Alright, fine. It was the Z Patrol team."


    Hm. The Z patrol team was in charge of our middle territory, miles away from the Blood Moon pack. Matters concerning borders were directly reported to the Alpha. Well, now that the Alpha was dead and the chosen Alpha was fighting for his life, it made me the free and alive Alpha. It also made me qualified to hear this news. Besides that, I was scary in a way. Or I made myself to be. The words traveled really fast. I won''t me the staff and elders at the table the other day. I should remind my brother about emptying out the room before meeting at the table.


    It would ensure no spies. What could the Z patrol team want with the Pack doctor? I don''t like their secret calls. I pretended to look shocked. "Z Patrol team? What would they be talking to you about in such a secretive manner?" He has only made me intrigued now. Dr. Ali hesitated, his gaze locked onto the floor. "It''s... pack business. You know how it is. I should report this to your brother when he bes Alpha."


    So he sees me as the joke of the pack too? Maybe I should show him the side I showed Elder Freya at the table. I took a step closer, my voice dropping to a more serious tone. "Look, Dr. Ali, I respect you and everything you do for the pack. But if something is going on, especially something that involves the territory, I need to know."


    He sighed again, his shoulders slumping slightly. "It''s about the beta, Kyle. We found him injured at the border, and he''s been in bad shape. We''ve been taking care of him in secret." What?


    What the hell? Beta Brooke, who was sent on a secret mission by my dad, had been attacked. I have often asked about Beta Brooke and was given one reply: ''He will be back soon.'' Brooke has gone crazy over her father and won''t let me rest. Beta Brooke was sent on a secret mission and refused to return. Now I hear from the pack doctor that he has been injured. There were so many things I wanted to know. I nodded, absorbing the information. "I have three questions for you. How bad is he?" He knew better than to refuse to reply. He has alreadymitted an offense by keeping the news away from us. Alpha or not.


    Dr. Ali looked up, concern etched in his features. "Pretty bad. We''re doing everything we can to help him recover, but it''s going to take time."


    I leaned against the wall, my mind racing. "Has anyone else been informed? Like Naya or Marley?"


    He shook his head. "No, not yet. We wanted to make sure he was stable before involving anyone else."


    I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. "How long have you been doing this without letting us know?"


    He rubbed his hands together. "Today. I received the call this morning. I was called now because his condition has just worsened and they need me toe in person. They trust me not to tell anyone until the beta has recovered."


    I grinned mischievously. "And I just happened to hear this secret news! Aren''t I a genius, Dr. Ali?" I was sure he could see the anger in my eyes. I wasn''t nning to hide it. "You know how important it is to keep our Alpha informed about pack matters. We need to know what''s going on."


    He nodded, his expression serious. "I understand, Kyle. But we wanted to be cautious, especially considering the circumstances."


    "How cautious could you be?" I asked myself more. My father was cautious, and he ended up being killed by someone in the pack. A person let the blood moon pack minions into the pack, who in turn led its Alpha here.


    "Huh?"


    I scoffed. Their Alpha was the brown wolf. Mr. Diego. The same man I thought Naya was involved with. I folded my fist to calm myself down. Speaking of Naya, she has been awfully quiet about Mr. Diego these days. I needed to see her. A sigh escaped my lips as I ran a hand through my hair. "Alright, I get it. But you shouldn''t have hidden the truth."


    Dr. Ali''s shoulders tensed, and I could tell he was feeling the weight of the situation. "I know, I shouldn''t have. I just... needed some time to assess the situation."


    "And you have taken too long. The fight will be over soon." I said over the cheering and hooting of the crowd outside. I gave him a knowing look. "Thest thing I need is any secrets festering within the pack. Don''t tell anyone."


    He tilted his head, his expression more confused this time. "But you said..."


    I knew I had been going on and on about secrets and whatnot. I even stressed the fact that he shouldn''t hide anything from me and my brother. Not this one. My brother has enough on his te already. He could snap and use the Pack Doctor as a scapegoat for his power on his first day. I was doing the pack doctor a favor. No, scratch that. I was doing both my brother and the pack doctor a favor. With this thought, I tapped him on the shoulder, offering his confused face a reassuring smile. "Good. Just remember, we''re all in this together." I began to walk away.


    "In what together?" He yelled after me.


    Turning, I gave him a yful wink. "Don''t spill the beans. And next time, don''t hang up so quickly when I catch you on the phone." He should get the hint now.


    "I''ll keep that in mind." He simply replied as I walked through the halls to get my cloak, leaving Dr. Ali to deal with the task at hand. As I made my way back to my room, I couldn''t shake off the sense of unease that had settled within me. The discovery of the injured Beta, the secrecy surrounding it, and the implications it might have for the pack-all of it weighed heavily on my mind.


    I never knew being responsible was this hard. I preferred it when I woke up in Brooke''s warmth after a long night of s*x. Now, I didn''t feel like doing that very much. The moment I tried to hide and pretend everything was okay, it eventually caught up to me. I managed to get through the crowd of sweaty bodies whose eyes were glued to the fight on the podium. My brother was gaining the upper hand, of course. I don''t need to mind him. I eventually got to Naya through my itching nose. Jeez, I better stop her from spraying more of that bottle in the house. When did I start getting an allergy to this particr spray? It made me suspect the reason why.

 Chapter 54

    Kyle Storm


    "Naya." I quickly touched her warm elbow so she would know that it was me and not fret. "Act cool. Don''t draw attention to ourselves."


    She immediately cleared her throat,posing herself. Or she acted like she was doing so. I could see how frightened she was in my presence and how hard she was trying to hide it. "What are you doing here? You are in the midst of excited wolves; they will scent your Alphaly genes and..."


    Ever so cautious too. Has she forgotten we weren''t the best of friends? I sent her photo to the whole school thest time I checked. Jeez, I was so ruthless then. Now I regret it. Although I must say that those days were amusing. Until the death of my father ruined it. I sent her my most charming grin. "Which is why I came to you. With you, they won''t smell me."


    However, she didn''t try to hide the fact that she was irritated by my presence beside her. Her forehead was wrinkled, and her lips were pursed. "You aren''t supposed to be here. After all, you called me a slut. I will ask again, What are you doing here?" I did remember calling her a slut in a not-so-subtle way. After I found hering out of my brother''s room, I could only imagine what they were doing in there together. There were staff and pack doctors who could help my brother clean up his mess. Why her? It made me furious for no reason at all. I slowly leaned on her to infuriate her the most. "And I will reply again; I came to see the challenge. Thest thing I need is to be caught in the middle of this mess."


    To my surprise, she chose to chuckle. Her soft, mockingugh was like twinkling bells... if there was anything like that. I knew she was about to release her legendary snarky replies. She needed someone to tell her how good she was at replying in a sarcastic way. It was really sad because that was her way of defending herself from the harsh realities of our world. "Right, because a cloaked Alpha in the middle of a pack challenge is inconspicuous. You are in a mess already. He is your brother. You should help him." Always the same perp talk too. Your brother this and your brother that! She could clearly see that Zeke doesn''t need my help at all. He was perfectly fine. Althoughst time, Zeke was kind enough to tell me of his disappointment at not having me join him in the fight. It was like I was let off the hook, which was not entirely true.


    Look at me trying to get to the root of Dad''s murder. I wasn''t entirely useless. Right? Oh, Naya. You bring out the wise in me. I shed another smile. "Well, I hate to admit it, but Zeke doesn''t need my help. He is doing perfectly fine. I should help him from the side." There. That''s my defense. I swear, if she said one more thing about Zeke, I would...


    Oh, she suddenly became quiet, and I could see why. Zeke was doing the staring thing again. They surely have something going on, don''t they? I came here to ask her some questions, but I too was getting lost in our discussion. It''s really amazing to talk to her. Her expression and sarcastic replies were the heart of it all. My eyes were on the podium. My brother was gaining the upper hand again. "Impressive, isn''t it?" I was talking about the stares they both had right in front of me. I knew Zeke saw me beside her. He can''t im not to see my tied-up hair under this ridiculous cloak. In fact, he would recognize the cloak more in the crowd. s**t! I could feel Naya''s eyes on me again. She wasn''t happy with what I said.


    "Impressive? You call all of this-fighting for power and dominance-impressive?"


    They were impressive. The fight for survival and the responsibility of the pack. She would never know it-unless she bes Luna, that is. I think some gibberish escaped my lips. I can''t remember what I said to her, but I do remember she wasn''t pleased at all. "It''s a harsh reality of our world, Naya. Survival of the fittest, as they say. Zeke fought for his position because he knew what was at stake. He''s willing to put himself on the line for the pack. Yet people don''t appreciate him for it. Look, there is another one." I can''t remember what I said to her, but I do remember she wasn''t pleased at all. She was never pleased in the first ce.


    "And that makes it okay? That makes it impressive?"


    I did not see the next fight as I turned to look at Naya. I have been avoiding staring her in the eyes for a long time. She made me look at her. She was pissing me off with those blue and innocent eyes of hers, but I wanted to deal with it. "Sometimes, we have to do what it takes to protect our own. It''s not about whether it''s right or wrong; it''s about being stable for the sake of the pack. Zeke understands that, even if you don''t agree with his methods." I knew she would have something to say again, and that wasn''t what I was here for, so I raised my hands to stop her. "I''m not saying it''s easy, Naya. I''m just saying that in this world, sometimes we have to make difficult choices for the greater good."


    "I just... I don''t know if I can ever fully understand that mindset." She sighed. After a while, she smiled. I was watching all these and wondering why I had never described it to Brooke before. "I didn''t take you to be this wise. You have so much, Kyle. I don''t know why you are hiding it under this facade of..."


    I turned my head to face her. "Facade of what?" Her attention was drawn once again to the podium, and I knew she wouldn''t say anything. "I am my own person with my own beliefs. You''re your own person with your own beliefs. We all have to make decisions. The type I have to make is for the safety of my brother, my mate, and this pack. Zeke''s decisions are driven by his duty as a potential Alpha." I continued. "We have all made wrong decisions at one point, and we are still making them. But the truth remains. The type of decision I make is for the safety of my brother, mate, and pack." It all makes sense now. The reason why I could perceive the scentless spray on her. Her scent mixed with the contents of the bottle. I hid a gasp. There was truly a reason.


    Our unspoken attraction, which I have tried so much to discard, led me to believe Brooke was the one. I never understood these phenomena. Now I think I understand what happened. "Kyle, I don''t mean to pry, but have you found your mate?"


    This was the question I knew she would ask next; after all, it was I who went down that path. I shouldn''t have mentioned anything, mate. For how long has my brother been aware of this strange phenomenon? It has never happened before in our realm. It was impossible to share the same object with your brother. The object of my desire was Naya. Although I still have my doubts. Doubts I have to resolve right now I needed to know if she was for us or against us. "Yes." I replied, not being able to confirm her suspicions in the way she would want me to.


    What shocked me was her reply. She began to cough, drawing attention to both of us. I closed my eyes in irritation. She wasn''t the most grateful, and she was certainly the clumsiest.


    "You have found your ma- mate." She continued to whisper. Yes, I just gave her hope and probably shattered it too with this news. I knew she was attracted to me in some way. All thedies were. I ced my hands on her back immediately. This young wolf would be the death of me. "Shut up, brawn." I grinded my teeth together, as she wasn''t stopping anytime soon. I used the cloak to cover my face. "Can''t you be quiet?"


    I saw my brother look at us for a brief moment. It further confirmed my suspicions. He knew her slightest movement would continue to intensify. Yes, I had been paying attention during ss. Although most people won''t believe it. Jeez, I was going to be the f*****g Alpha someday or help my brother, whatever. I didn''t just want to be caught by surprise.


    And I was no nerd. Finally, she was taking calming breaths to shut the f**k up.


    "What is she like?" She asked immediately.


    Nah, I wasn''t going to answer that question because I knew who she was and exactly what she was like.


    She was standing right next to me with no f*****g clue what she was to my brother and me.


    That''s who she is to me.

 Chapter 55

    Kyle Storm


    It was official. My brother was the Alpha of the Wolf Cove pack. Perfect. Now that the show was over, I could get back to asking Naya what she was doing asking the pack doctor about my father. Has she found something? I still need to y along. Let''s go back to my side musings. I thought she found that attractive. "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown." I said.


    She clicked the roof of her tongue in annoyance. "You should go and stand by his side, Kyle." A shiver ran through me at the sound of my nameing from her lips. It was getting to me. No, Kyle! You must concentrate.


    I took a deep breath. "You never get tired, do you?" Suddenly, I was curious. I knew she had asked me something about my mate earlier. Wasn''t she curious or something? Most women were curious about who their mates were. "I thought you asked me something earlier." I held my tongue immediately, trying to change the topic. What is wrong with you, Kyle? I chide myself in anger. "Look, the wolves are paying their respect to him. You should go and do the same." I pointed to my brother, who had been crowned and dunked in the scent of many wolves, as their Alpha.


    "What is she like?" She asked again. Jeez, I thought she didn''t hear me the first time. Well, I asked for this; I better answer her. Nah, I changed my mind. I loved being mysterious. If I told her, she would know it was her.


    "I wish you were this stubborn when bullied. You don''t know when to give up, do you?" Urgh, I winced at the sweaty wolves around my brother. It would take a while for them to leave. I didn''t want to be in another man''s scent. I would rather stay by Naya''s side for now. Watching her from the corner of my eyes, I knew she was disgusted too. "Quite the spectacle, isnt it? My brother in all his glory reminds me of wherever my father came back from the borders, all bloodied yet powerful." It was true. The father liked showing off his kill. He never took his bath after a bloody war against rogues; instead, he woulde tumbling and howling into the manor with his bloodied ck coat that soaked more blood than it seemed. By his side would be Beta Brooke...


    "Yeah, it seems intense. But it''s not just about power, is it? There''s something more beneath the surfa


    And for the hundredth time tonight, she was right. So, this was why she went about asking about the Alpha''s murder. It would only get her killed. No one in the pack was to be trusted except my brother, of course. This one beside me? Nah, she was too much of a wimp to betray her pack. I turned to her, ready topliment her. "You''re perceptive, Naya. And I like it. Of course, there''s always more to these things than meets the eye. Power struggles, alliances, secrets-it''s all part of the silly web that our pack is entangled in. This is why I need to know what happened to my father. Not being by the side of my brother is part of the n. I am sure the Blood Moon Pack has heard that my brother is now Alpha. They haven''t heard of me yet. It''s my best weapon." I don''t know why I said this to her, but I felt I wasn''t talking to someone who reacted just because I wanted them to. She was scared, alright. You could see it in the shudders that escaped her sometimes, especially when I shifted closer to her. It wasn''t from the cold. She has also managed to hide her trembling fingers. A wolf would never run away from its nature. An alpha beside an omega wolf won''t stand a chance. Frankly, I was surprised she had been holding it well.


    Kyle Storm


    Many of them either faint, get horny, or run at the slightest touch or scent. She has been holding out pretty well. Suspiciously well.


    "In running away from duty? To me, that''s just an excuse." She said, not one bit afraid of what she would do to her. I mean, what more could I do to her? I have bullied her enough. Funny enough, she still talked to me. This must be a miracle.


    Then her snarky tongue of insults. One day I would cut it out... "And you are back to being dumb again." I smiled at her trembling form. She seemed like a wolf in the cold. Something else gave her strength to hold me, and I wondered what. "Who knows? Circumstances change, and sometimes you find yourself bing a yer in the game when you least expect it." Now I want her to tell me whatever it is she has been hiding from me. My eyes remained on her darting ones. "I paid a visit to the pack doctor. He said you have been frequently going to see him and asking prying questions."


    Her eyes closed in the realization that I wasn''t here to make friends with her. This was the real reason I was talking with her in the first ce. She looked disappointed. She should know me by now. I don''t have friendships, especially with her. Although I enjoyed talking with her, that was it. All talk.


    "I er..." She was stuttering now. "What happens to you even if I go to the pack doctor?" Just like I expected, she went ahead to insult me again. No wonder others bully her just as much as I and Zeke do.


    I sighed. "You are asking questions that could put you into trouble. Leave it to me. I don''t want to suspect you, so I am going to ignore it. Never go there again." I actually cared for her safety. She was tiny, troublesome, and weak as hell. Who would protect her properly if not me and my brother?


    She folded her arms around her chest with a pout. Cute. "Why? Am I not allowed to have friends?"


    Friends? What type of friends? She doesn''t have friends, but she would have a lot of enemies if she didn''t stop what she was doing. "You are misunderstanding me. I won''t repeat myself again." I promised.


    "You didn''t tell me about your mate; instead, you warned me about who my friends should be." She spat suddenly, shocking me for a moment.


    "That was way out of line, Brawn." I expected tosh out at her, but I wasn''t angry at all. Instead, I was amused. "Why do you want to know about her?"


    "Because." She simply said, itching towards Zeke. Oh, was he going to protect her from me? I''d like to see him try. I continued walking closer to her, stalking her like a predator, waiting for the right moment to pounce.


    "Because of what?" I paused. "I haven''t told anyone about my mate, and I cannot risk you babbling to everyone about her. So keep it a secret." I beckoned her toe closer so I could tell her. There was no one around by now. All were gathered at the podium. However, they were beginning to disperse.


    I grinned mischievously as she foolishly leaned forward to listen to my secret. My innocence, Naya.


    What the f**k?


    My innocent Naya? I must be crazy. I flickered the middle of her head hard. Not all my strength, though. It made a loud pop sound, and I silently prayed it didn''t crack her skull.


    "Ouch." She yelled in pain, and Zeke''s attention was on us immediately. Her eyes glistened with tears. "What was that for?"


    "For acting like you have every right to question me." I waved at Zeke, who didn''t seem pleased to see me. "Brother!" Naya followed me immediately. She still wasn''t scared. She knew nothing about my father''s death.


    Now onto the next person. As the conversation about Naya was going on, I scanned the environment for Marley. She had suddenly disappeared while we talked.


    "I heard this is the newest addition to the family." I heard Elder Freya say it in her annoyingly deep voice and shy orange hair.


    Stupid, stupid Elder Freya.


    I f*****g hate her.


    #


    I didn''t get to finish the discussion with Naya because I had more pressing matters to attend to while she and my brother ogled each other...


    I have been walking through the bustling ce, checking for Markey''s red gown. Howling sounds and heavy paws scattered the small scrubs around. The pack was at peace because of the security and safety that came with having a new Alpha. It was rubbing off on them. The moon was beginning to set, casting a warm, pale white glow over us. The various pack houses close by were bathed in a mixture of pale lights and shadows, which created an atmosphere that was both chaotic and alive. That was our realm. And the Blood Moon pack nearly destroyed it. I knew they wereing for more.


    We should be prepared by then.


    My gaze immediately caught one by the corner of a stall.


    Hm.


    There she was.

 Chapter 56

    Kyle Storm


    Hm.


    I should be a detective. Now that my curiosity was piqued, I would never leave Marley to herself. I slowly approached the corner, the shifting shades ying tricks on my eyes. It was tricky to see in the dark, especially these parts. They were dark, and the shadow


    wasn''t having it easy. If I wanted to see, I had to bring forth Shadow.


    "What do you think she is doing, big boy?" I asked Shadow, who was busy licking his paws. He wasn''t a f*****g cat! "And would you stop doing that? It''s irritating." That''s when I saw more of her unmistakable figure. Her silhouette was partially hidden within the intery of shadows and light, making her presence almost ethereal. What was she doing behind that ce?


    He simply shrugged. "I need to look clean for Naya. You made sense when you were with her. It''s unlike you. What changed?"


    He was teasing me, and I knew it. My thoughts were his, and his thoughts were mine. We both knew Naya was our mate. We just haven''t earned the position yet. Or rather, she hasn''t earned it yet. I rolled my eyes as I thought of the best reply to give him. There was a feeling of unease growing inside me at the thought of Marley acting so suspicious. I wanted to know who she was with at the moment. I think I should watch her for now. I tilted my neck to see who the other person was. She was speaking in hushed tones now, and my ears couldn''t grasp what she was saying properly. There were bits of her statement here and there. They were deep in conversation, though I couldn''t quite make out who the other was. He was hidden in the shadows. Even her bodynguage was tense, and she kept ncing around as if wary of being observed.


    "Want to know what changed, you motherfucker?" I clicked the roof of my mouth. "I''ll tell you." My footsteps slowed as I got closer, the din of the ce fading into the background. I was close enough to hear snippets of their conversation-cryptic words and hushed tones that only piqued my curiosity further. "You knew all these things while she was our mate, right? Why didn''t you say anything then?"


    "Because you were slow." He was stretching now. I hated that we were so alike. Don''t mind me; I love myself, but Shadow was like the wisest and older version of me. He was old, funny, and mocking. Even I hate such a version of myself. "I practically told you, didn''t 1?"


    "You gave me hints!" I snapped impatiently. His voice in my head was making me lose concentration. "Now tell me your suspicions about this reddy!" He better tell me what he thinks about her. Marley was a meticulous woman, and it would take a seventh sense to understand her movements. Shadow was my seventh sense, and I needed him right now. Enough with the discussion of the mate thing. I knew I brought the topic up, but I am okay now. Back to business.


    "It''s alright. I will tell you what I know." Heid his head on my beating heart. "Look. I had a discussion with dad once." He started, causing me to raise an eyebrow.


    "The both of you have been discussing behind my back. What else don''t I know?" I gritted my teeth. Seriously, I wanted to get angry at the fact that Shadow has been using my body to speak with dad''s wolf, Storm, every time I go to bed! It meant I had been sleepwalking during those times he felt he needed to take over my body just because it was weak. "Fine, I will put you on restrictions whenever I sleep." I meant I was going to chain my hands to the bedpost and throw the keys away. "It''s not going to work." There, he read my mind again.


    "Silver chains, then." I added.


    "Stop." Shadow was beginning to get upset. "It was one time."


    "Wolfsbane and mistletoe, then." I suggested telling him I could go all night, ignoring the true reason why I was here if he didn''t tell me what I wanted to hear.


    "You would injure yourself, and it would take years to heal. I am sorry, okay! It was one time." He finally said. "Stop this childishness and allow me to speak. I said it was one time. And it was dad who summoned me."


    I paused to listen. Nah, scratch that. I couldn''t hear sh*t. "Dad summoned you? Storm did that? Why?" I had to admit that Dad hasn''t been good to me and my brother. He wasn''t bad either. But Storm... we have both had our fair share of the cold and ruthless Storm. He was the Alpha, and I guess the duties weighed heavily on him. He became more distant and eventually shut us out. He reached out when it was extremely important. We''ve had normal discussions during dinner, but nothing special. Not like the one Naya had with her dad.


    It was either about training, mates, or our next move about a thing rted to politics, elders, and whatnot. Never a father-son conversation where I had to tell him of my nightmares, my fear... These made me wonder why Storm would summon Shadow while I slept. It wasn''t fair at all. We were one. "When was it, and why didn''t you tell me?" I tried to swallow the limo that formed in my throat. Sometimes I think my father deserved to die and not be remembered. I wanted to find his killer.


    Now, I am not so sure.


    "You have asked a lot of questions, but I am going to answer you. He summoned us the night after the meeting. You know, when he said he wanted Naya to be the bait."


    Us? "You mean, me was there too? Was Naya''s wolf summoned too? What about Marley?"


    A sigh escaped his muzzle at the mention of Marley. He has always been weary of Marley. It was no shock after all; we were watching her. "They weren''t there. Just the two of us. He spoke about a lot of things, including how proud he was of both our sides-wolf and man. There was something in his eyes that I have never seen, Kyle."


    I gulped at the revtion. "What?"


    "Fear. Real fear. He said the enemy has managed to prate the pack, and he doesn''t know who it is. He said he was protecting us, which was why he wanted Naya to be the bait. He wanted to know if she was the enemy." Shadow got up, taking a protective stance. The f**k? I tried to connect the dots together. Naya has every right to hate us. Her mother left her father and her for the Alpha. This caused the poor omega to die of a heart attack. He longed for his mate until he died, leaving Naya alone in this world. Unfortunately for Naya, she inherited her father''s weak omega wolf and not her mother''s strong omega wolf. They were abination in her, but it was evident she was more of her father''s side. Suddenly, my father announced Marley was his mate. Probably his second chance mate because our real mother died of an infectious disease that raided the people of his time. She was an alpha, hence our unmatched strength. Yes, Naya could conspire with the rival pack to harm Alpha Storm. I wanted to believe it. I should have asked Shadow earlier for his thoughts about all these. He has been quiet all these while waiting for me to calm down before he told me this.


    All this time, we have watched Naya sneak out of the house and back to her cottage. She didn''t want topletely lose herself to this family. Instead of stopping her, I followed her for months and watched my brother ask Reid to follow her too. We both promised not to let Naya know and not to let Marley or my father know.


    That was it. Could it be that my father suspected her too? Was that why he brought her into your house to watch her closely? Then why did he allow Marley into our house if he couldn''t trust them both?


    "Stop overthinking it like your brother." Shadow stopped me. "Naya wasn''t the enemy. The enemy was close by. It was when I saw Mr. Diego that it was confirmed. Mr. Diego is Na..."


    Shadow was about toplete this statement when Marley suddenly turned her head, her eyes locking onto mine for a brief moment. I blinked in shock. Did she know I was there all along? The recognition in her gaze was fleeting, and before I could react, she abruptly ended the conversation and dismissed the person she was talking to. The person disappeared deeper into the shadows. I had been caught off guard. Marley stepped away from the shadows and into the light, and I couldn''t help but feel intrigued. She was standing there, her expression a mix of annoyance and nonchnce, as if she hadn''t just been caught in a secretive conversation. I caught her, but there was no evidence.

 Chapter 57

    "Shadow,ter." I whispered, putting in a tight lipped smile. We weren''t pleased to see each other. I had been watching her and she had been watching me. We both caught each other in the act. I cleared my throat, prepared to act nonchntly just like her. "Well, well, well," I said, my voiceced with a mocking tone as I approached her. "What''s our Luna up to? Sneaking around and having covert conversations?" Her figure was under the moon now. It was out the brightest and my skin felt better. Shadow stretched some more before muttering something about going to sleep and filling him up with the details of tonight''s encounterter.


    She raised an eyebrow instead, her lips curling into a cold smile. "Oh, Kyle, always so ignorant. I suppose you''re here to grace me with your usual entertainingmentary?"


    I couldn''t help but chuckle. We both loved to y. She was hard to crack. It''s been years together, yet we don''t see eye to eye. I managed to steer clear and pretend everything was okay while she tried to gain favor with Zeke. She must have known the Alpha was going to die and he would take over. "Of course, Marley. Someone has to keep you on your toes." I was yet to understand her cunny ways. Her bright red lipstick annoyed me to the end.


    She let out a lowugh, her gaze assessing me. "You really are something, you know that? Not an alpha though. So why are you really here, Kyle?" She was mocking me. Her gaze was colder now. She was just an average omega who turned Luna and received the powers of a queen. She was fierce and was almost a Beta. A powerful one since she might win Beta Brooke in a fight. That was all it was. No wonder she had the audacity to look me in the eye and act all mighty. I may not be the official Alpha, but I was Alpha no less and more. She was former. I am current. I folded my arms, feigning innocence. "Me? Oh, I''m just an innocent bystander trying to uncover the truth."


    Marley''s expression shifted, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ah, the truth. Funny how you think you''re entitled to know everything." She flipped her hair to the back. "It''s a pity I don''t need you to know everything."


    I leaned in a bit closer, my smile turning more mischievous. "Oh, don''t y coy with me, Marley. You''re not fooling anyone. Who were you talking to?"


    Her gaze remained steady, her voice dripping with a syrupy sweetness. "Wouldn''t you like to know?"


    I rolled my eyes, unable to resist pushing her buttons. She was Luna and has probably faced more dangerous opponents than me. Cunny ones, friendly ones and dangerous ones. I must be something she could handle. I needed to be careful. This woman abandoned her child for years to get together with the Alpha. What else would she do? "Come on, Marley. What''s the big secret?"


    She sighed, her demeanor shifting slightly as if allowing a glimpse of vulnerability. "You wouldn''t understand, Kyle. Some things are better left unsaid."


    Unsaid right... of course she would never reveal she was the one who killed Dad. I tilted my head, a smirk tugging at my lips. She knew I was trying to read her from the subtle cold smile that remained on her face. She knew what I had been up to. "Oh, don''t tell me you''re feeling sympathetic now. Is that your way of apologizing for being so cryptic?"


    Marley''s gaze hardened, a sh of something more cold crossing her features. "Apologize? For what? I''m not apologizing for anything." She circled me till her red lips were only a blur. "Poor Kyle. You must feel jealous and left out. I think you want to feel important like your brother. You want to be important."


    "I am an Alpha,dy." I wanted to tell her. But I held my tongue, chuckling and shaking my head. "And here I thought maybe you were going to drop the tough act for once."


    "I have worked so hard to get here. I even left my daughter to be with you all. She hates me and you love me."


    I grinded my teeth at her insinuations. She was stupid enough to think I loved her. I could never love a mother who abandoned her child to be a mother to another. "You will never be a substitute for my mother. You better drop the affectionate mother act. You know Zeke is unpredictable. He may actually see through you and rip your throat out." I knew my brother was just like my father. He was cold and calcted. Nothing ever happens without his permission. He may have acted like he wasn''t watching, but he was actually watching. My words certainly had an effect on her because she stepped closer, her voice low and dangerous.


    "Don''t talk to me like that."


    I rolled my eyes. "I am sorry. You are the Luna- the Luna of wolf cove pack. Tell me, are you going to shed tears when the Alpha gets buried? Are you going to tell us how much of a lover he was to you?" I didn''t want to use her directly because there were consequences to using the Luna of the pack, step son or not. There were other ways of getting the truth from this tough Omega woman. She was hiding something and I want to know what that is.


    She smiled. I knew better than to believe that cold smile. "If I am not mistaken, I''d say you hate me Kyle. Do you hate me? I have been nothing but kind to you and your brother."


    Jeez, she switched sides quickly. It scared me a bit. Her ability to act wicked and kind in a second. Could it be that my suspicions were right or what? She better keep showing kindness to her daughter.


    "I don''t hate you. I am not trying to act important and neither am I jealous of my brother. I am just Kyle... the twin brother of the Alpha. I have to earn my position too, you know. This is my way of doing it." I frowned. "So help me. Did you kill him?" I whispered thest part.


    She ced her hands over my beating heart. "Now we are having a good conversation- Mother to son." s**t! She was trying to change the subject here. I won''t let her.


    I raised an eyebrow, my tone dripping with mock concern. "Oh, I have no doubt about that, Marley. You''re a wolf in sheep''s clothing, after all."


    Sheughed, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "You have no idea." Then she sighed again. "I know you have every right to suspect me. It''s fine. I came into your family and abandoned the other. The truth is that... I saw how lonely your father was without his mate and chose to be the second mate. We did the ritual and I became Luna. I went back and brought my daughter. I understand how you feel."


    I sniffed at her words. She has no idea how I feel. "Don''t talk about my dad like you understood what it meant to be lonely. You left your mate at home, came here to act like you did not do anything wrong. And when the gossip became too much, you went to bring her...."


    "I see you have been doing some digging about me." She didn''t sound pleased.


    "It''s gossip." I would never reveal to her how I found out all about this. Partly due to gossip and yeah, some digging.


    She chuckled. "People will always talk. Do you believe it?"


    "Yes." I deadpanned. "I don''t know what your agenda is, but I will reveal your true intentions."


    "Now, I am certain you are pointing those fingers at me. You know the implications of doing that, don''t you?" She wasn''t fazed by my words. Tough skin huh?


    "Oh, I do. Do not underestimate me, Marley. I may not have power, but I am determined to find out who killed my father." I spat foolishly. If it was Zeke, he wouldn''t say anything to her. Jeez, I was such a talkative.


    She leaned closer with the same cold smile. "I see. I will support you and make sure you find the killer." She began to walk away as I sucked in my breath at the mention of that. She was taunting me. I knew she was the one. She was the rat in this family-conspiring to bring my father down. She was purposely leaving me with a lingering sense of unease. She was like a puzzle I couldn''t quite solve, aplex enigma that vexed me. Strangely enough, it was the same with Naya. Two peas of the same pod. It caused a shiver to run down my spine.


    "And Kyle," she stopped mid way.


    I raised my head to see her mutter.


    "Don''t underestimate me, Kyle. You might not see it, but there''s more to me than meets the eye." Then she disappeared into the forest. I couldn''t shake off the feeling that I had only scratched the surface of who she truly was.


    Who was she? Luna? My father''s mate? Naya''s mother? My step mother? A traitor? She was many things...


    I can''t choose.

 Chapter 58

    "Where is my brother?" I asked the trembling girl beside me. "You have been silent for the past three minutes."


    "I don''t know where he is... He disappeared." She flinched as I came closer to her.


    "You are lying." I whispered in her ears. I could basically perceive Naya''s scent mingling with my brother''s. Everyone in the manor could perceive it. Their scent... It was intoxicating and turned me on. "You can feel it. What is going on, right?" She nodded widely. "I am sorry. I saw the both of them entering Alpha''s room together."


    I almost forgot my brother was the Alpha today. Of course, she wouldn''t give the details of his whereabouts to anyone. But I was the Alpha''s brother. "Where the f**k are they?!" I screamed at the ones standing around.


    They all pointed in the direction of my brother''s room. Great. There they are. My footsteps were light as I walked to my brother''s room. It wasn''t open, but it wasn''t locked either. I could hear their voices. "You know, I never thought I''d find myself in this situation." It was Naya. Her voice was surprisingly soft.


    Hm... They were getting into this stuff today, weren''t they?


    "And what situation is that?" Zeke''s voice was raspy, like he had been holding himself for too long. I licked my dry lips as I tried to decipher what was going on.


    "Kissing the Alpha in his room."


    "Are you having fun?" Shadow suddenly interrupted. "I didn''t quite finish what I wanted to say earlier."


    "Shut up; I am trying to listen." I strained my ears.


    My brother''sugh echoed in his room. I gasped in shock. It''s been a long time since I heard his cheerfulughter. Thest time was when we were ten years old. Mom had gotten us matching shirts for our birthday. "Well, life has a funny way of surprising us."


    "Thank you for protecting me the other day."


    Jealousy swelled up inside me as I could also think of the many times I had protected her. I have never left her alone for one second. Brooke was the one who made it hard for the both of us. Zeke and I protected her a lot of times. They were mainly behind the


    scenes.


    She would never know if we didn''t tell her.


    "What day?"


    Yeah, what day?


    "The day with Darren. The day with Mrs. Lau and probably others."


    Oh. The day I met Zeke on the roof top. He imed he didn''t have anything to do with Naya. Why did he lie to me? I knew he was lying when he made so much effort to deny it. Even I might say I do not know my brother very well. He was an enigma. Just like dad, he usually kept his secrets to himself and confided in the one he thought was the most important to keep them. "I haven''t forgotten about what you were about to say, Shadow." When all these are over, you have to tell me." For now, knowing what my brother and Naya were doing alone concerned me more than anything.


    "I didn''t exactly protect you. I traded something for something."


    He did. He had asked me to beat Darren. That wimp chose to challenge my brother for his birthright. That was silly. I was the one who gave Darren the big bruise he had under his rib for speaking to Naya like she wasn''t a wolf. As for the rest of the girls that tormented Naya, we allowed it for a reason. Brooke?


    I handled her in my own way. Zeke offered, but I couldn''t let him handle my girlfriend. The word ''girlfriend'' tasted bitter in my mouth. I wondered if Naya knew about our involvement and chose not to say anything. Was that why she spoke with us even after we bullied her? She was really amazing.


    They continued.


    "What did you trade?"


    "A night with you. And I want you right now."


    "I want you too."


    The next sound was the sound of their kiss. It was small, like a peck, but I had extraordinary hearing, so it was kind of loud and sensual. I didn''t know my brother could kiss. Has he been practicing or something? Naya''s kiss sounded more inexperienced, as her tongue and lips were all over the ce. I''d like to teach her how to go about it. I turned the door knob, sighing when I didn''t see them on his bed. It was big enough to contain both of them, so where were they? I was about to walk around when I heard their voices again from the bathroom.


    "Your eyes are red." Her voice held wonder, like this was the first time she had seen such a phenomenon. "Don''t try to control it. I want to enjoy this as much as I know you want to. Let me out and let both of you feel." she continued, like she was in control. "See?" She muttered.


    Suddenly his bathroom door opened, and out came my brother and Naya, eating their faces out. Their bodies perfectly fit each other as my brotherid her on the bed. I raised an eyebrow at how rough my brother was with her. Woah... I didn''t know he had it in him to do this to her. The moans of Naya were like nothing I had heard before. It was definitely a turn-on. Her creamy legs were wrapped over my brother''s head as hepped on her juices like a wet dog.


    Then he paused, ring in my direction. My spirit nearly left my body when I realized it was me. Zeke''s eyes were red, and they were not pleased that I had interrupted. Although I expected much hostility, all I felt from my brother and Naya was an invitation. Seriously? They wouldn''t mind if I joined them?


    #


    Naya Cod


    The warmth beside me wasn''t like anything I''d felt before. I knew this morning was going to arrive with a sense of anticipation and curiosity hanging in the air. I gently raised my head to see both boys beside me. I expected guilt and shame to overwhelm me, but I felt numb. The only excitement I couldn''t help but feel was about my uing meeting with Elder Rosalie. I had so many questions swirling in her mind, and the promise of answers was both exhrating and daunting.


    "Aren''t you going to talk about the wonderful night we had together?" Naya stretched with joy. She was excited for a different reason. I mean, we both had the best nights of our lives with another man''s mate. It wasn''t very nice, and I was trying to block out the joy that filled my soul at the thought of Zeke and Kyle loving me at the same time.


    Zeke growled to the side as I gently reced my arm with the warm pillow. The next problem was removing Kyle''s heavy legs from mine. I moved his legs with all my might to the side. Itnded with a heavy thud, and I held my breath, hoping it didn''t wake him up. Finally free, I jumped out of the bed, light enough to disappear through the doors into the hallways. I avoided the eyes of the maids as I walked with only Zeke''s shirt on to my bedroom. They shouldn''t pretend like they didn''t know where I was or didn''t hear my loud screamsst night. I felt like crawling under a hole and remaining there.


    I walked straight into the bathroom to wash myself off the scent of the boys. It was better that I didn''t implicate myself further. It wouldn''t benefit me; instead, it would bring ridicule to my table. Brooke might end up barging in here and killing me for sleeping with her mate. She had to be the one he was talking about, right?


    Yeah.


    The shower stand dropped warm water onto my hair, washing the scent ofst night off. It was evidence that we had done something together. I closed my eyes briefly, but the image of Zeke shoving his hot c**k into my open mouth made me hot. I shook the thoughts away, but they were reced by Kyle''s pleasuring me as he used his c**k to rub my c**t before pounding into me. They even entered at once, filling me until....


    Oh.


    A loud knock at the door wiped the thoughts away. I knew they were not gone forever and woulde back. I would eventually face the dance floor. I couldn''t hide from them forever.


    I peered out to find a maid looking at me. "What?"


    She wasn''t looking at me. She knew where I wasing from, yet she was acting shy. I would act shy too. "The Elders request your presence."


    I nodded before mming the door in her face. She could go to hell for all I cared. I hated the way she judged me with her eyes. I didn''t sleep with someone else''s mate. It was my wish to make out with Zeke and Kyle, and I got more than I actually bargained for.

 Chapter 59

    Naya cod


    I was ufortable in here. I sighed when the door finally separated the maid and I. I couldn''t getst night out of my head.


    "Do you like the taste of my brother''s meat in your mouth, Naya?" Zeke growled in my ear as I moaned around Kyle''s c**k in my mouth, feeling my toes curl as he pinched my n*****s with his other hands. It wasn''t Zeke any longer, and neither was it Kyle. Both of them were pleasuring me to the point of passing out.


    I couldn''t mutter a coherent sentence as Zeke pounded me from behind. "More!" I screamed like a b***h in heat. My mating age made the experience a lot better. It seemed like there was a spark wherever they touched me. Zeke''s touch was hotter, while Kyle''s was cold. Zeke f****d me into bliss while Kyle made love to me. Both of them were driving me crazy.


    "You are mine." Zeke growled hard as he pulled my hair from behind, causing Kyle''s d**k to slip from my mouth. Kyle wasn''t done, as he captured my mouth in a loving kiss. I did not picture Kyle as the soft one.


    I pulled back in time to mutter. "Yours!"


    Kyle rubbed his chin against mine. "I will be next, Naya." His pupils were ck, and I knew Shadow was near. "Let Naya out so that this will be a pleasurable experience for the both of you."


    Naya was dying to be let out, but I had held out this long. If I don''t let her out, fatigue will knock me out. I didn''t want that while I was on cloud nine. It would be a turn-off. I reached out to Naya, who was already wing at her cage to be let out.


    Kyle only chuckled in the most alluring way when I knew Naya was out. I was sure my eyes were blue. "Who knows what you are, huh? You have red hair and purple eyes. You are mine!" He growled, kissing me senseless. He sucked on my power lips so slowly that I thought I would die of pleasure. Then he caressed my breasts slowly, giving each n****e attention. All these happened while Zeke f****d me from behind. I gritted my teeth in pleasure, my eyes rolling to the back when he hit just the right spot. "Yours!" I screamed to heaven.


    That was thest thing I remembered. Naya took over until dawn. I experienced it all.


    I narrowed my eyes at my reflection. "Naya?"


    "Don''t disturb me. I had the best night of my life. We could have been together if you hadn''t snuck out. I bet they are looking for you."


    "Shut up." Jeez, I asked her for one thing, and she can''t stop talking about the night. I couldn''t even do anything without thinking about Zeke and Kyle. How would they feel when they remembered I imed both of their c***s like a b***h in heat? They were both thick and long. "Naya, do you remember? Kyle said, I had red hair and purple eyes."


    She was quiet. Too quiet for my liking.


    "Naya?"


    "Em, I think the elders are waiting for you."


    "The question is, why are they waiting for me? Why do they want to see me? Elder Rosalie was acting weird that night. And that green guy healed me too when he should have healed the Alpha who was bleeding... and I am back to thinking about them again!!" I yelled into my pillow. I couldn''t go a second without thinking about them, right?


    "Elders don''t meddle in the lives of Alphas. You should know that by now. They need his permission to touch him, and if he didn''t ask, they wouldn''t bother."


    I knew that. It was annoying whenever she tried to lecture me.


    "Where is that spray again?" I asked no one in particr, as I put it in all my clothes. I raised the mirror to my face and sighed. "I am letting you off the hook, Naya, because the elders are waiting for me. You are hiding something from me, and I need you to tell me. My eyes look normal now." I nearly poked myself in the eyes trying to find any glint of purple. There was nothing there.


    Then it was there. The mirror fell from my hands. I saw it-it was faint, but I could see it around my pupils. If I walked under the lights, it would surely be visible. No wonder he could see it. I was sure Zeke saw it too. "Naya." I called knowingly.


    She seemed agitated. "I don''t know, alright! All I know is that I suddenly feel strong. Yesterday night was worse. I don''t usually act like my usual self. We did something with the air! It''s something only elders can do, not pure wolves! It''s a big thing, and I don''t know how to exin it to you. You are a pure wolf, so we can''t be elders. Em... No elder has the ability to wield mind magic!" She was rambling now and trying to make sense of it all. Her revtion paralyzed me in almost every way. She just told me that I had the power of telekinesis. I can''t be an elder because a wolf already lives in me.


    There must be some exnation of some kind.


    Could it be that''s the reason they summoned me?


    "Elder Rosalie better have an exnation for this. There are too many things I just can''t handle now." Telekinesis? Pughf! Who was I kidding? Why didn''t it save me when I was bullied? Or is this some coping mechanism with Naya or something? I dragged my already- drenched, scentless spray jeans to my waist and pulled my hoodie over my body. Who put such ridiculous ideas in my head? I opened the door, shutting it with a bang. "Be open-minded, Naya. There may be a slight chance that it is true.


    "Shut the f**k up, Naya, or I will shut your mouth for you. I have blocked you out before, and I won''t hesitate to do it again." I snapped at her. I was feeling overwhelmed, and her excitement was getting to me. I needed to shut it all down so that my hope wouldn''t be raised after all, only for it to be dashed to the floor.


    I had only climbed down the fifth staircase to where the maid told me the elders would be when I saw Brooke being ushered inside the house by Reid.


    "I am sorry; it was really urgent for me to see Kyle." Brooke apologized to Reid in a sweet manner. She was never sweet to me. Sometimes I wondered what would happen if she was nice to me. If they were all nice to me. I leaned against the banister, confident she wouldn''t know I was here due to the scentless spray. If I didn''t show myself to her, then I was safe.


    The problem was: how do I get to the elders without passing through her? The elders were at the dining table, judging from the snarkyments to Brooke''s greetings.


    "Are you Kyle''s mate?" Elder Rosalie asked curiously.


    Brooke appeared to be excited. "He is turning eighteen soon; it will be revealed then, your gracious."


    "Your gracious?" I muttered loudly in mockery. I ducked when she nced in my direction with a raised eyebrow.


    Maybe Zeke and Kyle would be her lords and saviors too. I snorted at my joke, nning to tell Naya when I realized she was upset. Yeah, let her sulk. I was the one living here, not her.


    "What are you doing here?" A husky voice brought me out of my reverie.


    I slowly turned to find a dissatisfied Zeke looking at me. He wore a simple s**t that hid his god-like features and a brown nnel trouser. They were too big, but perfect for his frame. His hair still looked wet from the shower. Something told me he purposely left it like that.


    This was the first time I saw him without makeup. Chiseled cheekbones and light pink lips. They were thin, but they did wonders for mest night. He was grinding his jaws now.


    "You are drooling." He simply muttered, walking past me. Ouch, that hurt. Just then, Kyle came out from the same direction, smelling of s*x and me.


    "Baby!" He muttered sleepily, looking behind me. My eyes widened forward because I thought he was calling to me. His voice was raspy and vibrant. It was only when Brooke breezed past me to join him that I knew that it was not me. His hands were opened wide to wee her.


    Great!


    I quickly pulled my hoodie over my head to hide my red hair. She would not know it was me unless I showed her my face.


    "Babe, you reek!" Brooke pinched her nose with her index finger and thumb. "What did you do?"


    Kyle sighed. "Why did youe?"


    It was my cue to get lost.

 Chapter 60

    Or so I thought as I turned to walk away. My hoodie should have done the trick.


    "Naya?" Brooke called curiously. It was the first time she had called me by my real name. Maybe she wanted the elders to approve of her. I ignored her, taking determined steps to walk away, when she suddenly grabbed my arm. "It''s you! Brawn," she grinned maliciously, peering at my face. Then she yanked my hoodie down, exposing my face. I clenched my jaw, feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment. "Let go of me, Brooke," I muttered through gritted teeth.


    Brooke''sughter rang out as she continued to hold onto my arm. "Aw,e on, Naya. I just wanted to see if the rumors were true. What are you doing here?"


    I shot her a cold re. "Rumors? You mean the ones you probably started? Don''t act innocent." Of course, she imed I was a slut like my mother. She was quite aware that I lived here and was about to pull this stunt. This was why I avoided her. This was why I didn''t want her to see me in this manor. Today of all days! If Kyle was her mate, then I just cheated with her mate. I should not be annoyed and consider her position.


    With the tension and hostility brewing between us, Kyle chose to butt in. Really, I was just tired and wanted to crawl under my bed. The looks they were all giving me. shes ofst night? It haunted me.


    "Hey, Brooke. I asked you a question. You are embarrassing yourself." He wasn''t happy. On a normal day, he would take her side. He must be exceptionally happy with the way I pleased himst night.


    Brooke seemed surprised. "You called me Brooke. Come on! I came all the way here to tell you good news, and you call me by my first name?"


    I didn''t know she hated her first name. I nearly snorted andnded myself in more trouble. Brooke''s eyes caught my quivering lips. Smirking, she turned to Kyle. "You know what? I''ll forgive you for calling me that. I know that you are irritated. You hate mornings." She cooed shamefully. "Should I remedy that?"


    Kyle yawned tiredly, like he had just averted a major storm. If he hadn''t spoken, I didn''t know what I would have done. "I want to take a shower. The Elders are here to brief my brother on some Alpha stuff. I should be there since I am Alpha too."


    Brooke rolled her eyes in boredom while I wondered why I still watched their exchange like I was invited to do so. I was such a terrible snooper. Deep down, an alien feeling didn''t like what I saw. Kyle and Brooke were a ''no'' for me ever since the first day I got admitted into Wolf Cove Academy. "Don''t you want to have some fun with me in the shower?"


    My heart skipped a bit when I saw Kyle''s contemtive face. How do I even know what his contemtive face looked like? Gosh! I am so pathetic. His eyes were so dreamy and reflected the amount of love he had for Brooke. He truly cared about her. Zeke did. They have all been together, and I am just a minor distraction before they get back together. I couldn''t picture myself as anything other than shameful and disgusting. I should get out of here.


    I didn''t get to go far because Brooke stopped me, and that was when I heard Kyle refuse her offer.


    "Babe, just go downstairs. I''ll be there at ten. We can find something fun to do then."


    Just then, Brooke''s loving gaze shifted to something dark. "You know what? I''ll just try out a nice conversation with Naya here."


    Conversation? Gods, please no. I do not want to have any kind of conversation with her. At all. I nced at Kyle, pleading with my eyes to let her join his shower. Kyle''s gaze shifted between us, clearly sensing the underlying tension. "Alright, let''s all just calm down," he said, attempting to mediate.


    "I don''t know why you are acting like this this morning." Brooke was getting suspicious, and that was thest thing I needed from her right now. There were eyes watching me. Important people were everywhere. I had no time for her s**t. Someone should save me, please!


    "Naya?" I called out to my wolf.


    She didn''t reply. Oh, I almost forgot how mad at me she was. "This is so bad." I muttered.


    "Did you say something?" Brooke asked innocently.


    Laughter rang from below, and I subtly peered down. Zeke was still in the same position. He hasn''t moved but asionally pours himself fine red wine as the Elders are served a good breakfast. They all conversed about the pack and their personal lives. Elder Freya was scowling as she cut into her steak with surprising gentleness. They were certainly saying something she didn''t like. Elder Rosalie had to be the quietest of them all. She was biting into her steak without looking at the rest of the four. The green and white elders were discussing something important while thest elder was trying to get Zeke to reply to his questions. They were all acting like they were one big family. They weren''t, and it was even pathetic to see how much they were trying to hide their ws. Zeke seemed to have a lot on his mind, judging from how absent-minded he was at the dining table. It was all my fault. I pulled my arm from Brooke''s grip and stepped back, folding my arms defensively. "I''m perfectly calm." They should let me go now so I can get this over with and go back to my room.


    Or probably go and train.


    Brooke rolled her eyes dramatically, clearly aiming to provoke me. "Sure looks like it." She was certain Kyle would bully me in his own home. Honestly, I didn''t know what to think anymore. Seeing how quiet they both were, they weren''t happy about something. It was rted to me since we haven''t greeted ourselves good morning!


    It was all messed up.


    "Naya!" Elder Rosalie suddenly called. "You are here. Why don''t you join us?"


    Join stoic Zeke at the table? Err... no. He didn''t even look at me. Another elder, who had been observing the scene from below, sighed. Now that she is here, can we get back to why we are here? Or is this going to be the highlight of the day?"


    A door opened, and out came Marley. "Luna." Brooke bowed her head low. She was exaggerating it, and now I''d have to behave like that. I wasn''t used to bowing down to my mother. It was as if they all waited for me.


    "Luna." I said it halfheartedly, bowing slightly. Her power was strong for my wolf, but I wouldn''t bow all the way down.


    "Children." She simply waved our greetings to the side to get to the elders. It was funny that they were about to start the meeting without her.


    I shot Brooke an annoyed re, then turned to head downstairs. Brooke was faster because she stretched out her legs, and as usual, I tripped over it. Just as things seemed to settle, amanding voice echoed through the room. "What is that smell? Jealousy? Anger?"


    Elder Freya got up from her chair. She sniffed the air like the wolf she was. There she was in all her glory, standing at the entrance of the hallway. Great! She just had to do that when Luna came out of her sanctuary. It wasn''t going to end well. Her piercing gaze swept over all of us. She wore an expression of disapproval, her lips forming a tight line.


    Brooke straightened up, her smug look reced by a facade of innocence. "Elder Freya, we were just having a little chat." She swallowed a little.


    Freya''s eyes narrowed, not buying into Brooke''s act. "A chat, you say? It seems more like a squabble to me."


    I mmed my hand on the floor, not minding the drops of tears sttering on the floor. "Why is this happening to me?" I asked myself in shame. It was too much for me to bear. I felt a mix of embarrassment and frustration and wanted to avoid any more attention. "I was asked toe here. Elder Rosalie summoned me. That''s why I am out here in the first ce!" I stood, dusting my cloth, only to catch Zeke looking at me. Something was bothering him. It was a passionate night.


    Elder Freya''s gaze shifted to Kyle, who had been watching the exchange with a concerned expression. "And what is your role in all of this, Kyle?"


    Kyle''s shoulders stiffened, and he cleared his throat. "I was just trying to defuse the situation. I don''t want any trouble." He couldn''t look at my mother for some reason.


    Everything was going wrong here because of me.

 Chapter 61

    Elder Freya sighed, her gaze softening slightly, which was surprising to me. "Very well. Naya,e with me." She eyed my disheveled state. "Something tells me you aren''t good with people."


    That was the only thing she got right with me. As she turned to leave, she couldn''t resist adding onest remark. "Unless, of course, you all prefer to act like unruly children." And that was the remark I expected from her. The weight of her words hung in the air as she went back to the table. The tension had been diffused, but the underlying issues remained, lingering beneath the surface. "I think we are done here." Zeke stood up, signaling to the maids to clean up the mess. He nced up at Kyle. "Wash up and meet us at the table." Without sparing me a look, he walked down the hall to the table. Seriously, what is his problem?


    "What crawled up his a*s and died?" Brooke asked Kyle, who gave her a dead look.


    "To the table, please." Elder Freya nodded to the remaining elders. It meant breakfast was over. I didn''t even have breakfast because of Brooke, and no one cares to ask me what I''d like to eat.


    However, Marley came to save the day. Great! She smiled at the maid. More like a grimace. "Instruct the chef to bring biscuits to the table. We are animals and are never satisfied." Eying Kyle, she joined the rest of them. Now it was just the three of us and the maids, who watched us from the corner of their eyes.


    "I am off." I shrugged, walking away in the slowest way I could to hear their arguments.


    "Brooke, you have to go home. You aren''t joining us at the table." Kyle tried to reason with her.


    "Then I''ll just wait for you until it''s over. What do you say?" She climbed down without waiting for his reply. Soon she was on the couch, turning on the TV. She gave him a stern look. "I''ll be here waiting until you are done."


    When he shot her an annoyed look, a whine escaped her. It wasn''t cute because she sounded like a horse. "You have to tell me why that slut is living here with you! You never told me properly. Does it mean what I heard about the three of youing into school together was true?"


    "Brooke..."


    "No more...."


    "Enough!" Kyle suddenly echoed, causing the maids around him to flinch. They wanted to disappear. s**t! Kyle''s angry. It was a trait I had never seen before. Last night must have pissed him off. Here I was, still walking and listening like a creep. I hope they never notice me walking slowly like a snail. It''s a long way to the table. Besides, what do they want with me? The table was on the other side of the manor. "Go up to my room and wait for me." He ordered. Then he turned to the maids. "Give her whatever she wants and make sure she never leaves the manor. Got it?!"


    "Yes, Alpha." One of them, I think he was called Sir Richard, nodded.


    "Reid!" Kyle yelled as he entered his room. Reid followed quickly, raising an eyebrow at my stupid movements.


    It was over. Not about to be in the same room with Brooke, I flew to the table. At the sight of the big doors, just like the other night, I crept towards them. I still had the scentless spray on me. It would be hard for them to sniff me out.


    Getting closer, I leaned on the door. Kyle may catch me or not, but there''s no harm in hearing a bit of their statement for preparation. It has helped before, and it will help me again.


    "I sense something strong from that Naya girl." Elder Freya began. It seemed like she was talking to herself. "Was it the rotten smell on her...?"


    "That was her mating age. It''s not rotten. It''s just not suitable for women, like...


    "Strawberries." Zeke''s quiet voice chipped in. They all paused to listen. "Strawberries. She smells like strawberries."


    "It''s your first day, Alpha. Whatever you say." For some reason, I didn''t sense any maliciousness in her voice.


    "I don''t want her or you to be here." Zeke added an edge to his tone. He wasn''t happy.


    "He is unhappy." Naya said. That''s the only thing she has said since the time I shut her up. It must really hurt. It hurt me too.


    Who was the second person he was talking about?


    "What do you mean?" Marley''s voice rose. I almost forgot that she followed them in. This meant that Zeke didn''t want to have a meeting with her. He wanted it with the elders alone. "ording to the Wolf code, I have to be present for every meeting held at the table."


    "I don''t want to embarrass you, Marley. Just leave. You can join us at the next meeting. I need to talk to my elders." His voice was so cold, and it caused shivers to run down my spine. For the first time, I was really scared of Zeke. Could it be me who''s talking? It didn''t sound like a quiet and unpredictable Zeke at all. Something was bothering him to the extent that me took over. It was to be me. This was bad. Terribly Bad.


    "Your Elders?" Elder Freya scoffed. I didn''t think she would have the audacity to counter me. "You don''t own us, Alpha." Her voice was equally icy.


    "Well, you are here to ensure the stability of the pack. And who is the Alpha of the pack? Me!" His voice rose with each sentence.


    "- me?" Elder Freya gasped in shock. I was sure she was staring into the eyes of the one who pleased mest night. I only got to see his nice side. I peered into the keyhole and was shocked to see that Zeke had turned half man, half wolf. He was a Lycan. "How is this possible?" I muttered my fear to the gods.


    "Alpha Zeke, me, you need to calm down."


    "Until Elder Freya drops her tough act, I won''t be calm." Zeke heaved.


    Elder Freya''s voice stopped themotion. If she was scared, she hid it well. The elders were truly capable of controlling their emotions. "Alright. I will be quiet. Marley, leave, and if you see your little girl, tell her to skip along. Our Alpha is not in a good mood." With a haughty voice, she grinned at Zeke. "If we are your elders, you are our alpha." Ownership is sideways, me."


    Her words hit the right notes. It was a sharp sword that pierced both ways. Shit... Zeke needed Kyle. Where was that fucker? Does he need me? Should I walk in and...


    Marley''s footsteps at the door brought me out of my reverie, and I knew I had to disappear before she found me eavesdropping.


    It would never end well.


    As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the trees, I found myself making my way to a rxing spot within the pack territory. It was a big boulder where the sun hit directly on your face. The area was quiet, save for the distant sounds of birdsong and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.


    I had just gotten there when a rustle caught my attention. I turned to find Elder Rosalie staring at me. How long has she been watching me think my way here? Her wine-colored hair caught the sunlight and shimmered like a waterfall of blood. She had a warm smile and genuine kindness emanating from her. "Naya," Elder Rosalie said, her voice gentle and soothing.


    I didn''t know anything about smiling at an elder, but there was something that made it better to smile, and I did just that. Smile. Curiosity and nerves nearly paralyzed me, because what the heck was she doing here? I was amon wolf opportuned to meet live with the Alpha. I wasn''t special. They all agreed to let me off until the next meeting. "Elder Rosalie. You said you would see me today. Is this it?" She mentioned something along those lines yesterday night. I should remind her.


    Elder Rosalie motioned for me to sit on the boulder, and she settled down beside me. "Of course, dear. I sensed that you had questions, and I believe it''s important to provide you with the answers you seek." She must have known what I did in the hallway. The elders were all knowing. Even I knew that much.


    I nodded, looking down and away from her eerie eyes. "I appreciate that." They weren''t like us wolves. They were freakish-almost the color of her hair. At some point, I thought she looked older than her age. Then I''d decide against it since she''d look younger again. It alternates between ages twenty-five and fifty-five. That was creepy. I couldn''t describe Elder Freya if I wanted to. They fit all ages. Old and young. "There''s so much I don''t understand about our realm, about the pack, and about the role of the Elders." I continued.

 Chapter 62

    Naya cod.


    It was all confusing to me. I also nned on asking her about Naya, who has been behaving weirdly since yesterday. Elder Rosalie''s smile remained understanding. Well, not exactly understanding, but warm. "It''s natural to have questions, especially when you''re an omega." She raised her eyes to the heavens. "Our world isplex, filled with traditions and a delicate bnce of power." She picked up my hands, tracing the lines on my palm. Her hands were surprisingly cold. "Werewolves are the traditions passed down by our forefathers to us. We are magic. created and born of no one." I scoffed at her words. Did she always talk like this or what? "Why..."


    "I know what you are thinking right now."


    I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"


    "I speak like an old woman; I don''t look like an old woman; this and that... the gods! Your mind is a frenzy!" She began tough. I loved herugh. They made meugh.


    "You answered half of my questions." I said it in between embarrassed giggles. "How about you tell me why you are really here by answering my questions?


    She paused. "You are calcting, Naya, even though you don''t show it."


    I could surprise myself if I wanted. It was no big deal. "Yeah." Suddenly, the images of yesterday came tumbling back into my mind. Was this woman even reading my thoughts? I haven''t practiced mind-linking, but she was magic. She could prate my mind if she wanted, right? I took a deep breath to calm my racing mind. She said my mind was crazy. From the serene look on her face as she stared to the heavens, she doesn''t know what I am thinking. I should be asking the questions since she came to see me. There were a multitude of questions I wanted to ask. "Can you tell me more about the elders?" What exactly is your role as a watcher of the pack? And why does Elder Freya seem to hold so much influence?" Let''s start small and go deeper. When we arefortable enough, I''ll tell her the strange things about me. "I heard you guys are thest of them all. Why?"


    "Slow down, little one." Elder Rosalie''s expression grew more serious as she lowered her head to exin. "The Elders are more like the surveince of our pack; each of us is responsible for a different aspect. I oversee the well-being of the pack, from healing to nurturing. You can call me the watcher. Elder Roy watches over the young ones, ensuring their safety and education. He is also known as the handler. Elder Archer protects our warriors, ensuring they''re prepared for challenges. You guessed right-he''s the archer. Elder Derek maintains the territorial boundaries and ensures our resources are sustained. And Elder Freya... She oversees the weather, which in turn affects our hunting and survival. That''s all about us."


    Hm. I had a feeling she wasn''t being entirely honest. I don''t think that''s all about them. "Aren''t you wolves born with these gifted abilities?"


    "Not born. Created." She said. Her voice was clipped.


    I raised my hands in surrender. "Right. Created. If you were created, how can yoult''s all so confusing."


    She released my hands, and I felt warm again. "You shouldn''t try to understand it. You should feel it. You can feel our power in the air. Look at the zing sun... Elder Freya is in a good mood today." Oh... Augh escaped both of us at the same time. She even knew how to crack jokes! "A watcher, huh? What is it like?"


    She tilted her head as if to think. "I know everything." She gave me a sad smile, and I wondered what was wrong with knowing everything. It would be fun! Knowing when to avoid a bully would be better. "That''s an amazing power, right? You know what everyone is going to do next, right?"


    She nodded. "I do know."


    "And you can do something about it... Is that not so?" I asked enthusiastically. She might be able to change something for me.


    "No." Her words sent the joy in me right out the window. What the f**k? "I can''t do anything about what I know. I may know how you are feeling, but I can''t read your mind. I just know. I know it''s going to rain soon, I know Elder Freya isn''t happy about something, and I know the next event is going to happen. Theye one after the other in order not to overwhelm me, but that''s it. I just know. Hence, I am the watcher. If I see waring, I try my best to tell the Alpha in a way he won''t have to interfere with fate."


    I stood up in shock. "You knew he was going to die?"


    Elder Rosalie nodded. "I know everything. I am sorry; I can''t do anything about it. The moment I interfere with the future? It will happen all over again, and we will all get stuck in a loop until I break free by disappearing for a long time."


    "What the f**k?" I yelled in anger. She was gifted with the best, yet she was as useless as a whistled kettle.


    "Language." She warned sternly.


    "I am sorry." I sat down beside her, taking up her cold hands. "I shouldn''t have said it... I just... I don''t know what to say. I finally have someone who can change things, and it turned out to be wishful thinking." Great.


    A faint smile lifted her lips. "It isn''t entirely bad."


    What is not entirely bad?


    "Being an Elder. I only allow Elder Freya to be herself because that''s what we elders are."Well,l Elder Freya has a rottenpersonality,y if it were up to me tosay so. However, her tough exterior may not be hard to crackpared to this woman beside me. She smiles a lot and cares a lot. It was new to me. "Our forms were given to us. Just like the first werewolf man and womanweres created by the moongoddess,s and he had offspring,... we are like that too. Created to live forever, not born." She finished. Holy s**t! "That means you are immortal."


    She only gave a quick nod. It wasn''t a happy one.


    I became skeptical immediately. Why was she telling me all this? Wasn''t it like a secret or something? It didn''t sound right that she would tell an average omega wolf this type of stuff, no matter how nice or close we were. It doesn''t make sense. "Why are you telling me this?" I had to ask her. "You are revealing your history to me. You areying it all out for me to see. Not entirely all, but at least!"


    She sighed before saying the most ridiculous thing I had ever heard. "Because you are one of us, Naya."


    I nearly fell out of my chair as she said that. Shouldn''t there be a trumpet sound or something? It''s not possible.


    "What? Do you think I go about answering teenagers'' questions about us? No. There is a sybus about us in your school already. Get a grip of yourself." She shook her head at my dramatic reaction. It should have urred to me along the way that she was immortal. I knew it!


    Of course, I was taught one or two things about the elders. I wasn''t paying attention since I clearly thought of them as majestic, not as one of them sitting beside me and actually having a normal conversation.


    "I will pretend I didn''t hear that. It cannot be possible because you said that elders are created, not born. Besides, you have wolves in you."


    "We don''t have wolves in us. It''s an illusion created for the wolves to believe in. Think of it as... if we were in a shifter pack, our shape would be ording to everyone''s shape in the pack. A werecat? We would be werecats. There is nothing like that... except the monsters of the rival pack." She spoke to convince herself, not me. There are obviously other creatures out there. The food news? I don''t want to meet them. The Blood Moon Pack was already giving us enough problems, as it were.


    I gasped in realization. She must know a lot about what the monster wanted with me and why Mr. Diego approached me first. She also knew I slept with the Alpha and his twin brother. s**t. "So you deceived everyone in the pack. Good. Let me get this straight. You are immortal; you are a watcher; you wield magic; you were created... Am I one of you guys?" I couldn''t escape it even if I wanted to. She said I was one of them. Why? How?


    "Yes." Elder Rosalie leaned on the boulder. "It will rain soon. Want to continue this conversation?"


    "Yes. Maybe the rain will wash my guilt away." I sighed. I didn''t know why I said that like a fool. I was so stupid. I guess I do not have to hide anything from her again. Frankly, the news of the Elder stuff was a shock to me. However, my brain has chosen to block that part out.


    It was impossible to be an elder.


    "I know. Which is why I came to see you." She sniffed the air. It was getting cooler, and I loved it. It didn''t seem like she wanted shelter from the rain. "When I know things like this, I allow nature to take its course."


    I grinned despite hating Elder Freya. "Elder Freya is doing this. Weather control? That''s... impressive." I was in awe of the dark clouds that began to form.


    Elder Rosalie nodded. "Indeed. Each elder is unique. It''s a bnce of magic and traditions. But when traditions fail, wee to rule as thest hope. No Alpha wants that."


    I shook my head. That''s what Elder Freya wanted.


    "I love my freedom to sit with you right now. I don''t want duties to tie me down."


    She''s immoral; how could she say that? I chuckled at her crazy statement. Then I frowned. "But why does Elder Freya seem to have so much influence over the others? It was as if she ruled you all."


    Elder Rosalie''s gaze turned distant for a moment. "Elder Freya''s role as a weather guardian holds great significance. The weather affects everything-our hunting, our crops, and our environment. It''s no wonder she''s considered a leader among the elders." "But you are the best..." Her raised hands stopped me from speaking.


    "It''s okay. I like where I am."


    She didn''t want me to pursue the conversation, I could tell you for sure. Nah. My curiosity only intensified. "And me?"


    Elder Rosalie smiled. "You are the newest addition. Young and fresh. You are a born elder, Naya. It''s a huge thing."


    I was still skeptical. "What does it mean?"


    Elder Rosalie reached out and ced a hand on Naya''s shoulder. "Naya, I sense that you have a deep connection to our world and to the pack. Your hair''s color is a sign of a great elder. It''s a mark of your unique ce in our world. Although I know a lot of things and I''m not supposed to tell you this, nothing would happen anyway because with you, everything could change."


    She was lying. Nothing would change because I was a weak fucker who cared for nothing other than to have the twin boys to herself. I was a greedy, needy little b***h.


    The rain began to stter on our faces.


    It touched my tongue and soothed my throat. "If I am an elder, why is my life so f*****g useless?" She didn''t bother to correct me. "What''s even my power? To be bullied?"


    Her hand instinctively went to my hair, fingers trailing through the crimson strands. "What do you mean by useless? Do you think I am useless?" I raised my confused eyes to her. She told me she couldn''t do anything but sit down and watch. Elder Rosalie''s gaze held a knowing glint. "Your hair is almost the same color as mine. It''s a sign that you have my ability but can do something about it. Your abilities may be dormant, waiting to be awakened."


    My eyes were permanently opened in shock. What else would she say now? "Abilities? What abilities? To get bullied? pped?"


    Elder Rosalie''s smile was gentle. "That was because those pricks couldn''t protect you. That''s something you''lle to exploreter. As a born elder, your journey will be one of self-discovery and growth. And with your connection to Zeke, you''re in a unique position to shape the future of our pack." "Don''t tell me you think I am his mate."


    She nodded affirmatively, like I was asking her apletely normal question. "With what happenedst night? Geesh, you are a wolf in bed, Naya Cod."


    I felt like my Pa was here with me, and heat covered my entire face. The revtion that I hadtent abilities tied to my hair color was both exciting and overwhelming. It was a shocking realization that maybe my role in the pack went beyond what I had imagined. There was a tingle I felt when I was with the elders. It had gotten worse with Elder Rosalie around me for a long time. It made me feel dizzy. Her wisdom and kindness were reassuring, and I soon found myself opening up about my struggles, my doubts, and my conflicting emotions with Zeke and Kyle.


    My eyes began to close gently. The rain was gentle on me. It calmed my heat.


    "Sleep, Naya Cod. You are our family. Bask in the peaceful serenity and endure the nature of our territory. Have the handler and warrior guide you, and the watcher watch over you. Remember, Naya, you are born, not created." Elder Rosalie spoke, her voice filled with encouragement. It was alluring and eerie, like a dozen sirens singing these words to my ears.


    I nodded, and that was thest thing I heard before cking out.

 Chapter 63

    Naya


    Cod


    My cheeks burned with embarrassment as I recalled the intimate details I had shared with Elder Rosalie. It wasn''t every day that someone learned about their dormant abilities and potential while discussing such personal matters. Realizing how open I was to her made me cringe mentally. It was as if my most private thoughts had beenid bare for the world to see.


    Could I even trust the elder, who said she knew everything? Besides, thest thing I remember was closing my eyes. I was sure she whispered some crazy things into my ears. Saying gibberish about family and all that nonsense. I had yet to wrap my head around her words. I must say that she has a way with them, and that was what terrified me.


    The question I had for myself was how I managed to open my eyes, walk back to my room, and not get drenched. I should be down with a cold or something because I was pretty sure no one carried me. "Could it get any more mortifying?" I muttered, my self- consciousness making my movements slightly awkward. I nced around the room, swinging my legs over the side. Something was wrong. First thing. This wasn''t my room. Secondly, I was dressed in clean clothes.


    It did not take long for me to figure out whose room this was. Zeke''s room. I would never forget about his clean, musky scent of pine and rain or those blinding white duvets. Did I mention he was a clean freak? Yes, I did it almost a million times. For a moment, I wondered if Zeke had been privy to my conversation with Elder Rosalie, and the thought only deepened my blush. Did she bring me here, or did he carry me from there? Either way? I knew I was screwed. Zeke didn''t look very happy with me this morning. I haven''t asked him the reason why since I slipped out of his room, like sleeping with him was a dirty secret I wanted to keep.


    He should be the one pursuing me. He should be the one chasing after me. Or maybe not. Perhaps the guilt of sleeping with me a few weeks before his birthday and finding his mate kind of made him a jerk.


    It made me a fool too, because not only did I not confirm the stupid name I was given, I truly did just that. A slut in case you have forgotten. I rubbed my twitching nose. I did catch a cold.


    f**k, Elder Freya and her mood swings. f**k, Elder Rosalie, for watching me get a cold and not doing anything about it. The cold floor seemed soft under my feet. Since I was here for stupid reasons, I didn''t feel the need to look around his bedroom. From the looks of it, it was empty, and a tray of food was by the side. I gently opened the silver tter. It should be served to a queen or his mate, not me. Yet I couldn''t resist the urge to open the te and look inside.


    Soup. Specifically yellow venison soup. Perfect for the cold night. Did he cook this? Despite my inner turmoil, I couldn''t help but appreciate the considerate touch Zeke had shown by leaving me a tray of food. It was simple, but this act actually warmed my heart and eased some of her embarrassment. I folded my arms across my chest, wondering if I should go ahead and taste it or not.


    "Oh, f**k it." I threw caution to the wind, proceeding to drink it all. I knew we weren''t speaking that much, but I''d dly eat whatever he gave me. Just like I nearly sucked his c**k dryst night,


    At the thought of that, my throat refused to take any more in. It was better that I sipped water and forgot such rubbish. I better act like a proper adult instead of turning red. Somehow the soup revived some parts of me that I thought were dead. It slowly infused energy andposure. As I stood up and stretched, a determination that had been kindled within me seemed to overshadow my lingering embarrassment. Nah, scratch that. I was on the cusp of a new chapter in my life with greater challenges. I mean, Elder Rosalie did say I was part of her now. I should probably test that theory for myself. Maybe ask Brooke to stop talking down on me since I am technically stronger than her.


    Now where the hell is Zeke? Frankly, I never want to see the cold Zeke that ignored me this morning. I would say it was my fault. But I think he has a right to know what Elder Rosalie told me this afternoon. I felt it was right to tell him. We weren''t close enough, but it would not be nice if he suddenly heard that I was an elder. The new stock! My steps guided me out of the room with eagerness. An eagerness to speak to Zeke about the revtions that are about to turn my world a bit better


    I was moving blindly. Navigating the hallways, I felt like this was my home. It was never my home. My confidence has returned, and the weight of embarrassment is beginning to lift. No matter what, Zeke was one of the few people who might actually understand me. It was weird doting on him like this, but I needed him right now. It wasn''t long before I found him in themon area. It was by the firece. A ce I had seen the former Alpha and his son before. Zeke sat by the firece. His eyes were cold as he stared into the dancing mes. I didn''t have to announce my presence before he turned, our eyes meeting. Just like that, my confidence went out the window. What I did feel was nervousness, vulnerability, and the warmth of our bonding.


    I smiled gently, which threw him off a bit by the looks of it. He raised perfectly curved eyebrows. Without hesitating, I walked over to him.


    "Hey!" I said softly. I was sure my voice carried a blend of emotions that mirrored my journey from embarrassment to determination, then embarrassment again. "Mind if I join you?" For some reason, my cheeks burned. I couldn''t look at him without rememberingst night. It was hard not to. The conversation I also had with Elder Rosalie-the things I told her. Jeez, I am such a fool. They seem to linger in my mind, spreading faster than an infectious disease. I cleared my throat topose myself.


    I refused to meet his eyes. I mean, we slept with each other, and he didn''t say anything but looked at me coldly. He made a lot of promises that night, but the morning came and they vanished. "I... uh, wanted to talk to you about something." My fingers twisted together as I forced myself to meet his cold gaze. He hasn''t stopped looking at me since I came. It made me yearn for him. I was technically asking him to f**k me without saying the words.


    His head tilted slightly, and his frown deepened. "What is it?"


    Wow, he was really going to act like a jerk, wasn''t he? I took a deep breath, attempting to gather my thoughts. "It''s just... I had this conversation with Elder Rosalie, and she... well, she told me some things." I could feel her face turning even redder, and I had to look down at the floor for a moment before meeting Zeke''s eyes again. It was bad, I know.


    Zeke''s brows furrowed as he leaned forward. I could see if he was concerned for me or not. "What did she tell you?"


    I needed to get a grip on myself before I threw up out of nervousness. I was trying so hard to have an interactive conversation with his monotonous replies. I didn''t like it. "She said, I''m a born elder, and there are thesetent abilities I have... because of my hair." I gestured to my crimson locks, my cheeks feeling like they were on fire. "And she mentioned our connection... and... well, she basically knew about everything that happened between us." My voice trailed off, and I bit her lip, waiting for Zeke''s reaction. That was the part I was getting to all this time. She knew about us. It wasn''t good.


    Zeke didn''t seem rmed, but then a faint smile yed at the corner of his lips. "She told you all of that?" His tone was gentle, and he reached out to brush his fingers against my cheek. "You are red."


    I nodded at the obvious.


    He dropped his hands with a sigh. "You don''t have to be embarrassed. You don''t have to hide anything from me. I''m just d you''re okay."


    My embarrassment began to ebb away as I looked into those cold eyes that were beginning to get warm. A heavy sigh escaped me along with relief. "I know, Zeke. It''s just a lot to take in. And to think she knew about us-it''s like she sees right through me. Everyone acts weird around me too. You too, Kyle."

 Chapter 64

    "She is an elder. She can see through anything." Zeke sighed. He was getting back to his usual self. "I think this was one of the things my father feared. How to keep the elders in check. I don''t know how he did that."


    I cleared my throat. He may have forgotten something. I was an elder, or at least that was what Elder Rosalie told me. "She said I am an elder, Zeke. Doesn''t it sound strange to you?" I felt that repeating it was the right thing to do. In a way, he was avoiding the question. "It doesn''t. What sounds strange to me is the fact that you are ashamed of us." He sounded hurt, and I didn''t like it. I should be the one hurt.


    "Well, you were the one who refused to talk to me. Kyle included." The embarrassment I thought was gone was beginning to creep up on me.


    "I didn''t refuse to talk to you because I was ashamed," Zeke shot back, his voice carrying a tinge of irritation. "I don''t know about Kyle, but I stayed away because I thought it was the right thing to do. I am tired, Naya."


    I swallowed hard. "Tired of what? We just had s*x."


    "That''s the problem. You attach a lot of conditions to a night. What do you expect me to do after you are gone by morning? You made it look as if you were a slut."


    Ouch. "I thought we were getting somewhere. I know you don''t mean those words. I thought we were getting somewhere." I wanted to say more, but it was just too hard to say. "You just told me I don''t have to hide anything." Remember when I said he was unpredictable? Yeah, add an a*****e to it. He was an a*****e who didn''t care about anyone''s feelings but himself.


    "I am an Alpha who will be turning eighteen in a few weeks time. My emotions are erratic and restless. I am sorry if I found sce in you, but you are making it a big deal." He gritted his teeth angrily.


    No one was here to hear us argue like old couples. We were going back and forth on the same conversation because we were cowards. We have refused to be honest with ourselves. I loved Zeke and Kyle. I was hiding from that fact because I had just slept with the both of them a few weeks before their mate ritual. I knew I was such a terrible person. I tried to hide behind the fact that Elder Rosalie knew about my feelings. In fact, I told her everything. The guilt was eating me out, and all I needed was Zeke tofort me and tell me he didn''t mean it this way.


    That''s all.


    "You''re an elder now, and you have responsibilities. I didn''t want to distract you from your duties."


    "Aren''t you wondering how I became an elder, or is that such an insignificant piece of the puzzle to you?" I scoffed. "Many would go ballistic if they heard this. There will be jealousy, striving, and even war. Are you sure you want me to do this by myself? It is not just a duty, Zeke. It''s a burden. A burden that I wanted to share with you." I clenched my fists, struggling to control my rising frustration. The worst part of it all? His face was expressionless. It was as if my words weren''t prating him. What I said was true. I can''t even imagine the shock and surprise when people who have always bullied me hear that I am an elder. Hell, Zeke and Kyle would notprehend themotion this has brought upon the pack. I was an omega with the strange powers of an elder. It would question my mother and even bring danger to me. Just like the monster attack. I was in worse trouble than I thought. Zeke was ignoring me for a reason. It wasn''t because I was an elder. It was because he knew something I didn''t. Besides, he wasn''t even surprised when I told him the news. He seemed curious, even, but that emotion disappeared before I had the chance to analyze it. I won''t let him get away from this.


    "Did you think ignoring me was the way to go? You didn''t even bother exining anything. I was left in the dark, Zeke."


    Then I saw it. The emotions I have been looking for. He ran a hand through his hair; his expression was conflicted. "I didn''t want to burden you with this. This is a new finding. I am d you have these powers. The Elder world isplex, and I don''t want to overwhelm you. Besides, there are things I can''t tell you, things that are better left unsaid." He was speaking in f*****g riddles. Zeke Storm, what is your problem? Why can''t I understand you? What are you hiding from me? You have be Alpha now, and it was almost impossible to prate you.


    I huffed, the pent-up feelings of confusion and hurt bubbling to the surface. "And why not? What could be so secretive that you can''t trust me with it?"


    Zeke''s gaze hardened, and for a moment, he seemed almost distant. "You want to know the truth? Fine. It''s not about being ashamed, and it''s not about secrecy. It''s about a lot of things you wouldn''t understand, and it''s about protecting you." There he goes again. This was the reason we couldn''t work it out the first time.


    I locked my dry lips. "Look, if it was about the s*x... I didn''t intend for Kyle to join us. He may be very upset.


    "Shut the f**k up, Naya, and listen." He was really angry now. "Just listen, and for once, don''t overreact. I don''t want your wolfing out and reminding me of the tough times I had with you." He took a deep breath, as if to calm himself down. "me is nearly at the surface, and if I were you, I wouldn''t provoke him."


    His words cut deep, but I waved his words to the side. "me is fine with Naya." We have been speaking gibberish and arguing a lot. It was time to move forward. "What are you protecting me from? Is that why you acted so cold? For the record, I am an Omega. I couldn''t bear the thought of sleeping in Alpha''s bedroom. I was ashamed of myself and felt guilty for absolutely nothing. It''s my right to overreact because I don''t have control over my emotions sometimes. This is me opening up to you, Zeke. So tell me... what are you protecting me from?" I really needed to know because he was acting too much like a damn mystery man. I hate it.


    He sighed heavily. "No, not from me. From something much bigger than both of us. My father''s death came at a price. My coronation." His voice went deeper. "You have no idea what it means to take responsibility. To be an elder or even an alpha. It changes people. It''s not just about power and age. It''s about responsibility and sacrifice."


    He wasn''t answering my damn questions!


    I shook my head, my frustration boiling over. "You don''t get it, do you? I don''t care about all of that." I care about you. I wanted to say it, but that would be pushing my luck. We don''t even know what we are to each other yet. Zeke''s gaze softened slightly, but his stubbornness remained. "And that''s exactly the problem. You shouldn''t care about me. You should be focused on your new role as an elder."


    "New role?" Tears welled up in my eyes as anger swirled within me. "Why are you doing this, Zeke? Why are you destroying the little fence around us?"


    He looked at me, his eyes holding an emotion that I couldn''t decipher. "Because there''s something you need to realize. Being an elder is not the problem here. The problem is that we haven''te to terms with our own feelings." I blinked, taken aback by his statement. "Our feelings?"


    He nodded slowly. "Yes, our feelings. You''re afraid to let me go to my mate, and I''m afraid to admit who my mate is."


    My heart pounded in my chest, and I struggled to find the right words. "Zeke, I-"


    He held up a hand, cutting me off. "No, let me finish. I can''t tell you who my mate is. That''s not something I can reveal. But I can tell you about a friend and who she was before she became an elder."


    He wasn''t about to talk about me. was he? I swallowed hard, my heart racing with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. "Who was she?"


    Zeke''s gaze bore into mine, and there was something in his eyes that I couldn''t quite grasp. "She was someone who once meant a great deal to me. And she''s someone I still care about, even if it''s in a different way now."


    My mind raced, trying to process his words. "I don''t understand. Are you saying that...?


    He interrupted me again, a faint smile ying on his lips. He looked really tired. Just a day, and the workload on him was bittersweet. He needed someone. Maybe I am not that person. "Don''t overthink it. Just know that I''m here, and I''m not going anywhere." As much as his words provided a sense offort, they also left me with a lingering sense of unease. There was something beneath the surface, something he wasn''t saying. And as much as he tried to hide it, I could sense the shock he felt at the revtion I had just told him. He was a jerk.


    But I love him anyway.

 Chapter 65

    Zeke PoV


    It was amazing. The s*x we had, the memories of her moans-I couldn''t get enough of her juices that night. I remembered the times I had to adjust myself in front of her. I was getting hard again, damnit!


    She told me Elder Rosalie said she was special. That she was an elder. It was impossible. However, I couldn''t deny the things I saw when she was enjoying herself. She seemed sort of ethereal. Her blue eyes shed purple sometimes, so I felt it was probably the light.


    Frankly, I and Kyle wouldn''t mind sharing a girl. It was just weird that my brother would have the same urges I did at the same time. He couldn''t even resist her smooth skin. I should have asked her how she was... I meant down there. me would have nearly brutalized her if I hadn''t regained control immediately. He was a sick bastard. But Kyle, who has always been the beast, chose to be gentle. Has he noticed she is my mate?


    He handed her an egg. I''ll admit, Naya was a fragile little thing, but he didn''t act rough like me. Shadow was like a puppy to her. I felt a bit jealous. me was just an unsophisticated animal I had locked up for so long. "You are provoking me, Zeke." me''s big head nearly blinded me.


    "What the f**k?" I closed my eyes momentarily. The fire crackled, and the ce where Naya sat earlier was cold. I subtly ced my hands there. I knew I said hurtful things to her, but I only did that because I was not happy. The dancing mes brought me back to this morning''s saga.


    I had woken up to see no one in my arms. She wasn''t there when I woke up, except for my obnoxious brother, whose snores sounded like a rice machine. Immediately, I kicked him to the floor. me liked his space.


    Kyle woke up with a start, finding himself on the floor. He gave me a ''really'' look.


    "Get out." I pointed at the door.


    He huffed, not bothering to stand up. "I see it''s me that is speaking. You are a jackass, and I am not standing up from here." He trailed off when I began to pick up the pillow. Maybe he saw that my eyes were red. They turned red when I didn''t see Naya. me was angry that he didn''t get our mate to sleep on our arms. He was angry that he did not get to cuddle her too. Well, he can deal with it without my brother''s annoying presence!


    I threw the first pillow, whichnded on his head. "Get out!"


    "Ouch!" He rubbed the soft spot, standing up. "I am getting up." I was expecting him to leave when the fucker chose to run into my bathroom.


    "The f**k, Kyle?" I thundered as he locked the door. "Do not use my toilet!"


    Kyle''s mischievous voice rang out. "This is epic. I will never see this again, so why don''t I make the most of it? You, my dear brother, aren''t a morning person. Why didn''t I think of it now?"


    "You coulde out so we can think together." I offered deceitfully. So help me if hees out, because I am going to bust his a*s!


    "Er...no?" He gave his snarky reply before going silent. I sighed, retreating from the door. He would stay there until I left. I have no time for his shenanigans. It was his way of telling me he didn''t want to confront what we did to Naya yesterday night. "Do you like Naya?" He suddenly asked as I was about to tie a towel.


    "After what we didst night, I am sure it''s pretty evident that we are both attracted to her." I shrug.


    "Aren''t you repulsed by that thought?" He asked.


    Repulsed? "No." I said, fishing out a spare key from my bag. Well, I didn''t have the chance to open the door before he opened it, stumbling out like he just saw a ghost.


    "If you aren''t repulsed, then it''s a good thing." He nodded, picking up the shirt lying on the floor.


    I raised an eyebrow. My brother was acting strange. Nah, scratch that. He has been acting weird sincest night. "Why is it a good thing? Do you think she is my mate or something?" I scoffed, preparing to enter the bathroom.


    "I think she is our mate." He dropped the bomb like it was something he did every day. Except that he didn''t.


    "Wait, what did you just say?" I froze in my tracks, my heart pounding loudly in my chest. His words felt like a lightning bolt, electrifying my senses.


    Kyle''s eyes locked onto mine, his gaze intense and unwavering. "I think Naya is our mate," he repeated, his voice low and serious. This was not yful, Kyle. This was serious, Kyle. I knew she was MY mate and not his too.


    My mind raced as I tried to process his words. Could it be true? I felt a strong connection between Naya and my brother from the moment I saw the two of them together. My brother has tormented her without a number, but I never dared to imagine that she could be his mate too. And yet, as Kyle spoke those words, everything seemed to fall into ce. The way my heart raced when she was near, the overwhelming need to protect her, the maic pull that seemed to draw me to her-it all made sense now. However, it was dangerous as well.


    You noticed it too?" My voice was barely a whisper, my emotions swirling like a storm inside me. We wouldn''t dare act on our feelings. It has never been heard of. How could we share a mate? Butst night, I didn''t mind...


    I had yet to ept Naya and her new powers, but this? She really came with all the baggage, huh? Kyle nodded, a mix of emotions ying across his features. "Yeah, I did. It''s like a thread that connects the three of us. I felt it when we were all together, when we touched her, when we..." He trailed off, a faint blush tinting his cheeks.


    I swallowed hard, my thoughts a jumble of confusion and realization. "But why didn''t you say anything earlier?"


    He looked down, his fingers fidgeting with his shirt. This is shy Kyle now. It was the side he had never shown anyone. "I didn''t want to jump to conclusions. And... I was afraid of how you''d react." He cleared his throat. "There, it''s out now. I have been thinking of how to tell you this. f**k, Zeke, it''s been so hard keeping this to myself when I just found out about it yesterday."


    I let out a shaky breath. "I''m d you finally told me."


    "You knew, didn''t you?" He was back to normal. No longer fidgeting and acting like a shy fish. It must have taken him so long to tell me. However, he said he just found out yesterday. Maybe he wasn''t that sure and only confirmed it yesterday. "I knew. I just..." What excuse would I give? Naya was our mate, but I was afraid of dering her my mate for fear that she would reject me. Forget the s*x. I have hurt Naya, and she knew it. She was just covering it up with the fact that I have hurt her so much that she would not like any other person to hurt her except me. That''s sick. I didn''t like the look Kyle was giving me. It seemed like he knew more than me. Well, how about I tell him that Naya was also my mate? Would he change his mind and take her as his mate? Would she even ept the two people who tormented her life or something? This was so messed up.


    He met my gaze again, a mixture of relief and vulnerability in his eyes. He was afraid. Afraid of something like thest time. Could it be that he has found something concerning our father''s death? "We need to be careful, Zeke. Not just for us, but for Naya too. We can''t rush into this without thinking about the consequences. Especially you."


    It would have been easier when my father didn''t die and I wasn''t Alpha. I could have dered her my mate, and she would have epted, knowing she didn''t dare reject the prince. But if I told her, she would know the power she has over me and probably reject me, leaving me to rot alone in brokenness. This was a tough choice. I never knew it was this hard to be a coward. The Elders would pester me for a mate again after my eighteenth birthday, which ising up next week. Not only would they want me to pick someone better than Naya, but someone who was fully inclined toward politics. Someone like Brooke or... I didn''t want to say her name. The thought of her alone repulsed me. She wasn''t ugly or anything. I just couldn''t picture myself doing it with my stepmother. Kyle''s right. We don''t need to rush into anything now. I nodded in agreement, my mind still racing with a thousand thoughts. "You''re right. We need to take things slow, especially considering the danger that''s been lurking around. Speaking of which, any progress on finding the murderer?"


    He sighed, as if the weight of the investigation was pressing down on him. Well, that makes us both. "I''ve been trying to gather information, but it''s like we''re chasing shadows. And to make matters moreplicated, I got some unsettling news from Dr. Ali." My brows furrowed in concern. "The pack doctor? What news?" The pack doctor was someone we deemed insignificant but who actually worked behind the scenes for our asses. He coordinates the pack hospital because he earned Dad''s trust. What did he do now? What if he was a traitor? There were so many questions I couldn''t begin to answer.


    "Beta Brooke... he''s alive," I said quietly. "But he''s injured, and I was asked to keep this a secret. Dr. Ali ''s big secret apparently."


    My eyes widened in surprise. "Alive? But how?" My brother, Kyle, has never been one to keep a secret. I was d the person he told was me, and damn, was I shocked to find out that my Beta is alive. It was good news! It would not only help me boost my power, but I wouldn''t be alone in all of these struggles for power. He has worked for my father before and will be willing to work for me.


    "I don''t have all the details yet, but it seems like he survived somehow," he exined. "Dr. Ali was cryptic about it, but he hinted that someone helped him. Particrly the Z patrol team. We need to get him here before whoever''s after him does."


    "The Alpha was attacked, his Beta in a secret mission was injured, and he refused to make a report back to us... The Z patrol team hiding him did well. Let''s act like we don''t know until the beta recovers."


    "Did well?" Kyle was confused. Oh, my brother was dumb sometimes.


    "There''s got to be a mole in this pack, right? We can''t trust anyone. So, if hees back, they might decide to end his life, and well, Brooke would be devastated." I gestured to him, but he didn''t seem like he cared much about that. "How did you get this information if it was a secret?"


    "You know me, brother." Kyle simply replied. Of course, I knew him. He probably used shadows to scare the snot out of him. My brother was named Shadow because of that. He has the type of ability that casts a dark shadow on a person to make them see what he wants them to see. It wasn''t a power or something. It was a trick. A trick he used when he got angry. Why use it on Dr. Ali?


    "Dr. Ali must have been scared." I grinned suddenly. "Keep this to yourself, brother. I will dig into it more."


    Kyle''s jaw clenched, his fists tightening. "But, we can''t let him stay there. If I could get the information, what makes you think the Blood Moon Pack hasn''t gotten the news of his return? Remember, he is the only connection we have to our father. Marley is unpredictable. And with Naya in the picture now..."


    There were so many f*****g problems. It was just day one! Naya is my only focus now.


    "Yeah, we need to be more cautious than ever," I agreed. "Beta Brooke''s safety is our priority. Inform the Z Patrol team of the change in ns. I''ll visit him sometime after this. We need to discuss the secret mission he was on."


    He ran a hand through his hair, a mixture of frustration and determination on his face. "We''ll keep him safe, Zeke. No matter what it takes."


    At least one thing we could agree on was protecting Naya from all of these. I nodded, my own determination matching his. "Agreed. We''ll do whatever it takes to protect him."


    But... "Kyle?"


    He turned. "Yeah?"


    "You have something against Marley, and it''s making you lose control. You went to look for her yesterday; your eyes look the same. Like that night. You don''t trust anyone. Including me." He just imed she was his mate, yet I could see the strange look of mistrust in his eyes. I thought it was for me, but it was for Naya and Marley.


    He chuckled. Nah, I could see through that deceitfulugh. "Shadow told me something. He said he and me had a meeting with Dad before he died. You knew I was sleeping; why didn''t you tell me? Did you even know about it?"


    "I knew." me wouldn''t put me to sleep just like that. We both respected each other''s boundaries. Although that boundary talk was always out of the window whenever we were angry or saw Naya,


    Kyle''s angry cursing reached my ears. "Son of a b***h!" He may be referring to his wolf. They were a sight to behold!


    Not everything needs to be revealed, Kyle. I wanted to say something, but I held my tongue. "I didn''t think Shadow put you to sleep that night."


    "Well, this fucker did! Why didn''t you tell me? What? Was there a bad secret he told you not to tell me?" Like I said, Kyle was dumb to me. I ced a hand on his shoulders to calm him down. His eyebrows were twitching now. He was doing that Shadow thing again; this time, Shadow was on the receiving end.


    "Brother. Shadow wanted to let you in on the secret. The two of you are one, and that''s why he decided to tell you. I didn''t want to." I shrugged, entering the bathroom and locking it before my words sank into his head.


    "The f**k, Zeke? You are worse than a shadow, you know! Keep being the mysterious man!" He yelled, and I heard a loud thud. His foot must have hit something because a loud string of profanities was heard again before a softer thud and tapping on the phone were heard.


    He must be damn tired afterst night''s activity. He was apparently not too tired to press the button on his phone. I was too, except that I couldn''t sleep in. The elders said they would being this morning. Elder Rosalie imed she wasing to tell Naya something. They f*****g healed her while I was filled with bruises. I turned on the shower, still wondering why Naya slipped out of the bedroom. Was that night of passion a secret?


    Well, I wouldn''t me her, because she would be the one to suffer. The whole manor probably heard her voice and wondered what was going on. Poor Naya. They would think she was just like her mom, trying to have her way with me just because she lived here. It was bittersweet.

 Chapter 66

    The warm water cascaded down my body, washing away the tension and confusion that had been swirling within me. As I finished my shower and stepped out, the steam-filled bathroom gradually cleared, revealing the fogged-up mirror. As I reached for the towel, "Alpha, the elders are here, and they''re waiting for you and Mr. Kyle downstairs. They also wanted to let you know that breakfast is ready for you all," the message read.


    my phone buzzed on the sink. I picked it up and noticed a message from Reid.


    Reid was acting too formal. Yesterday he wasn''t like this, and today he was like this. I''d like to break his nose to see how he''d react.


    Despite myself, I quickly replied with thanks and wrapped the towel around my waist. I nced at the mirror, where the condensation was starting to recede, revealing a reflection of my body. My thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the bathroom door. I opened it to find a young maid standing there with a tray of breakfast items. She was the one Marley sent to me sometimes. She knew I wouldn''t like her because she wasn''t my type. I loved them-scrawny and delicate, like Naya. But now her cheeks were a deep shade of red, and she struggled to maintain eye contact. What is wrong with her?


    "Alpha." She said it in a more timid voice, which shocked me.


    "Good morning." I greeted her, trying to ease the awkward tension in the air. All these years, and I still don''t know her name. That''s because they were always reshuffled every month. I''ll probably see another type of her by next month''s end. Sheesh... "Er..." she mumbled, her gaze fixated on the floor.


    I noticed her fidgeting and her inability to meet my eyes. I couldn''t understand why she would act this way around me. Then it urred to me that it was because of my size and presence as an alpha. I knew everything changed the moment the elders pronounced me Alpha. No. It changed when I faced thest challenge. I got bigger and stronger. "Is everything okay? You seem a bit... flustered." Was she ogling my body? I mean.. I just came out of the bathroom. It would be normal for her to act like this. But something told me it wasn''t because of my bigger and better body.


    Her blush deepened, and she stammered, "I, uh, I just noticed that, well, you''re not... um, wearing much, and I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to invade your privacy or anything..."


    Oh. I guess I was wrong then. "I am sorry." I turned to ask my brother to pass me a shirt, but he was too engrossed in his phone to notice me. I stifled a chuckle, realizing that she was having a hard time keeping herposure due to my semi-naked state. "It''s alright, Emily? I appreciate the breakfast."


    "It''s Dal." She practically shoved the tray into my hands, her face growing even redder. "I''ll just, um, leave you to it. Enjoy your meal, Mr. Zeke."


    Before I could say anything else, she hurried away, her embarrassed scent in the air. I need to work on my scent because I could also perceive arousal or something else. Jealousy. I was right. They all heard her voice all the way to the maid''s quartersst night. I shook my head in amusement and closed the bedroom door. As I began to dress, I heard a rustling sound from the other room, followed by Kyle''s groggy voice.


    "What''s all the fuss about, Zeke?"


    I finished buttoning my shirt and walked out to find Kyle still sitting up in bed, his hair ruffled, and a sleep-induced daze in his eyes. He was feeling sleepy, alright. He dared not sleep in my bed. I have given him enough time to get a grip on himself. He''s not the only one who was tiredst night.


    "Morning, Kyle." I replied sarcastically, as if he had just woken up. "The elders are here downstairs, waiting for us with breakfast," I informed him. "Get out of my room."


    He rubbed his eyes and yawned. "Damn, already? Alright, let''s go and face the consequences of your actions." He was talking about me being the Alpha.


    I made our way through the halls with Kyle followingzily behind me when I saw Naya staring at me from the corner of her eyes. She was putting on a hoodie to cover herself. Her breasts weren''t as visible as before, and a dusting of blush settled on her cheeks. Wow.


    I raised an eyebrow at Kyle, who pretended he hadn''t seen Naya. "Do all the girls you sleep with act all shy in the morning?"


    "Not all, but the decent ones actually do. Is it Naya? Give her time." He said nonchntly, We didn''t screw herst night. I could hear the voices of the elders already. I couldn''t bear to look at her face. Not after she left me in bed alone. That''s when I did it. Brushed past her like she was insignificant and climbed downstairs, where the elders were already seated.


    Elder Freya was already seething because I was the youngest Alpha and she was under me. I hid my sneer. Elder Rosalie, whom I found a bit warm, shook my hands before she blessed the food in the name of our goddess. We were having meat for breakfast. After exchanging pleasantries, we began eating the breakfast that had been prepared for us. The room was filled with an air of formality, and it was clear that the elders had something important to discuss. Except for Elder Freya''s bickering here and there, it was okay. I narrowed my eyes at the banister since Naya didn''te down with me. Neither did Kyle. Something was going on upstairs.


    I didn''t know anything else until Elder Rosalie asked me to take a wet little wolf inside. She asked me not to ask why she called me instead of Reid.


    I thought after Naya was gone, I was going to have some peace and quiet by the firece. It wasn''t.


    "Alpha? Your tea." The maid from earlier bowed slightly as I collected the tea. She didn''t get to leave because Kyle stopped her.


    I nearly choked on my tea when Kyle, who was always one to break the ice, leaned towards Emily. and grinned mischievously. "Emily, you seem a bit flustered this morning. Did you catch a glimpse of what Zeke and I were up tost night?"


    My eyes widened at Kyle''s audacity, while Emily''s face turned a shade of red that matched a tomato. "I, uh, no, sir! I-I mean, I didn''t... I wouldn''t.


    Kyle burst intoughter, thoroughly enjoying Emily''s difort. "Rx, Emily. We''re just teasing. No need to be so serious."


    As Emily excused herself, visibly flustered, I shot a re at Kyle. "Do you have to tease her like that? And what? You don''t care about Naya''s feelings? I''m sure you heard her. She is hurt, Kyle."


    Kyle chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Come on, Zeke, lighten up. We can''t always be so serious." He sat down where Naya was earlier. "I feel bad for her."


    I sighed, shaking my head. "Sometimes you have no filter, you know that?"


    He winked yfully. "That''s what makes life interesting."


    Kyle''s lightheartedness was a stark contrast to the weight of the situation we were facing. The Elders made me their Alpha, but they also made it clear to me not to make mistakes. I couldn''t help but feel a pang of anger at him for putting Emily in such an awkward position. She was part of the staff. I was angry, not because of Emily, but because Naya left here hurt.


    Eventually, the mansion seemed to regain its quiet atmosphere. I turned to Kyle, my frustration evident in my gaze. "You know, your teasing could have consequences. Naya''s already dealing with enough, and we don''t need to make things more difficult for her." Kyle''s expression softened, his yfulness disappearing. "You are upset."


    I nodded, appreciating his understanding. "Good. I''m going for a walk to clear my head."


    He nodded in return. "Alright. I''ll stay here for a bit and then join you."


    I left the mansion, my footsteps heavy with the weight of my emotions. I shouldn''t have spoken to Kyle like that. Jeez, the pack duties were getting to me. Especially the stack of papers piled in my father''s office, which is now my office. I couldn''t shake off the frustration that had settled within me, and I needed some time alone to process everything. I couldn''t help but wonder how I was going to unravel this silly web of challenges while protecting Beta Brooke and Naya and keeping our own secrets hidden. I didn''t get to go far before movements by the side of the fence caught my eye. It was fast. Like the monsters at school. They were back, but this time inside the manor.


    "I know that smell." me said. He was in defensive mode. My senses went into high alert as I turned my attention toward the fence. This would be my first test as an Alpha. I was right; they had been watching me.


    I should handle this on my own. I approached the fence cautiously, my eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of movement again.


    "Zeke!" Kyle''s voice startled me, and I turned to see him jogging toward me. His expression was one of curiosity. "What''s going on?"


    I pointed toward the fence, my voice low and serious. "They''re back, Kyle. The creatures from the school. I saw movement over there."


    Kyle''s jaw clenched, his gaze hardening. "Damn it. We can''t catch a break, can we? They came on your first day. Maybe it''s time to have a chat with the leader."


    I shook my head, my grip on my emotions growing tighter. "We are not ready. I am not ready."


    "Let''s split up. I''ll go around the other side to see if there are more of them. You stay here and keep an eye on this area."


    "Sure." There was no need to alert the others. Especially not Naya, who was probably mopping somewhere in shame and regret. I tiptoed to the other side, leaning against the walls. If there was movement, I''d hear it now. Just as I was about to reach out to Kyle to check on his progress, a rustling noise came from the bushes to my left. I tensed.


    But instead of the monster, Naya stepped out. "Zeke? What''s going on?"


    I let out a breath I didn''t realize I was holding, relief washing over me. "Why the f**k, Naya? Get out of here!" I yelled.


    She nced around, her eyes narrowing as she tried to make sense of the situation. "I heard you and Kyle talking about monsters... Are those the same ones from the school?"


    Great. She has been eavesdropping on our conversation. I sighed, my gaze never leaving the perimeter. "Yes, they''re back. I''m trying to figure out what they want and how to keep the pack safe."


    Naya stepped closer. "I want to help. Maybe test my powers a little."


    My protective instincts kicked in, and I turned to face her. It was then that I got a whiff of her scent. It was mixed with alcohol. She has been drinking! "Naya, you are drunk. Get back inside." She did not seem to understand me. "You don''t own me."


    Before I could respond, Kyle''s voice caught my attention. "Zeke, you need to see this."


    We both turned to see Kyle emerging from the trees, his expression grim. As he approached, he spoke in a hushed tone. "Here." He handed me an envelope. It seemed like an invitation. Interesting.


    I exchanged a nce with Naya, my heart pounding.


    On it was written, The Blood Moon Pack.

 Chapter 67

    I opened the envelope and pulled out the invitation. It was intricately designed with the symbol of a blood-red moon and was surrounded by wine vines and leaves. The words were written in elegant, calligraphic script:


    "Alpha Storm, You are invited to the monthly gathering of Alphas in the Blood Moon Hall. Come alone. The future of our kind depends on it. Dress code: a red or wine suit and a ck ninja mask. PS: You can bring guests." I turned to see Kyle and Naya reading the note over my shoulders. Oh, there''s a dress code... I could never go alone to such a party. Not when the Alpha killed my dad.


    "You guys saw it, right? This man killed Dad!" Kyle wasn''t pleased. He gave a smallugh that scared me a little. "I swear to our creator, I am going to rip his f*****g heart from his chest."


    "Woah, Kyle..." I chuckled nervously at Kyle''s determination. He was hiding something from me, alright. And Naya? Both of them were staring at me to show how serious this was. "This is... unexpected," I muttered. There was no need to freak out. It was an invitation from my father''s murderer, but it would be really foolish for me to decline, especially when I knew he was the one who killed my father. The Blood Moon Pack was one of the strongest packs in our realm. They were second to ours, except that they were coordinated, knew how to throw good parties that every other Alpha in the world loveding to, and didn''t lose their s**t at every tiny thing like Kyle was doing right now. There has to be something they are doing to make them so f*****g powerful. It was infuriating. I needed to go to this party if I ever wished to reform our pack. In order to fight my enemy, I need to know about them.


    Our pack was strong, but that was because we rarely went against traditions. It has kept our boundaries, food supply system, territory, saved lives, and even earned us the best elders, which is why we have been unbeatable, but... they managed to kill Dad with the elders watching and with civilization. Besides, I have never gone out of the pack before. I hate that my life has revolved around the pack. It wasn''t a bad thing, actually. but this could be the change I was looking for. I needed to catch a glimpse of my father''s murderer one more time. It would be their mistake to invite me to the party. They will f*****g know it was a bad idea to drop this invitation at our fence.


    "What I am saying isn''t wrong, right? We are not going. Seriously." Kyle nodded, his yful demeanor reced by a sense of urgency.


    I gestured to the envelope. "I am sorry, Kyle. We need to figure out what this is about. It could be rted to those monsters from the school."


    Naya, despite her state, seemed determined. "I want toe with you, Zeke. I can help." She f*****g reeked of wolf alcohol. She can''t begin toprehend theyers of disappointment I felt in her. How could she make her way to our wine cer, burst it, and drink herself into stupor? It was all my fault. "Naya, I..." It was only right for her toe with me to the meeting, at least not to make me look like a loser amongst Alphas. I hesitated, torn between wanting to protect Naya and involving her in what could be a dangerous situation. But there was no time for a lengthy debate. We could talk about thister. "Not now, Naya. We fought. You need to get back inside and pretend you never heard about all these."


    Kyle sniffed the air. "What the f**k? Is she drunk?" He had a funny look on his face, like he was amused.


    I nodded, frustrated by Naya''s intoxicated state but also realizing there was no time to deal with it now. "Yes, she is, and it''s not the best timing."


    Kyle rolled his eyes. We have forgotten about the envelope and the fact that we were going into the lion''s den. "You guys fought.." He was giving me that weird eye. Like he knew our fight would neverst. Jeez, why does he keep doing this? Should we just tell her the truth now so that when she wakes up, it bes a dream?


    Naya, who had been listening to our conversation with a befuddled expression, suddenly piped up, "I''m not drunk. I can handle myself. Right, Kyle?" She was definitely slurring. Her hand gestures were awkward, and it was kind of refreshing not to see her hide her feelings. It was breathtaking. And annoying because me was ready to take her inside and spank the s**t out of her a*s.


    Kyle burst intoughter, unable to contain himself any longer. "Oh, this is gold. Drunk Naya wants to crash the Alpha party. You really know how to pick your moments, Naya."


    Naya shot Kyle a re, clearly not appreciating the humor. "It''s not like I nned this. It''s just that everything got soplicated, and I needed something to drown my sorrows." There was an underlying question in her tone that I didn''t like very much. I knew I was being insensitive. I haven''t even told Kyle the big news yet. She told me the big news, and Ipletely acted cold, pretending the news wasn''t anything. If I told Kyle, he wouldpletely freak out.


    I rubbed my temples, feeling a headacheing on. "Alright, alright. We don''t have time for this. Naya, you stay here, and Kyle, you make sure she gets back to the mansion safely. I need to go and check some things out." There was no way that wolf would climb up our fortified fence. What were the X patrol team doing? "Some warriors have not been doing their jobstely."


    Naya protested, "I can still go with you, Zeke. I''ll be fine."


    I shook my head firmly. "No, Naya. You need to sober up and rest. Not tonight or at the meeting. It is too important, and I can''t risk anything going wrong because of your condition." If anyone should go with me to the meeting, it would be Marley, Reid, Kyle, a taster, and probably an elder for any of the magic stuff.


    I never imagined I would even think of a taster. A wolf taster was someone talented with the taste buds of the moon goddess. They would know if food was poisoned with a colorless, odorless, and tasteless poison. However, at the cost of their lives. This was why my father sent them out of the pack, so he''d never have to use them for his personal gain.


    Yeap. They were banished to the outer territories. It was cruel, but it saved their lives enough to create pup tasters, so...


    Kyle gave me a mischievous grin. He must have something in mind for little Naya. Maybe this was a bad idea. Naya is drunk, and she has my brother with her. He might end up fiddling with her without me. "Don''t worry, Zeke. I''ll take good care of her. And who knows, maybe by the time you get back, she''ll be sober and less of a handful." He was not promising. What a douchebag.


    Naya shot daggers at Kyle, but she seemed to understand that arguing further would be pointless. I was Alpha. She wouldn''t stand a chance for protest in the presence of two very serious Alpha males. She reluctantly agreed, "Fine, but you better tell me everything when you get back, Zeke." Like hell, I would. Does she even remember what we have been through together? I have practically bullied her since the first day we met. Kyle wasn''t exempt.


    Like I said, our attraction for each other was so messed up.


    I nodded in assurance. "I will, Naya. Just stay inside."


    She gave me one of her cute giggles. It was rare to see Naya Cod smile. I could never get her to smile unless we were f*****g each other. I promise in the future to make her smile more often. "I am going to stay in your bedroom. Where did you drop me this afternoon, remember?"


    She''s going to tell her secret to Kyle.


    Kyle seemed confused. "This afternoon? Woah, after the meeting or something?"


    Naya wiped her mouth slowly. It was as if she was aware of what she was doing but not actually aware of what she was doing. "Let me tell you a secret."


    "Alright!" I had to stop her from saying any more. She would only me herself when she woke up. I don''t think Kyle is ready for such news yet.


    "Don''t be rude, Zeke. You rejected me. Kyle won''t. Right Kyle?" She turned to find him, only to trip on nothing.


    I wasn''t surprised when Kyle caught her at the speed of light. Wow, I deadpanned.


    "Slow down, pup." He had his hands around her waist. They were gentle. "Unless you are going to tell me about the secret wine cer, I suggest you tell me the secret. Right now."


    "I am an elder." She quickly said.


    There was a long pause, and I could basically see the wheels in Kyle''s head. He was trying to process the whole thing. Emotions after emotions were disyed on his face like fireworks. It was painful to watch, considering that I hadn''t appeared excited about the news. I could also see the subtle excitement in Naya''s eyes as she told him. It was a life-changer for her.


    She was an elder. No more f*****g bullying or getting close to her at all. It would be over, just like that. Gone.


    "What are you trying to... what?" Kyle blinked faster than any wolf I have ever seen.


    "That''s it." Naya gave a big yawn before standing on her tiptoes to kiss him on the lips. Then she pulled away and gave me the same attention. "I f*****g love the both of you." She made a gagging sound. "Oh, no. I''m going to puke."


    "The Gardner will kill you in the morning." I said, pointing to the spot where her trash would be easily cleaned. As she ran to do her thing, I sighed. "Remember, Kyle, this meeting could be a trap or something far more dangerous than we can imagine. Keep an eye on Naya, and be alert. If I get anything tonight, I will let you know".


    Kyle saluted dramatically. "Aye-aye, Captain Alpha. You can count on me."


    I nearly kicked his family''s jewels. "Don''t watch pirates again."

 Chapter 68

    Kyle''s POV


    "Naya, you are walking too fast. Where are you going?" I quickly caught her arms before she fell face down on the floor. Just how much did she drink?


    "Let me go." She began to trash against my fingers. Yeah, right. She wasn''t going anywhere. In fact, she will not be going to her room tonight. I had other things in store for her.


    Chasing Brooke away was one of the hardest things I did today. Another thing was admitting to my brother what I thought about our mate and Beta Brooke. One nce at Zeke''s tired appearance told me I needed to solve my father''s murder case fast, or else Zeke could get overwhelmed by a work he never understood without help. The only person who could help him was Cunny Luna, whose agenda I never seem to know. It bugged me that she was staying by Zeke''s side all the time.


    I hope she will never get to my brother, just like she got to my father. However, the invitation to the Blood Moon Pack only made things interesting. We would get invited for the first time outside the pack and into the devil''s camp. It was something I never imagined Zeke would agree to. I guess being an alpha also meant taking difficult decisions, even if it meant jeopardizing the safety of the pack. That sounded ridiculous, I know.


    Zeke seems to have gone farther than I thought with Naya. They were closer but constantly at odds with each other. I don''t want to be the third wheel, but I need my mate to be myself. My brother just has to figure out a way to get to her. For me? A way to seduce Naya is to f**k her all night. She would love that very much, wouldn''t she?


    I nned to take advantage of her all night. After all, she said she loved me. The one thing I never nned for was to take a drunk Naya to her room tonight. It was such a daunting task because she never seemed to stay in one ce. Her sultry eyes were on me and Zeke all night, and she even confessed she loved the both of us! She protested vehemently, herughter and yful resistance echoing through the dimly lit hallway. After a night of bliss, I did not expect her to still be on the bed. I have slept with countless girls to know that it wasn''t right. My brother was a fool to have thought she would be in his arms. I could see the anger and hurt in his eyes when he woke up and did not see our mate. That morning, Shadow was about to howl in pain and anger when I distracted him with a game and talked. I managed to get Zeke to forget about it, but I also ended up spilling secrets to my brother, and it didn''t even make him forget. He was bluntly cold to the poor girl. Now, look at her, drunk andughing bitterly to hide her pain. I should make it better. It was one of those nights where too muchughter and a bit too much wine had taken their toll on her, rendering her incapable of making sensible decisions.


    "Naya, it''s time for bed," I said, trying to sound stern but failing miserably as she giggled and clung onto the doorframe leading to Zeke''s room.


    "But I want to see Zeke," she slurred, her words almost unintelligible.


    I scoffed, ncing around. The hallway was eerily quiet, but I knew the walls were listening. There was a spy, and I didn''t know who it was. I gently pry her fingers from the doorframe, trying to suppress my ownughter. She looked sumptuous and edible. I wanted to eat her. "You know Zeke needs his beauty sleep. He wouldn''t like it if you barged into his room now."


    Zeke wasn''t in his room. He had instructed me to take care of her while he searched for the dangerous animal in our territory. The X patrol team needs to be punished. How could they let that creature slip into the pack? It could have killed someone. What if it already has? Frankly, I appreciated it when he told me to take care of Naya instead of following him to scan the area. I would rather be with Naya''s giggling self than out there with my a*s. Sue me.


    She pouted, those big blue eyes attempting to melt my resolve. True to what she said, she had those eyes like the elders. It still amazes me how she became one, and gosh! I have so many questions. I guess I won''t be getting answers from her tonight, seeing as the situation was... "Fine," she finally relented. She began to walk again, and I wondered where she was going. My eyes widened as she guided me towards the hall leading to her room. I exhaled suspiciously.


    "Naya, we are going to your room." I said it for effect. Oh no. She would regret this when she woke up. This was my first time visiting her room because she made it a duty never to let anyone in. Not even the maid. She cleans the room herself and washes her bed sheets, and each time I passed the room, it was always locked. Clearly, she knew what privacy meant and never failed to cross her boundaries when it got to me or Zeke. She has been to my room before to steal the scentless spray, probably being sent to Zeke''s room under the pretense of cleaning his wound. She got to the door, oblivious that I was watching her, and pulled out her key from under her skirt. Oh, she wore shorts under them. I hid myugh, knowing that no matter how she locked the door, if I wanted to enter her room, I''d need to break it down or ask for the spare key. It may not be easy to get the spare key since it was with my brother.


    And he was a stickler for privacy and boundaries. Her room was cozy. It was a familiar space that was filled with her favorite books and a soft, inviting bed. Typical girly wolves I have been to their rooms, but this was so alluring because her scent was the strongest here. It was amazing to bask in her scent all day. Once inside, she flopped down on the bed, her eyes suddenly serious. "Hey," she began, her voice soft, "Why haven''t you talked to me since... you know,st night?"


    I paused to monitor her calm state. Was she sober now? There were three ways this could end. First of all, I tell her the true reason why and she goes ballistic, or I tell her the true reason why and she does nothing. Or I lie to her.


    It was terrible, so I chose the second option. Tell her the truth and wait for her reaction, good or bad. I sighed, the truth bubbling to the surface. I wasn''t surprised when she patted the side of her bed. Her body and mouth reeked of vomit, but I wasn''t fazed. She would clean up in my presence and get fresh again. Sitting down beside her, I tried to find the right words. "Naya, what happened between usst night... It''s simple. I have Brooke, and I care about her." It should pretty much exin everything to her. She would think Brooke is my mate, and , , ... that''s how it''s supposed to end.


    It didn''t.


    Naya turned to face me, her eyes searching mine with a mixture of curiosity and hurt. She seemed surprisingly sober now, and her strange gaze prated my soul. It seemed like her power was growing by the minute. I could almost feel the need to respect her like the elders. Could it be that her emotions were stronger with me by her side? "Brooke?" she asked, her voiceced with disbelief. "Kyle, you can''t be serious. You and I both know there''s something more between us."


    This was why I said she was drunk. Naya wouldn''t admit this to me. I blinked, caught off guard by her response. Her words cut through me like a knife. It exposed the vulnerability I had tried to hide. I knew she was my mate, but it wasplicated, unlike how I made it sound. I flicked her nose to remind her that I wasn''t a boy she could live with randomly. "You need to tell me where you got the wine. It''s messing up your speech."


    She drew back a little to avoid my second hand. She was cute. "I know what I am talking about." She looked desperate, even. I need to end this quickly or risk exposing the truth and breaking her heart.


    I shook my head. "You don''t know what you are talking about, little wolf." You may be right. But there areplications, and I don''t want to hurt anyone." My voice was softer now. I want her. Her scent was driving me crazy. She reached out and gently touched my cheek. Her fingers were cold against my skin. I heard she sat in the rain for a long time. She needed me to warm her, and that''s what I am going to do.


    "Complications or excuses?" she whispered, her eyes locked onto mine.


    I couldn''t look away. Her proximity was intoxicating. "Naya, I am a yboy. I don''t do one girl." s**t! I did one girl, but it was on rare asions. My mate! I couldn''t sleep with Brooke while she was here. Naya is so naive. If I had truly found my mate, I would never have agreed to sleep with herst night. I didn''t want to lose what we have, which is why I am doing this. "I''ve seen too many rtionships in our pack turn sour."


    Her lips curled into a soft, understanding smile. "Kyle, I get it. It can''t happen to us."


    I eyed her suspiciously. "How do you know?"


    She gave a quick shrug. "I don''t know, but I just know."


    I leaned in, unable to resist any longer. I smashed my lips against her unsuspecting ones. What was she expecting when she brought me into her room, drowned in her scent, and asked me to sit beside her? I couldn''t control myself and had to shift my boner all the time. Her hands tangled in my hair as we kissed, and I could feel her heartbeat racing in sync with mine.

 Chapter 69

    Zeke Storm


    "What are you doing?" I asked my brother, who was sneaking out of Naya''s room. After scanning the environment for about an hour and finding nothing, I realized that the messenger mist hade in through a means known to me. The spy. Who the heck was working for the Blood Moon Pack?


    Kyle gave me a nervous smile. "Sh, she is sleeping now. It took me a while, but she eventually slept."


    I ced both hands in my pocket, determined to let my brother spill what went on between the two of them. "Did you do anything she wouldn''t approve of?"


    He shook his head. "What do you take me for? I couldn''t do it." His face was long with want.


    I raised an eyebrow. Kyle was never one to leave a girl hanging. "Why?"


    He shrugged. "It''s simple. Before I could do anything to her, she dozed off. I only got to taste her lips. And without you there, it was kind of missing something. She wanted the both of us. It took a while to persuade her toe here."


    I nodded in appreciation. "Come, brother. I have something to tell you."


    "What is that?"


    We began to move toward the table. It was the safest ce we could have our discussion without anyone disturbing us.


    I shut the big brown doors behind me. Then I threw the envelope on the table. The meeting is tomorrow night. It gave us little time to prepare for what was toe. I had only been Alpha for a day, but the responsibility towards my pack was overwhelming. I needed my brother.


    "We have a new elder in our midst. How do we use her to our advantage?"


    "She is our mate. It would benefit us more if we dered her ours. We need to let her know." He spoke with his mouth, but his eyes said differently.


    "I agree with you, but you are afraid of something. What is that?"


    "She has been snooping around too much. She was close friends with Mr. Diego, remember? What if she is the spy? What if we get close to her and she betrays us? The pack will demand her head, and we will be rendered mateless forever unless the moon goddess chooses to show us mercy and gives us a second chance to mate. I don''t want things to go the way they went with Dad."


    He was right about her rtionship with Mr. Diego. It was such an unfortunate one because I could see the hurt in her eyes when she realized the truth. Contrary to what everyone says, I was actually aware of what went on in the pack. "But, we need to maintain the rtionship we have with her now. She is still a pup in the elder world. I will speak to Elder Rosalie to take care of her and tell us everything she knows about Naya."


    "We can''t fully trust her. Don''t give her your heart, Zeke."


    I scoffed. "You say don''t give her your heart, but you are falling for her yourself. Let''s draw her closer. She will be of great use to us."


    "Are you sure you are not keeping her close for your personal gain? She draws me in. It''s like I can''t control myself around her." Kyle seemed torn between duty and love. It was the mate bond that caused this.


    "If you are too bothered, I could ask Marley for a way to sever the bond and get mated to her instead."


    "Never!" Kyle spat with all his might. Hm, I hummed in agreement. "Marley is someone you should never trust. I saw her talking with someone suspicious at the arena. She is a dangerous woman."


    It was why my father fell for her, and I too needed to be conscious around her. "Then do as I say. Keep her close to you; I will keep her close to me." That was my final word and decision. Naya would be following us to the meeting. After all, she saw Mr. Diego. I would love to see his expression when she is brought along for the meeting.


    "Do you think Naya knows anything?" I suddenly asked Kyle. The look in her eyes whenever I brought up the death of my father reminded me of her secrets. Would she carry those secrets to the grave?


    Kyle shook his head. He was ying with the statue in the corner of the room. "She''s just snooping around." He chuckled. "You know, father never took care of us the way we cared for him. Although Shadow begs to differ. May I ask why?"


    I rolled my eyes. Sometimes, Kyle was too sentimental. He never let things go at all. "Kyle, Storm nevermunicated with us in our forms because he was never the type. He could only talk about his feelings through his wolf. Speak to Shadow. He will tell you what he knows." That was all I could tell my impatient brother.


    "Wee to Alphahood, brother." He grinned. "As a gift, I have something special for you."


    I furrowed my eyebrows, wondering what my brother had prepared. It didn''t always end well. "What is it this time?"


    "I''ll reveal it on our eighteenth birthday."


    "That''s a week from now."


    "Precisely 5days. Rx, brother. I''ll tell you." He dropped the statue, preparing to go out. "I''d watch my back if I were you." He added before leaving.


    I narrowed my eyes at his figure. Rubbing my hands through my hair, I wondered what Storm would have done in trying times like this. The Elders were not small feats. Very soon, I''d have to patrol the entire pack to know what''s troubling my people. I can''t keep staying at the top, oblivious to their pain after the monster attack. Mrs. Lau, the pack''s hunter, head warrior, harvester, doctors, and everyone else will be answering to me.


    I could go mad before I attended to all of their needs. "me, you haven''t told me what Dad told you." Yes, I lied to Kyle. I was out cold when Storm summoned our wolves. "I need to know something at least. Please tell me."


    I was so tired.


    #


    me remained silent throughout the night. He didn''t speak to me about the topic. Why did you think I couldn''t tell my brother what Dad said to us? Something told me that it was something extremely confidential. Why else would Shadow stall and not tell impatient Kyle? Kyle was a man who would get whatever he wanted if he put his mind to it.


    Yet Shadow didn''t tell him. "me, you need to speak to me."


    "I only tolerate you because you are me." He grunted rudely. He was a rude and selfish wolf that participated in bullying Naya however he wanted, simply because he couldn''t get enough of her.


    "If that is so, you would exin to me. You have been given some advice. Dad must have known you would be Alpha. Tell me what to do before I get sucked away into duty and never return."


    He scratched his body with his paws. He was such a proud animal. "I can''t help you. I can only guide you."


    My heart soared in happiness.


    "Don''t get your hopes too high." He added like the cunny man wolf was. A small grin lifted his chin. "On one condition."


    I sighed. "What is it again?"


    "I need an audience with Naya''s wolf."


    "Done."


    I was about to get up from the bed when Marley chose that moment to knock on my door. Seriously. "Come in."


    "Zeke, dear, how are you?" She smiled softly. If not for her chameleon nature, I would have believed her smile. There was no harm in humoring her. She has been taking care of me ever since she came here.


    "I am healing." I replied, to which she nodded.


    "Good. Have you given my offer a thought?" She asked suddenly. I couldn''t tell her to sit down because she was in her nightgown, which showed herrge n*****s and slender legs. She still looked fit, even after Naya. It was like apetition that Naya would never win against her mother. I chose to wash my teeth. I picked up my toothbrush, added toothpaste to it, and put it in my mouth. Then I went into my bathroom, leaving the door open.


    "What offer?" I spat out the paste. I knew what she was asking me. Well, I have good news for her. She doesn''t have to worry about me.


    "You don''t need to do this alone. I know everything and everyone in this pack." She was implying I take her as Luna until I find my mate. "What if I have found my mate?" I washed my mouth thoroughly before spitting it out.


    There was a pregnant pause. "You aren''t eighteen yet."


    "I am eighteen, and I have found my mate." I kept my brush.


    "Why didn''t you let the elders know?" She asked in a shaky voice.


    "Because I am going to reject her." I said.

 Chapter 70

    Naya Cod


    "Ouch!" hit my head on the headboard for the third time this morning. What was wrong with me? Just how much did I drinkst night? I rubbed the sore spot, hoping it didn''t leave a scar on me. "You were pretty drunk yesterday night." Naya suddenly chirped in.


    "Oh, she speaks," I scoffed in annoyance at her attitude the other day. We weren''t on speaking terms.


    "It looks like you aren''t eager." She shot back, ready to retreat into the shadows. Not on my watch.


    "I am sorry, okay." I began. I couldn''t remember what happened yesterday night, and she was my only shot at remembering what I did. I sniffed the air. There was a hint of Kyle''s cologne, but I couldn''t be sure. There''s no way I could have invited him into my room. Of all the things I could do? Inviting him over to my room is never on the agenda.


    My room has secrets that no one should know about. Naya was the only one who could tell me if I misbehaved or not.


    You see, after Zeke told me offst night, I couldn''t help but make my way down to the cer. That was thest thing I remembered doing.


    Yeah, I drank myself into a stupor. Did the Storms think I did not know where they hid their stuff? They have neglected me so much that I make myself useful by going on little tours and finding what''s next to do. I haven''t gone to the cottage this weekend. It would be hard to clean again. "Naya, please tell me if I messed up."


    My wolf was certainly awake during the whole process. I was sure she influenced my attitude sometimes, but getting drunk and allowing her to take over my body was something I''d never allow. If I had been drunk and allowed Naya to take over my body, I may have jumped Zeke. That is, if I ever saw him again.


    Naya''s voice, though still tinged with irritation, softened a bit as she said, "You don''t remember, do you?"


    Remember what? Drinking a jar of wine alone? I do remember that.


    Getting up and entering my room? I do not. Something told me I made plenty of stops before I finally found her. I shook my head, despite my temples pounding in response. "Not a single thing. Did I do something stupid?" I asked again because I was genuinely concerned now. The consequences of having Kyle and Zeke tell me what I did yesterday night... I fear it may not just end there. What if I encountered Marley along the way? What if I encountered an elder? I''d have to bear the consequences of my drunken escapades. It was one night. Just one night.


    To my shock, Naya let out a dramatic sigh. She was really enjoying this, wasn''t she? "Well, where do I even begin?" She gave another dramatic sigh. "Let''s see." She began recounting the events of the previous night without mercy. Jeez, Naya was ruthless. "Then you asked if you could follow him to scan the arena when you knew how weak and useless you were; when he said no, you whined and ended up throwing up at the side of the walkway. The maids won''t be happy about that.


    Then you told Kyle the truth about your elder powers. Well, you didn''t rinse your mouth before you kissed Kyle in this room." She narrowed her eyes as if to remember what she had missed. "One more thing. Zeke was invited to a meeting of the Blood Moon Pack. That spells trouble." At this revtion, my eyes widened.


    "I saw Mr. Diego kill the Alpha. Why would he invite a young Alpha to a meeting of Alphas?"


    "You are underestimating your Alpha, Naya." Naya wasn''t pleased with the way I spoke about Zeke. Zeke wasn''t just a young Alpha; he was just crowned. She was going about her thoughts. It''s been a while since I''ve seen her this serious. We were just so useless that everything given to us became an important task.


    "I know I shouldn''t, but I can''t help but feel bad for him. I mean, how did they even know he was coronated? Our packnds are not as weing to strangers as you think." I tried to reason.


    "If it worked like that, then you''d ask how the alpha that murdered Mr.


    Storm walked into the pack, how he managed to fight the alpha, who helped him, and why your mother did that thing! It could be a personal vendetta, but... I am so confused right now. There are not many things that have an exnation. This world should reallye with a life manual. Naya was right.


    I closed my eyes to stop the headache from spreading further. "They always know everything. I think I know the spy who has been feeding them information. It''s my mother. If Elder Rosalie is certain that I am an elder, it means Mr. Diego wanted me for himself." Naya raised an eyebrow.


    "Why?"


    "Because I am everything no one has. Congrattions, Naya. We just became one of the most important wolves in the world."


    "And a dead person if you keep on bbering out your secrets like that to anyone you see. Kyle was just the tip of the iceberg. How about Marley?" Naya teases mercilessly. She was always like this whenever I threatened to lock her up.


    She was beginning to infuriate me. "Marley must never know anything.


    I am trying to get the autopsy results from Dr. Ali. That man is clearly hiding something"


    "When is Alpha Storm''s burial?"


    I reached out for my calendar, dragging the yellowish paper off the table. It was announced the other day after Zeke''s fight and victory. I heard it, but I was too busy to jot it down. I pointed at an uneven circle.


    "Here is it." The alpha''s burial was usually held a month after the coronation of the new alpha so that there would be an alpha to preside over the ritual. The elders were always there to send the alpha where he belonged. Back to the moon goddess. "It''s a month from now. Why do I feel it''s going to be shorter than that?"


    Naya shrugged. "Maybe on the twins'' birthday, perhaps? Why be happy when we will be sad again?" She mumbled under her breath.


    It was painful to think about. I shook my head. "No. That''s the day he will find his mate. The both of them will, so let''s not get ahead of ourselves."


    "We need to be more discreet while investigating the alpha''s death.


    Kyle doesn''t want you to poke around." She added. Damn it... She was always right!


    Then I remembered what she told me.


    "Naya,e on! I kissed Kyle?!" I gasped, my hand instinctively covering my mouth as if that could undo the action. "Couldn''t you have stopped it? I feel like such a fool! He totally ignored me the whole day, only for me to throw myself at him."


    "Yes, you did," she replied dryly. "But that''s not even the most surprising part. The surprising part was how you threw up in the garden first, then you went whining to both Zeke and Kyle, practically begging them to forgive you." She was at it again. I don''t think I did that.


    "I don''t think I did that. I am Naya Cod, and I would never go back to ask for forgiveness." But the image of how I whined crawled up in my mind, causing me to cringe. "I did what? Ugh, I must have sounded like a fool."


    Naya smirked wickedly. "That''s an understatement. But it gets even juicier. You didn''t get on with Kylest night." That stopped me.


    I felt my heart drop. "My secret? You mean.." I trailed off, unable to bring myself to say it.


    "No, dumb, dumb. I meant you guys made it up here, but you slept off before he could do anything. It made him the good guy and you the slut." Yes, that''s right. He couldn''t take advantage of me as the good guy, but I invited him into my room as the bad slut. It was the other way around. Naya didn''t tell me if he tried to restrain himself a little. It meant we would have f****d in this room if I did not sleep off. "Don''t forget you told them about being an elder," Naya confirmed, her tone filled with mischief.


    "Stop saying it!!! I know I told him and acted like a foolst night." It was now that the full force of what happened came crashing down on me. My head was spinning, and I copsed back onto my bed. "Oh, this is a disaster. I can''t believe I did all that."


    Naya, surprisingly, seemed a bit sympathetic now. "Well, you were quite intoxicated. It happens to the best of us. But you''ll need to sort this out with Zeke and Kyle. They know your secret now. And other stuff."


    I let out a frustrated groan. "I know, I know. But, Naya, you have to help me with damage control here. What can I do to make things right?" Help me, please.


    Naya paused, considering. "Apologize sincerely, for one. And maybe, next time, try not to drink so much."


    I nodded, even though I knew it was easier said than done. "Thanks, Naya. I appreciate your honesty. And sorry again for being so grumpy with you."


    She shrugged. "No worries. We all have our moments." Naya was a sass queen, but that was our superpower.


    We have one more now, and I think that''s...


    Something.

 Chapter 71

    Zeke


    Storm


    A soft knock startled me. It was just six a.m., and I always wondered if someone could actually get decent sleep.


    "Alpha, your presence is needed at the builders construction." We have just three minutes to get there. There has been another attack."


    It was Reid''s annoying voice that woke me from my slumber. "Go away, Reid. I am tired." By evening, I should be at the meeting in the Blood Moon Pack. "You need to be up and doing. Beta isn''t here to attend to this issue himself."


    "I hate you." I really did hate that he was the bearer of bad news. "Come in." He didn''t wait for confirmation before stepping into my room like he owned it. Slipping into my shirt and sweatpants, I red at him. "You do test my patience, Reid. I haven''t had a rest since the night I was crowned."


    "You look like shit." was his monotone reply.


    "And whose fault is that? Give me updates."


    "One would think I am your beta," he muttered under his breath, causing me to pause.


    It actually gave me a good idea. "Why don''t you be my beta? I mean, you served my father as his driver. You are no driver to me." I was offering him a chance to take the responsibility off my shoulders so that I could act like other teenagers and not like some bully Alpha with a bad attitude. He didn''t reply for a long time, which had me looking at him in curiosity. "What do you say?"


    "No." He said it, and I sighed. It was worth it anyway. "Look, Zeke. I am your spar manager, a camera, and many other things. The one thing I cannot be is a Beta. You of all people, should know what that implies."


    Yeah, I understood his point. He already has a mate and could be sent on various missions of no return. The elders and pack leaders were probably taking it easy on me because I was young. I think I pulled out a gray hair yesterday. I was feeling old already. "I know. Let''s go." There was no point in brushing my hair to make me look better. I needed them to know that I just woke up from sleep and I won''t be needing anyone''s annoyance.


    My mind shed back to my discussion with Marley. I lied to Marley to get her to drop the subject of mating. I wasn''t going to reject Naya. It would turn me into a monster. Not when me has requested to see Naya.


    "If you are tired, I could take over." me suddenly offered, "That is, if you remember our deal."


    I sighed. "Take over. I need to rest anyway. However, don''t kill anyone in your way."


    "I can''t promise you." He quickly said, shoving me back so that I watched like I wasn''t in control of my body.


    me stopped walking immediately after he took over my body. "Reid," he called harshly.


    Reid turned and was about to say something, probably about the attack, when he saw my eyes. "me?"


    "Do you have a problem with me?" me grunted, pointing in the distance.


    "No.." Reid was quiet again. Just like me, he wasn''t a man of many words. I briefly saw the look of fear in his eyes before it disappeared. I had to admit, me had a way of bringing out the fear in people. He was just that intimidating.


    "Look there," me pointed at the distance. I didn''t know what was there myself. "That''s the secret entrance of the rival pack. Let me guess, they attacked the children''s new cottage?"


    "Yes." Reid nodded. The surprise question was evident on his face. How did me know and I didn''t? I narrowed my eyes at the part he pointed at. That was the ce I scanned yesterday night, yet I couldn''t see it.


    "That''s because we don''t work together." me answered my question for me. You could tell by his posture and meticulous attitude that it was me. He slowly raised my hands, digging under my armpits. "Someone didn''t have a shower before going for inspection."


    I gasped in betrayal. "Reid never told me it was an inspection. I was going to investigate an attack!"


    "He will get his punishment from me." me wolfishly grinned. He was so old-school and ced his hands behind his back. "Reid." me called, his grin spreading further when Reid innocently turned. "You will be my beta."


    Reid didn''t appear surprised for some reason. "But Alpha..."


    me raised his hands. "I know you have no experience whatsoever, but Zeke will need your help if he''s to navigate this throne properly."


    "I am you." I deadpanned.


    "Potato, potato." me said yfully, causing me to cringe.


    "Urgh, never do that again."


    me wasn''t finished with Reid yet. "Repair that fence and leave thorns on the floor."


    "Yes, Alpha." Reid said. Even Reid couldn''t disobey themand of his alpha.


    "Be discreet. But don''t do that before we investigate the problems." With that, me ventured toward the children''s department. He didn''t seem happy.


    "The attack was mainly on children between 10 and 18 years of age." Reid continued.


    me nodded in agreement. "They are looking for Naya."


    I frowned. "Why? She isn''t at the children''s new cottage."


    "That''s because they underestimated Markey''s love for keeping her child at the manor." me injected. It saddened me a lot. Howe he knew all these things and I didn''t? I have never felt so foolish or impersonated.


    "This way, Alpha." Reid walked forward to clear the way while I was about tosh out at my wolf. There were wailing children here and there. The older children were chattering and making lots of noise. The Construct was a site where new buildings were constructed for the amodation of older pups, who were being reced by new pups every day. Our pack was expanding faster than I expected, and soon we would be going topetition wars to expand our territory.


    "In case you are wondering why, Dad took me on little trips." me continued to t*****e me.


    "Well, he didn''t bother with me." I gritted my teeth.


    "Do you want to know why dad was able to handle himself and not go insane from the ridiculous amount of work in his office?" me waved stiffly at an almost toothless girl. The chattering stopped as soon as everyone noticed me. They all looked sleepy in their baggy night clothes. Boys and girls alike disliked the morning and the weather it brought with it.


    "Who is the house matron?" me called out to the group, who quieted down some more. The children looked at each other hesitantly until a small boy no older than fifteen timidly raised his hand. Her eyes were wide with fear. "I am Alpha," she said softly.


    me nodded in acknowledgment. "What''s your name?"


    "I''m Kain," he replied.


    me smiled gently, which was a stark contrast to his usual intimidating stance. "Kain, could you please show us the way to the attack arena and exin what happened during the attack?" He nodded enthusiastically, leading the way.


    "We heard loud noises, and then the monsters from earlier in school showed up. They broke the fence and started thrashing everywhere. We were all scared, so we hid. Looney Bear, the house matron, tried to protect us, but they took her away." He shuddered at the thought.


    me''s expression darkened, and a low growl rumbled from deep within me, indicating his displeasure at hearing about the house matron''s capture. We continued to follow Kain, listening as he described what he saw. When we reached the scene of the attack, it was clear that the children''s new cottage had suffered significant damage. Broken windows, shattered furniture, and scorch marks marred the building''s exterior.


    "Is my child okay?" Some parents began to arrive with worry in their tones. It was like the time when the monsters attacked the school. I closed my eyes in worry. Would me handle their overwhelming emotions well? They were all looking at him like he had the ability to take away their sorrows. Technically, the Alpha was capable of keeping the pack safe. It only solidified my intention to go to the meeting. It might end up in a bloody fight, but I wouldn''t mind.


    me took charge immediately. "Reid, please inform the X patrol team that their presence is needed to secure the area. I want them posted here day and night. No one should get near this ce without our knowledge." me turned his attention back to Kain. "Kain, you''ve been very brave," he said kindly. "We will do everything we can to rescue the house matron."


    "Looney Bear."


    me''s eyes shed with irritation and anger at his interruption. It was then that I knew that he still had a lot to learn from me. He has been so locked up inside that he has forgotten how to let go of emotions that seemed annoying to him. "Ah, yes. The Looney Bear and ensure the safety of everyone here."


    Kain''s eyes shone with tears, but he nodded in gratitude.

 Chapter 72

    Zeke Storm


    me spent the next few hours overseeing the repairs and talking to the children to reassure them. Despite his tough exterior, me had a way of connecting with them, making them feel safe. As the day wore on, I realized I didn''t even have my bath before leaving the house. Great. "You didn''tplete your sentence me. How was dad able to control all these without going insane?"


    "He worked with his wolf." me doffed his hat for one of the children.


    "You work so well with the children." I pointed out.


    "You know I don''t. I am just adapting to their emotions. They are brats." I knew it! me was such a jerk.


    "Was that why you allowed me to bully Naya?"


    "There you go, me it on me. We are supposed to take responsibility in making things right. You screwed it up." me handed his handkerchief to a crying child. "He better not snort on this fabric. "You are a jerk."


    "And you are me."


    Urgh! He was right again.


    "Dad was always so... alone despite having Marley by his side. Marley was like his hope. That''s why I am kind to her. However, she is beginning to piss me off."


    I wondered why. "Why?"


    "She is trying to take our mate''s ce. Do you think I haven''t noticed her advances in you? You will fall, Zeke." me had a way of knowing things. It was scary because he was like a part of me that never revealed themselves until provoked. He seemed damn right provoked. "Where the heck is the X patrol team?" He growled, causing the walls to rumble in protest.


    "Here, Alpha." A man with a shaved head stepped forward. We didn''t hear himing and..


    "What is your name?" me stretched out his hands to receive the documents in them." To me he smirked wickedly. "Watch and learn, Zeke. I won''t be helping you again. This was what dad taught me when you were snoring your a*s off. Kyle''s better than you." Yeah, I forgot to add that he was a version of me that was sarcastic and tolerated no failure. Do all wolves behave like me? Anyway, I was d. This was the most we have spoken together in many months. It hit me like a brick. I have been too callous to my own wolf. He was a part of me, but I shut him out... made him feral. Bullying Naya was the only way he could be let out.


    He had no choice but to do it. "I am sorry buddy. I should have let you out more often."


    "Is that remorse I smell? Never apologize." He handed the document back to him after signing some s**t I couldn''t even remember. "Here you go, Apollo?"


    "It''s Spool, sir." The man injected.


    me''s eyes shed red. "Spool, do me a favor and station the boys at the construct. You guys are doing a shitty job." He growled at his face. It said a lot of things. Like how he would be deprived of sleep until morning. "You allowed the blood moon to infiltrate the pack."


    Spool stood still immediately. His shoulders were tense and his muscles were stiff as me circled him. I was surprised he allowed his Alpha power to slip through as if his presence already wasn''t intimidating at all. "I wasn''t aware of that, Alpha."


    me locked his gaze on Spool who didn''t dare look into my eyes. He knew if he did that, it wouldn''t end well. It would be an act of defiance. "Because you were sleeping. Can''t do both jobs huh?" He was already far gone. My talons extended before I could stop it and sharp fangs elongated from my teeth. It wasn''t my fault. I gently tugged on my mind strings.


    "Hey, leave the man alone."


    "Speak to me." me wasn''t paying attention. He was onto the man and never letting go.


    me''s voice dripped with sarcasm as he continued his tirade. "Spool here is such a talented multitasker, aren''t you, Spool? Taking a nap while our territory gets infiltrated. Brilliant strategy, really." Spool was visibly trembling now, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "I-I''m sorry, Alpha me. It won''t happen again."


    me grinned, but it was the kind of smile that sent shivers down everyone''s spine. "Oh, I know it won''t, Spool. Because if it does, I might just have to remove you. Permanently. Or delegate the task of pack disciplinarian to our dear Reid here. And trust me, you wouldn''t want that."


    Oh... I don''t think Reid would like to babysit a grown man. Hell, I can''t believe Reid epted to be my beta. I wouldn''t have asked him with a straight face when he has a family. I couldn''t help but feel a strange mix of pity and guilt for Spool. me was being ruthless, and it was clear he was thoroughly enjoying it. But then again, this was his way of maintaining order within the pack. What exactly was Spool doing while a monster prated the wall, dropped the envelope and ran away.


    "me!" I tugged urgently before he would end a man''s life and take away another''s mate. It would kill them.


    "What?" me growled back. He was inhumane now. His eyes screamed murder.


    "Seriously, stop." If only I stopped him during the sessions he hurt Naya, maybe it wouldn''t be like this.


    "I don''t want to."


    "Naya won''t be happy." I tried to appeal to his emotions.


    He was getting increasingly angry. "Don''t say her name in the middle of a discussion like that."


    "Then our deal is off."


    "I don''t care. I can see her when you go to sleep."


    "Never. I will engage the lock out system if you take over my body at night." I threatened carefully. This could go sideways. First, he would get threatened and ask me to take over my body or he would get more provoked and kill a man in front of the children. They would be traumatized forever! "Yes I can spar with Reidter or something. Even Naya."


    It did not take long before me finally relented, retracting his ws and fangs. "You''re lucky today, Spool. Consider this a warning. Now get back to work, and don''t even think about cking off again."


    Spool nodded vigorously, practically sprinting away from the scene. me turned to me, his usual sarcastic grin reced with something more genuine. "See, Zeke? Sometimes a little tough love is all they need to get back on track. I can''t believe you thought I was going to kill him."


    "You didn''t stop me from thinking that way. If I consider the thought, it means you did too." I spat.


    "You are right." I couldn''t help but chuckle at me''s unique way of handling pack matters. "You''re something else, me."


    He shrugged nonchntly. "Just doing what needs to be done. Now, let''s get back to the important stuff. We have a pack to protect and a family to look after, after all."


    It was clear that me was more than just a jerk; he was a force to be reckoned with, and maybe, just maybe, I needed to embrace that side of myself a little more.


    #


    "The Alpha''s burial. I wonder when it will happen." Someone whispered to her friend.


    "I am tired of the whole waiting. Do you think I haven''t thought about the Alpha?" Her friend replied.


    "Clearly not so, because you are supposed to feel anxious all the time." The first woman sighed. "We should ask the maids working close to Dr. Ali.


    "I suppose you women have nothing to do." Marley''s voice interrupted their gossip with a loud voice. It was as if the words tasted bitter in her mouth. "Come with me, I''ll give you something to do."


    The women began to apologize immediately.


    Yeah, Marley wasn''t moved by it. "I said you low ranks should follow me. I have just the perfect job for you."


    Marley''s tone wasced with a hint of superiority as she led the gossiping women away from their hangout. I couldn''t help but feel a pang of annoyance at the way she treated those lower in rank. It seemed me had a point about her trying to assert herself more than necessary.


    She did the same for her daughter.


    As I watched Marley march the women off to some task, me leaned in closer to me, his voice a low, sarcastic whisper. "Well, well, it seems our dear Marley has taken it upon herself to y the Alpha''s enforcer now."


    I couldn''t help but chuckle at me''sment. "Seems like it. She''s really trying to fill Dad''s shoes."


    me''s eyes gleamed with mischief. "You know what, Zeke? I think it''s time we put dear Marley to the test."


    My eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You mean like, have her gather information for us?" Where did thate from?


    me nodded, a wicked grin forming. "Exactly. We''ll feed her some nonsense, make it seem important, and have her report back to us. It''ll be quite the show."

 Chapter 73

    Zeke Storm


    "I don''t see you as evil." I said dryly. Who was he trying to deceive? me was just as cruel, but not this excited to be cruel. He was more of a hardworking jerk.


    He narrowed his eyes at me. "I was testing you, and you failed. I tried to be like Shadow for once. I don''t like it. Let''s get out of here."


    I rolled my eyes. "Er, you mean that I should take back my body? Thank you, and let me have my body back, okay?"


    He contemted it for a while. "Fine. I''ll let you do as you wish. Remember, always work with me, and we will be unstoppable."


    "I have always done things without you." I twisted my neck, sighing when it cracked in the right ces. "I am good."


    "I carry the alpha power. You need me. I won''t say this again." He snapped. He was really angry now.


    "Fine. I''ll agree topromise. You do the hard stuff, and I handle the humane stuff. After which we will attend to Naya together."


    "Alright by me. Don''t forget our deal." He echoed before slipping into darkness. It was the darkness that forged our well-being. We were creatures of the night forest, which was the full moon. We have never been light creatures. Those were for Faes. We were different.


    I could feel my bones retracting back to normal, except there was no blood everywhere. It was just an internal adjustment. I groaned loudly. "It''s good to be back in my body." me usually takes up a lot of energy and takes over my body.


    Reid was by my side in an instant. Once he looked into my eyes, he breathed a sigh of relief, and it was back to Zeke again. "You are back, great." He shoved a file into my hands. "You weren''t being fair. Now I can''t refuse. It''s such a big responsibility to be your beta. I have run more errands than I can count this morning alone. I was supposed to be your driver, remember? You can''t..."


    My jaw dropped in shock at the way Reid spoke to me, like I hadn''t just ordered him a few minutes ago. "Reid..."


    "I have a mate that expects to see me by six every day." What if Beta Brooke is alive somewhere?" He suddenly stopped talking, and I turned to see what had stopped him. It was Kyle.


    And he wasing with a big smile.


    "Brother! Have you forgotten we''ve got a meeting?"


    Reid was confused. "What meeting?"


    I ignored Reid''s questions, turning to my annoying brother. "Brother, we agreed not to tell anyone."


    "You were taking too long." It was then that I noticed his outfit. He was putting on a three-piece suit and shorts that showed his muscled legs. They were toned and didn''t have a single spot on them except for hair. His feet were ced in good shoes.


    I pointed at his wedge shoes. They looked so good, damn! What did he do with his hair? It was in a good way. "Where did you get that? And what happened to your hair?"


    "Hair care and foot care." Kyle drawled like I was a baby. I narrowed my eyes at his foolishness. "I saw a shoe online, and I got it."


    "Let me guess, the inte thingy?"


    He gave me a single nod while tapping on his phone.


    I sighed. "Did Nathan eventually make it work?" It was a new thing Nathan, our solve it all guy, was trying to make. I can''t believe Kyle bought something off of his phone without telling me.


    "Am I missing something here?" Reid interrupted with a frown. He wasn''t happy to be left out of almost everything.


    "Reid,e with me." I looked around the structure, happy that I wouldn''t be disturbed for a while since the children went back into the makeshift rooms. They would be safe there with the X patrol team guarding them. The manor could do without guards. No one would dare attack the manor and leave in one piece. I make sure to hide the bodies in different ces so that even an elder would not put the pieces back. I could use a strong elder right now.


    We both went to a quiet ce. "Look, the attack was just a diversion to insert an envelope at the manor."


    "You are damn right." Reid nodded in agreement. He was making a good beta, and I was sure of it. me was sure of a beta when he saw one. A beta was someone who could help an alpha in need. He could handle issues when the Alpha was gone. Even when Dad was here, Reid handled the local matters while Beta Brooke handled the international matters, which led to him going to other packs for alliance. "What about the Alpha''s burial?


    I paused, remembering the discussion with those women the other time. Marley was the one holding this, and my brother hasn''t found any clues that Dad was murdered. I guess we would have to go with the burial, huh?


    "He will be buried soon." I gave my brother the eye. "Have you found it?"


    He shook his head sadly. "Whoever is hiding this sh*t is hiding it expertly. I have checked the mogue, but Dad seems okay to me. I can''t see anything other than his mauled neck. It''s not good-looking."


    If Kyle didn''t see anything, then maybe he died while fighting, and we should let it go. But there was one more thing to do. "We still have one thing to do. Use her and her powers."


    Kyle scoffed. "We don''t even know what her powers are."


    "It will be better to trust me."


    "Who is ''her?"" Reid asked.


    I waved his questions aside. "You will know soon enough." I ced both hands on his shoulders. It was something I would never have tried if I wasn''t Alpha yet. I was Alpha now and had the ability to slip a little calmness into the air, so when he inhaled it, it would be because of my presence. It would be all because of me. I eyed my brother from head to toe. "We arete."


    Reid raised his hands to stop me. "Wait! I just exined why I shouldn''t be the beta. The people will reject me.


    I growled dangerously at him, beta or not, me or not. He was following my order. He better not allow my patience to wear thin. "Reid, we don''t have time for this. We''ll address your concernster. Right now, we have a meeting to attend, and I need you to be in this pack."


    Reid nodded, realizing that arguing further wasn''t going to help the situation. I and Kyle hurried past the construction, waving at little children who said their timid goodbyes.


    Yeah, this was the tip of the iceberg. There were so many inspections to make. Water, food, farming, fighters-the list was endless.


    We got to the manor with speed and cut corners to my room. As soon as I opened the door, Naya came in a panic.


    "I can''t feel my legs! I can''t feel my body. It''s like I am in another person''s body!"


    Did she not see what she was putting on?


    "Naya... What did we say about knocking?"


    It seemed to bring her back, as she blushed furiously. "I am so sorry. But I need to know how to contact Elder Rosalie."


    I shook my head, locking eyes with her as I pulled my clothes up for her to see my nakedness. She didn''tin about it earlier. I loved the way her eyes raked over me, stopping at my v-line. "Like what you see?"


    She quickly averted her eyes. "I came here for your help. Elder Rosalie, Kyle, and you know about my secret. I can''t feel most parts of my body." She pointed at her bare arms. You guessed right; she put on scanty clothing. I guess she wasn''t thinking when she ran to my room. Her top barely covered her big breasts. I could clearly see the sharp mounds and perking n*****s under the crop shirt. She was just wearing shorts that did nothing to cover her creamy thighs. It brought back memories. I grinned wickedly, stepping close to her. "Can I check?"


    She was breathing faster now, rooted to the spot. I was sure she wanted this. I reached out to touch her perky n*****s, and a sharp gasp escaped her. I quickly squeezed both of them, loving the way she moaned like a b***h in heat. This was all mine to explore, and god, she was so hot and responsive under my touch. Her hands slowly dug into her shorts as she fondled her clit sensually as I attended to her n*****s. "You came here looking for more, right..." I leaned over her n*****s, taking one special n****e into my mouth. They were hard and red from my touch. Then I sucked hard, pulling her close to my body while she writhed in pleasure while fingering herself.


    "I should rece those fingers." I pped her hands away, putting my hands into her shorts. When I touched her engorged clit, I rubbed hard. Her legs widened for me, and I pushed my index finger inside. "Do you feel something now?"


    Her eyes were shut tight. "I didn''t mean... this wasn''t the... oh yes! Harder." I began to go fast. It was what she wanted, right?

 Chapter 74

    Naya


    cod


    I really didn''t expect my encounter with Zeke to go this way. I was totally freaking out about my arms and legs, and he chose to do whatever he did to me.


    "Can you feel me now?" He muttered huskily, and I knew where this was going.


    "Whoa, there." Kule didn''t even knock before walking in like the douchebag he was. "Five minutes, Zeke. I left you for five minutes, only to see Naya in your arms. I could hear your moans, by the way." He gestured to me as I hid my face. I was beginning to act like a b***h in heat.


    "Yeah," What Naya told me yesterday haunts me. I nearly made out with Kyle in my room! This mating age made me a slut. Are all men like this?


    Kyle grinned wickedly. "Your face is all red, Naya. What were you thinking?"


    I quickly detached myself from Zeke, who merely snickered and prepared for the meeting. The reason why I came here flew out of the window and I couldn''t help but admire Kyle''s new look. He smelled amazing too. They both did. I gulped hard. God! I was in trouble. These men would probably proim their mates on their eighteenth birthdays while I ogled them. I needed to get a grip on myself before I lost it. "About my powers." At the sight of Kyle''s confused face, I rolled my eyes. He was pretending to be confused so that I wouldn''t be embarrassed, or what? Besides, he hasn''t called me brawn since... "Wait a minute, you haven''t called me brawn." My eyes widened in surprise. "Why?"


    He waved my questions aside. "I don''t care why. Your name is much better. It makes me sound less like an a*****e."


    I pointed at his chest. "You are an a*****e. nning to take advantage of me yesterday night...


    "You threw yourself over me." He deadpanned. "I never reject these things. Have you seen me with thedies? I their boogeyman!"


    My nose scrunched in disgust. "Ew. Don''t ever say that again. You are a man whore."


    "And you are a slut!" He didn''t appreciate me saying that to him. It hit me hard when he chose that insultingeback. I was sure the look on my face wasn''t patronizing. "Er.. I sorry."


    I raised my hands to stop him. He was right. How did I forget that he bullied me all through school? He and that jerk were in the dressing room. They only use me when they are horny because they know I can''t resist their charm. I was their toy, ready and waiting for them whenever they wanted me to. I am a freaking Omega. There was no way in hell I was going to resist an alpha''s charm. "You are right."


    "I didn''t mean..."


    I shook my head. "You meant it, Kyle."


    Zeke peered from the other room. "You guys, we are going to bete. Naya, I know I wasted your time, but you need to get dressed. Pack some overnight clothes too. We will wait for you." Then he eyed the both of us. "Kyle, what did you do? I mean, I overheard, but I thought it was a joke."


    I scoffed. "A joke?"


    He pointed to Kyle. "You called him a man whore."


    "And that''s what he is! Every girles close to him! He couldn''t even deny it." I nearly screamed to the heavens. My eyes were already teary, but I wouldn''t give them the chance to see me cry. "I was only stating the facts out of a realistic joke." Kyle frowned. "Is that even a thing? Look, I get that you are upset. I didn''t mean it that way."


    I leaned closer to him. "Do you know the difference between you being a manwhire and me being a slut? It''s because you have been telling me this for years and I only told you it was your fault once." I couldn''t even look at Zeke. "Just once." This should tell them that they were perfect to me in all ways, and the only thing I could see to insult them was an insulting joke. How pathetic was I?


    The tears were already falling from my eyes as I walked out of his stupid room. "Call me back, call me back, chase after me!" I chanted under my breath. They didn''t; instead, I could hear Zeke scolding his brother for being so foolish. The numbing sensation was beginning to creep back into my hands again. Damn it! I can''t go back and ask for Elder Rosalie. There was another person I could reach out to. Reid.


    But Reid neveres unless he is summoned by the Alpha. That man has a family to take care of. Jeez. The second person to think about was Marley. She was thest person I''d like to talk to since I saw her dagger in the side of the Alpha a month ago. Well, if I go to her, she may ask stupid questions to which I normally would have replied. Do I let her keep on deceiving the boys?


    No one would believe me anyway. She has been so good to Zeke and kyle that they would probably forgive her in a heartbeat and castrate me. How in the world do I find Elder Rosalie and put an end to this ridiculous numbness? Someday, I hope the boys wille to their senses and treat me like their number one. Those were wishes for horses, right?


    My mother''s chambers were not what I expected at all. In fact, I have never been to her chambers before. Either we meet in the kitchen or... I didn''t even know there was something called the Lunar Chambers. Jeez, they really set her up as a queen, didn''t they? Back at home, Marley was never like this. She was homely, loving, and kind. She didn''t put that red thing on her lips that made her look more evil than she actually was. Her eyes weren''t as cold as they were now. She wasn''t that much of a fighter, but the fight she put up to save the Alpha was all an act. She wanted to plunge her knife into his side. She was a bitching b***h.


    Her room wasn''t hard to find. It was red, with a fat door to go in and out. There were female staff workers around her door, and they were busy doing one thing or another. She really had them under her spell, didn''t she? I raised my hand to knock on the door. The doors may look intimidating to other wolves, but to me, they were just ordinary doors. It was on the third knock that she replied.


    "Who is it?" Her sharp voice pierced through my nervousness. All I have to do is never tell her about my powers, collect Elder Rosalie''s number, and get out. I wasn''t opportune the other time with her because I passed out for no reason. It could be in the song she sang or something, but I have never felt so happy and calm before. It was usually so with Zkes and Kyle. However, it didn''t bother me, unlike now.


    "Who is it?" Her sharp voice pierced through my nervousness. All I have to do is never tell her about my powers, collect Elder Rosalie''s number, and get out. I wasn''t opportune the other time with her because I passed out for no reason. It could be in the song she sang or something, but I have never felt so happy and calm before. It was usually so with Zkes and Kyle. However, it didn''t bother me, unlike now.


    "Naya."


    There was a pregnant pause. "Come in." Did her voice go colder or something? It sent shivers down my spine while I gaped at the interior designs. It was simple andplicated. She was wearing a white short-sleeve shirt and red shorts. I didn''t know that her favorite color was red.


    "Goodness, Marley... You didn''t tell me your favorite color was red. Did Papa know about this?" I might like her pretty red armchair and many others. Thank goodness she wasn''t wearing her red lipstick, and I nearly smiled at the paleness of her lips. She didn''t buy mypliments to put myself at ease. "What do you want?"


    I blinked, surprised she would stop my ramblings like that. "Elder Rosalie''s number."


    She had a frown on her face. "Do you have something with them? Elders can''t be summoned by children."


    You''ve never heard of a telephone, have you?" I spat angrily.


    "You will not disrespect me in my own room." She crossed her legs over to the other side. "Why do you need her number?"


    Okay. How do I exin to her that I am an elder and elders need seniors to guide them? I am feeling incredibly numb in my hands, and what the boys care about is how to get into my pants. My mother is a woman; this was a woman-to-woman conversation. Hopefully. "I just need to speak with her."


    Marley sighed, getting a book from her shelf. Oh, now she reads? "Even if I want to give you her number, I have to tell her why. You can''t hide secrets from your Luna, Naya."


    "I hate you."


    She didn''t blink as she turned the page. "I don''t like you too." She lowered the book. "Have you been f*****g the brothers?"


    I tried to hide my shame. What the f**k? "What do you mean?"


    She scoffed. "I can smell your o****m all over you. You don''t think I am Luna for nothing, right?" She leaned closer. "Now tell me. Did they promise you a car? A house? Your freedom?" "You are going out of line, Marley." I let her know that she was biting more than she could chew. It was a mistake toe to her at all.

 Chapter 75

    Naya cod


    "That''s what you think now." Marley dropped the book on the nearest surface. "It''s Luna to you."


    I rolled my eyes to the heavens. "You know, I thought you abandoning me anding here would change you somehow. I was wrong. You killed the Alpha, and now you are here to take your ce again by Zeke''s side."


    She didn''t even flinch at my usations. "I thought so too. You know, I never abandoned you. I only left to have a better life. You had your papa with you, didn''t you?" She cackled under her breath. She was mocking me! "Your papa was so fragile." My eyes shed in anger. "Don''t talk about him like that! He was a better person than you are!"


    She stood up, walking slowly toward me. I swallowed at the tremendous power she held. She was my mother, but I was just as scared of her as anyone else. "You are scared, yet you try to hide it so much." She shook her head with a somewhat disappointed look. "Is that why you f**k the brothers, to let your pain go away? Do you think they would love you? Or... Mate with you?" Her mouth lifted into an evil grin. "Is that why you go to that stupid cottage all the damn time?"


    I snorted at the direction of her thoughts. Oh, she was so wrong. Did she think I actually went to Papa''s cottage to ease my pain? No. That was the worst f*****g ce of my life. The memories I have with her and Papa were there; everything was the same! And I hate it. I hated it so bad that I could barely breathe whenever I entered that cottage. I had good memories, just like I had bad memories of both parents. The fact they could never provide me with a good life, and when I eventually got a good life, they weren''t there, made me so angry.


    The fact that I got bullied and everyone hated me was worse. "f**k you, Marley. You have no idea what I have gone through. You knew I was being bullied, yet you kept quiet. You f*****g piece of shit."


    Marley raised a hand over her mouth. "Oops. I''d love to say nguage'' but that would deprive you of your supposedeback. Now listen to me." She leaned closer to me, her eyes blue and cold. "You''ve had your pound of flesh. You have insulted me; I get why you did and why you are doing so. I won''t lie; I haven''t been the best person. There''s one thing we must agree on."


    I narrowed my eyes toward her. What is she talking about now? She would ruin everything. "What?"


    "The knife you saw... I have tried my best to hide the knife, and I want the Alpha to be cremated so that no one will find out about it. You and I have amon goal. I see the way you look at Kyle, you sick, perverted girl. You like threesomes, huh? Little omega shit." I exhaled to hide my anger. "Marley, get to the point!" I''d never sumb to her demands and call her Luna. Maybe in public, yes, but never in the open. She''s Marley, and Marley will be Marley to me forever.


    She folded her arms across her chest. "My point is, don''t wish too much. You can be a slut and sleep with them, but they can never be your mate. They have me, who is still young and experienced in pack matters. I''ll let you have that little sh*t, Kyle. He has been poking his nose in my business."


    I smirked. "Maybe he figured you out." My words caught her off guard as sheid her sharp gaze on me. "Have you ever wondered if he has figured out what you did to his father? He would kill you."


    She was trying to hide her fear. Kyle and Zeke were not to be messed with when angry.


    "Think of what Zeke, who trusts you now, will do to you. I see what you are doing; you are trying to take the ce of Luna by his side, but he will eventually find you out."


    She raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?" It made me question my stance. Would Zeke eventually find her out? No. Zeke and Kyle were smart, and they will. "Why don''t they hear it from your mouth first."


    "Be-be-because... I had no f*****g reason at all. I knew about the truth, yet I haven''t said anything to the Alpha brothers. I was scared of what they were going to do to me. I have had my chance many times, but I kept quiet and pretended something or someone else was responsible for their death. They were conspirators, and if you were looking for the spy, the spy was right here staring at me.


    "Because you can''t." She took some steps back. "I know something you don''t, Naya. For some reasons, Baron Diego wanted you."


    I frowned. "What are you talking about?" I recognized the name Baron Diego. She was talking about Mr. Diego! I was right.. It was the both of them.


    "Oh, don''t act so naive, Naya. I don''t know whether you are acting dumb or whether you are actually dumb. The monsters came after you. It was for a reason. A reason Baron won''t let me know about." She said thest part more to herself than to me. Maybe she was trying to figure out that part too. I knew why they were after me now. It was for my elder power. We were the only pack in our realm to have elders. They chose our pack, and they came to be with it for thousands of generations. They guided and helped the Alpha, and this has brought a lot of controversy about what''s fair and what''s not. Now, I have these elder powers too. The question was, How did Baron know that I had them before I could even discover I did? "Why have you conspired with Baron? Where are you not satisfied enough?"


    "Silent, kid." She was thinking. Then she turned to me with her eyes narrowed. "Why do you need Elder Rosalie''s number?"


    s**t! I have dug a hole for myself. I cleared my throat. "I want to discuss my visions with her. I heard she''s the watcher." Of course, Marley wasn''t buying that because she locked her gaze on me.


    "Nobody knows the role of Elder Rosalie in the pack. I have tried to find out her role. I was never sessful, so how did you know? Elders don''t just go about spilling their secrets. They are ancient and wiser than us, so why would elder Rosalie entrust you with a secret no one has ever known?"


    My eyes widened at her insinuations. "I-I- didn''t know that her powers were a secret. I''ve just got to find out somehow!" She was making me ufortable now. It was scary, and it was even scarier to find out what she would do to me when she learned of my secret. Her suspicions didn''t go down one bit.


    "From your visions, huh?" She said,


    "Yes! From my visions." I''d say and do any damn thing to escape from her suspicions. After a while, she gazed down.


    "From your visions, huh?" She said,


    "Yes! From my visions." I''d say and do any damn thing to escape from her suspicions. After a while, she gazed down.


    "Fine, I''ll believe you." She reached out to a book on her shelf, handing it to me as instructed. "Take what you need and get out."


    With shaky hands, I collected the book.


    "Page three. Hurry up; your stench is making me horrid." Then she disappeared down to her room.


    I quickly opened to page three, thankful for the narrow scrutiny I just escaped. Jeez, was it always this tense with my mother? She has changed over the years, and I could guarantee that. She wasn''t the sweet woman I knew. It was a chapter for elder Rosalie. There was her phone number on the first two lines. Jeez, they really went too far to hide her phone number. I snorted at the ridiculousness. We hardly use phones here, so...


    I quickly memorized the numbers in my head. There were fifteen numbers in total. Who would have thought that Elder Rosalie had a phone? Wasn''t she the watcher?


    "Have you finished?" My wolf nearly jumped out of my skin when I turned. Marley was busy eying me with disgust in her eyes. Really?


    "Yeah, I am done." I gave her the book, which she snatched from my hands.


    I was escorted out of her room like a prisoner led out for freedom. The minute I saw the grassy field, I breathed out in relief. Then I ran.


    There was only one ce I was able to make a call. I didn''t have the courage to make a phone call at the manor without someone tapping into it. I couldn''t take that risk now that Marley suspects me. It was supposed to be the other way around.


    The cottage. There was the phone Papa used to make calls to the packing house. That was where he worked before the heartbreak took over himpletely. He lost his mind and, apparently, his knowledge of me. The cottage was the only ce I knew. "Naya, remember what we talked about?" I prodded my wolf, who has been taking a beauty nap and leaving me all the work.


    From the distance, I could hear Zeke and Kyle calling me. They wanted me to tag along to wherever they were going. Frankly, I had forgotten about the whole thing, and they have refused to tell me where we were going.


    "If you are wondering where the Alphas are going, I think you shouldn''t bother. You wouldn''t want to go." She said. Was it that bad? I was trying to remember what happenedst night in case Naya lied to me, but nothing came up. Did I really ask to tag along to the ce? Urgh! It was so confusing. The memories ofst night were unfinished puzzles.


    "Maybe that''s better. Hopefully, not to my death?"


    "They will protect you."


    I wanted to ask her more about the ce we were going to, but for some reason... I wanted to talk with Elder Rosalie again.

 Chapter 76

    Naya cod


    "I don''t think I should tell her..." I was about to tell Naya when Kyle and Zeke appeared beside me. They didn''t look pleased with my escape n to the cottage. "Naya, what the f**k?" Kyle spat in anger.


    "Where are you off to? I asked you toe with us." Zeke calmly said. It was a deceptive tone, as I knew him well enough. Besides, he was grinding his jaws, and that wasn''t a good sign.


    "Er... I came to you for Elder Rosalie''s number; you didn''t give it to me." I retorted angrily. Why should it be me that is to me?


    Zeke grinned. "But I gave you something else."


    Frustration welled up inside me. "Oh, please stop it! I am serious here. I have been feeling numb since yesterday. You can''t just expect me to follow you to who knows where. You just became the Alpha. Are you supposed to be going on vacation? Or is this a power trip?"


    Zeke pinched the bridge of his nose in clear annoyance. "I see. You don''t rememberst night, do you?"


    I bit my inner cheeks as blush spread over them.


    Kyle snickered. "Twenty bucks, and she didn''t remember this particr part."


    "Fifty bucks; she was told everything by her wolf." Zeke waved Kyle''s stupid bet aside. He was the winner of the game, except Naya didn''t tell me this part.


    "Where are we going? I assumed it was on some vacation, but now I realize it isn''t." I said. Truthfully, I thought I was tagging along somewhere in the pack until Zeke told me to take a few clothes. I mean, if it was in the pack, why do I need extra clothes? He could buy the cloth mall if he wanted, so why?


    They both nced at each other, like they knew something I didn''t.


    "When we get there, you will know. For now, we need you to act as invisible as ever. We are going there on a mission, and you are only invited because of your involvement. Now go and change into something for an evening dinner, and take a few clothes with you. Take your essentials too."


    "Like the scentless spray." Kyle chipped in, and I gave him the middle finger.


    "F**k you!"


    "Er, no thanks." He mocked me, and I closed my eyes momentarily to calm my anger. He was so obnoxious! Jeez.


    I couldn''t help but roll my eyes at Kyle''s childish banter. With a sigh, I turned to head back to my room to pack the things Zeke had mentioned. Day clothes, night clothes, dinner gowns... I have nothing! There is absolutely nothing to pack into my box except stupid clothes and my uniforms. It was frustrating not knowing where we were going or what this mission was about, but I had a feeling that Zeke and Kyle weren''t going to spill the beans anytime soon. I''d have to rely on Zeke and Kyle to get me clothes because I was never wearing these rags to follow them to what looked like a big asion. Zeke had dressed like a grim reaper, all ck and without a smile. His hair was slicked back, and Kyle was dressed like a groom. I was sure he was going there to fish for thedies. He doesn''t even have an ounce of pride. I hoped his mate was understanding or that the bind was strong enough to make Kyle return to her. I yearned for both of them. I have the capacity to keep them all to myself.


    I hurriedly put the items I could find and my nightwear into my bag. "Naya, do you think we are going on a vacation?"


    "Of all the things you could forgetst night, why did you forget about this?" Naya sounded frustrated. Well, that made two of us. "I don''t want to be the one to break the news to you."


    I frowned. "Was it so bad? Would it jeopardize my safety? I don''t know how to fight. I''ll die with a single blow." This whole situation felt odd, and I couldn''t help but wonder why they needed me specifically for this mission. But I didn''t want to push it further. It was clear that neither Naya nor the twins were going to reveal anything until we arrived at our destination. Once I was ready, I rejoined Zeke and Kyle in the car. They had been waiting impatiently, and Zeke looked even more on edge than before. There was a tense atmosphere in the car as we started our journey towards wherever. I could sense something big was going to happen, something beyond my understanding.


    "A friend would have told us." Naya continued out of the blue. Oh, our conversation. "Have you ever checked up on a friend from school?"


    I narrowed my eyes. "What friend? I don''t have friends."


    Naya quickly shook her head. "Never mind."


    Was I suffering from short-term memory loss? "You started it, and you must finish it. What friend?" It was then that I realized she was talking about the pixie girl from my ss. It''s been ages! Renee. "Renee..." I trailed off.


    Ever since the challenge, school has been put on hold. I didn''t even remember her. I was such a bad friend!


    "Is she your friend now?" Naya gave me a condescending look.


    "You are just making things up, so shut up!" I yelled in the open, causing the boys to look at me curiously.


    "I was-was talking to my wolf." I cleared my throat just as Zeke''s phone began to ring. He connected it to the car, probably thinking it was not a private call. We were just a few minutes away from the pack, and someone was calling already. Jeez. "Hey, Marley," Zeke said cautiously. My ears perked at the sound of her voice.


    "Where the hell are you, Zeke?" Marley''s voice wasced with irritation. It was her second trait. "You disappeared without a word, and now the elders are here. What''s going on?"


    "The elders? But I..." I exchanged a quick nce with Zeke, whose attention was on the road. For some reason, Reid didn''t drive us. Kyle pretended to be engrossed in his phone but was listening intently to the conversation. I was looking for Elder Rosalie earlier. Jeez, did my mother have to go this far just to learn my secrets? If not, why would the elders be there?


    "Marley, calm down. I have my reasons." Zeke spoke quickly. I guess he didn''t think this through before going on this power trip. I didn''t think he expected the elders this evening. Their visits were bing more frequent. Something was wrong.


    Kyle huffed. "More like he is the Alpha now, and he wouldn''t do this without good cause."


    I nearly scoffed. "Good cause, my a*s. He didn''t even bother to tell me what was happening. It''s like he''s keeping secrets from me." I wanted to say this, but I refrained.


    Zeke still had his eyes fixed on the road. Then he chimed in. He was calm-too calm for my liking. "Marley, everything is under control. I''ve taken the necessary precautions. Trust me on this."


    Wow, their rtionship was on another level; a pang of jealousy shot through my veins. How could my mother have everything while being evil?


    Well, Marley wasn''t having any of his exnations. "Trust you? How can I trust you when you left the pack for your personal adventure? You are an Alpha now, not a teenager! You should have at least left with your Luna!"


    His Luna? I could sense the argument escting, and I knew Zeke would snap soon. His hands were clenched around the steering wheel. They were beginning to crack. I forgot to ask: does he even know the way to wherever we were going? Someone has to intervene. "Luna, send the elders away." Zeke suddenly said.


    Kyle and I nced at each other. It seemed Kyle knew what I was thinking already. You can''t just send the elders away.


    "If they can''t f*****g inform me of their visit prior, they should go and f**k themselves. I have an important thing going on, Marley. Have you finished?"


    I was surprised when Marley''s tone softened slightly, and there was a hint of vulnerability in her voice. Does she have a crush on Zeke or something? "It''s alright, Zeke. I will figure something out about the elders. Are you alone?"


    I snorted.


    "Yes," Zeke replied, shocking Kyle and me. He raised his index finger to his lips to shush us.


    "Okay. I... I saw something the other day. Something I wasn''t supposed to see."


    I exchanged a worried nce with Kyle again, who seemed equally concerned.


    "What did you see, Marley?" Zeke asked carefully. He wasn''t cussing like before, and his hands weren''t so tight on the steering wheel.


    There was a pause on the other end, and Marley hesitated before she finally spoke. "I saw the three of you together. In your room, Zeke."


    Zeke''s grip on the steering wheel tightened again, and I could see the anger in his eyes. "Marley, you''ve got it all wrong."

 Chapter 77

    Naya cod


    Of course, she got it all wrong. And I didn''t know that both of them were this close. I could see Kyle tightening his fists for a reason I couldn''t conjure up. I noticed how weary he was with Marley. He just could never match his brother when it came to my mother. Look at her acting like a lost lover to the Alpha of the pack.


    Was she that shameless? S**k it, Marley! Zeke will never choose an old, shivering woman for Luna. What would everyone at school say? Zeke loved old women. Nah. Not on my watch. Marley already had her second chance, which she killed. In fact, she killed her real mate and got her second mate through seduction; now she wants to have a third mate through politics. Never. What if she got fed up and Zeke wound up dead?


    I''d never forgive myself for that. Her irritating voice interrupted my thoughts. "Is Naya your mate, Zeke? Is that why you''re keeping secrets from us?"


    I could hear the sharp intake of breath from Kyle and Zeke.


    They were so in sync that it scared me a little. What the f**k? Mate? How is it even possible for them to find out before their eighteenth birthday? I surely couldn''t resist their touch, but that could be a result of a lot of things, like my omega raging and slutty hormones. Each time I ask


    Zeke about his mate, he expertly changes the topic. I nced at Kyle again, who was now looking down, clearly ufortable with the conversation. My brows furrowed as I remembered asking Kyle too about his mate. His subtle reply had been for me to stay out of his business. If they were so proud enough to hide her, why wouldn''t they be so proud enough to reveal her to the public?


    Zeke''s voice was lower now. It was quite obvious he didn''t like the direction of the conversation. Marley hasn''t quite gotten the memo.


    . Marley, it''splicated. I can''t exin


    everything right now." Then he hung up. He f*****g hung up in the Luna! He was a f*****g badass!


    Yeah, what''s going on, Zeke? Why can''t you give her a straight reply? I glued my eyes to the window as we approached the pack borders. It was obvious from the number of guards in the distance. The tension in the car was too much for me to bear. "Why didn''t we wolf down wherever we were going?" I was trying to start a conversation. It never goes wrong.


    Kyle''s downcast eyes lit up.


    "I was actually thinking about


    that. Yes, Zeke, why don''t we change into our wolf forms and arrive there in grand style?"


    "At the meeting? Nope. I decline." He shook his head vehemently. He seemed to have a lot of things on his mind.


    For one, the call with Marley. It was terrible for him to be confronted by Luna about his personal issues. I guess the Alpha''s personal issues are also the issues of the pack and the elders. I expected him to drive along the straight road, but he didn''t. He took a sharp swerve to the right and went straight into the forest.


    "What...Why? Where are we going?" I asked; the road was covered by shrubs and tall trees, but the car seemed to do well under the pressure. "And please don''t tell me you don''t know or some s**1, because I can''t jump out of the car now. I don''t even know where we are!"


    "We are at the edge of our territory. I don''t want to rm the guards about our visit outside the pack." He and Kyle shared noticeable nces. We have been driving nonstop for hours. There was something they were hiding from me.


    # Zeke Storm


    "You don''t want to tell her about Beta Brooke." me grunted.


    "I don''t want to. We might meet the Z patrol team there, and I don''t want unnecessary questions. I have seen the way they work for my father. They can be very nosy in the name of protection. Look at how they took matters into their own hands to protect Beta Brooke." I spoke to me who was pacing everywhere. He was the one giving me directions. I secretly envied Storm for taking him on lovely runs and strolls while showing him the pack''s borders and territories.


    He never did that to me or Kyle. Sometimes I wonder why I still try to find out his murderer. I should just let him rot in the mogue or something. However, he was my father. We both had good times and bad times together, even though I''d admit the bad overshadowed the good.


    "You know Naya asked a good question. You need to reply to her." me reminded me. He was always fond of taking her side for no reason. The mating bond was already taking ce since he or both of us wouldn''t stop thinking about her.


    "Alright. Like she said, she wouldn''t try to jump out of the window." I finished, turning to Naya. "We are on our way to the blood moon pack. I was invited to a meeting with other Alphas."


    Her eyes widened in rm. I knew this was going to happen the moment I spilled the truth. It wasn''t the end of her reaction. me wolfishly grinned as he made a statement I didn''t appreciate.


    "I can hear her heartbeat, Zeke. It''s beating faster than normal."


    I gave my side ear to my wolf. "What?"


    "She''s scared, Zeke, and you are causing this. Apologize to her, or I will take over your body."


    "You are irritating me again." I clicked the roof of my tongue subtly. Naya hasn''t said anything. Maybe she was still trying to process everything. I hoped she wouldn''t think I was going to offer her bait. What if the monsters had killed her before I found out she was my mate? I''d be mateless now or forced to take Marley as my mate. It was so messed up. Now that she was here, I was rejecting her in my own way.


    Naya cod


    I froze for a minute. Blood Moon Pack? Those wolves breed monsters for their personal gain! What attacked me the other day was from them, no doubt. I had seen Mr.Diego, scratch that, Baron Diego himself, biting into the Alpha''s throat. What is this Alpha meeting? None of this made any sense. I was scared, confused, and irritated about everything. So this was what they hid from me, including Naya! Well, all that emotion came out in one full gasp. "You''re taking me to another pack''s territory? What are you thinking, Zeke? Are you kidnapping me or something?"


    My head whipped at the sound of Kyle''s funny voice.


    "Naya, calm down. It''s not what you think. We''re not kidnapping you. There''s something important we need to figure out, and you are like... our witness? Also a weapon." When he still saw my confused looks, he borated. "Your elder powers. Remember?" My head was spinning. I felt dizzy. I still didn''t understand any of this. "Saw? What did I see? And why is it so important that we have to go to an Alpha meeting?" I was getting scared now. Were they talking about the knife I saw? Was I bait again? Zeke sighed, his face filled with frustration. He was trying to keep me in his car. "Naya, I know this is confusing, but there''s no easy way to exin it. Just trust me for now.


    Were going to meet with the other Alphas because we witnessed something crucial, something that involves the safety of our pack. I just need to.. check well." For some reason, that calmed me down a bit. Not that I trusted Zeke and Kyle fully. They were both unpredictable.


    "What did I witness? And why didn''t you tell me before now?"


    Again, Zeke exchanged another nce with Kyle before answering. "We saw the killing of Alpha Storm together, and you know who did it."


    I gulped hard. I knew it! They were using me as bait again.


    "Oh, because I was friends with Mr. Diego, right? I thought it would nevere to this." Tears welled up in my eyes, and I quickly wiped it off. They were always taking advantage of me. Frankly, I thought they had forgotten I was friends with him. I didn''t even have the chance to bond with him more before I found out he was a serial killer. He was a traitor and whatnot. He was psychotic. It all made sense when he suddenly appeared from nowhere as a teacher, looking totally badass. He instructed us, and when the monster came, he pretended he wasn''t the one who sent those things. I became weary of the twins games: "So what? I saw him kill Alpha Storm. His movements showed he was the leader of the pack. What? Are you going to kill me or use me as bait to get back at them?" Kyle''s eyes widened as he pped his hands. "Why didn''t we think of this? Zeke, we could actually use her as bait!


    The monsters came for her because of her powers. She is the youngest elder, and she was born, not created! Her powers were just dormant all along."


    I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at Kyle. "How do you know that?"


    He simply shrugged. "Somehow I know. The perks of being an Alpha, I guess. Or maybe I am just smart enough to connect the dots."


    I scoffed. Smart indeed. Those were the exact same words, Elder Rosalie told me. I was born an elder, not created. "I was right. I am the bait."


    Zeke''s voice was hard. "Kyle, stop feeding her nonsense.


    Naya, listen. You are not a bait, but your form will serve a purpose."


    Heaned back in my seat with my mind in a frenzy.


    There was no point in arguing.

 Chapter 78

    I cried for the neenth time. "Serve what purpose? Bait?"


    "Stop saying that. You are not bait!" Zeke med up, shocking me out of my misery. Then he took a deep breath to calm his nerves. "We will be by your side, protecting you."


    Kyle rolled his eyes. "That''s when we are not fighting our s**t or trying to stay alive." Zeke gave a low chuckle. "She will be fine.


    They were both talking about me like I wasn''t here. Soon, the trees and shrubs became mountains and rivers. It was like we were gliding through. I focused my attention on the scenery. Better than thinking about a selfish Alpha and his narcissistic brother. Marley also bothered me. She might make life a living hell for me now that I have seen her true colors.


    She wanted to be Luna again. It was ridiculous, but I knew my mother''s ambitious nature was second to none. I won''t let her take Zeke and Kyle away from me, just like she took our father. Wasn''t she ever satisfied or something?


    I gave a loud yawn. I slept, woke up, and stretched, yet he was still driving. "Aren''t we there yet?"


    "Prepare for an impact. The Blood Moon Pack is known to have mountains and rocky hills. We might bump into something."


    I sniffed to keep my tears away. "The Blood Moon pack is very far. Why would they travel this distance to trouble us?


    I hate them already."


    "They probably want to dominate the realms. We are going there for a reason."


    I scoffed. "You speak of this reason like there''s some greater thing I don''t know about."


    "Brother, you need to be careful with Marley. What does she want with you?" Kyle asked, changing my questions. He was doing it on purpose. I have probably be overbearing.


    Zeke sighed. "She is beautiful, kind, and gentle. I don''t know... I miss Mom, you know, and having her around wasn''t so bad. Not now even."


    Kyle shook his head in disbelief. "I have watched you grow closer to that woman with reckless abandon. You are smarter than this, Zeke."


    I nodded in agreement. "I think all he is trying to say, Zeke, is that you should be careful about Marley. She is cunning."


    Zeke nced at me from the rear mirror. It was an unreadable gaze. Seriously, I had no idea what he was thinking at the moment. He seemed serious at some point, and now it was just different. "You aren''t different from her."


    I quickly averted my gaze before he saw through me and demanded I tell him what I saw the other day. I didn''t just see Baron Diego kill the Alpha; I saw it as a collective effort between both of them. She even mentioned his name at some point. She was right. Who was going to believe me? I gave him a defiant look. If I was cunning, so be it. I''d rather save my face than leave it for people to trample on it. It ends now. "So what if I am cunning? You were the one who tricked me into following you to my death!" Kyle groaned to the heavens.


    "For goodness sake, Naya,


    drop this. We are just as nervous as you."


    I raised both brows. "Oh, yeah, then I would like for you to drive back home this instant."


    I was afraid to face Baron Diego. Right now, the dread of entering his pack shakes me to my core. I didn''t know how to tell the twins that I was scared to the point of pissing my pants. If this were an alpha thing, I wouldn''t be able to control my hormones. I''d just be the slut that they imed I was.


    "I want to pee." I quickly announced


    "Don''t be ridiculous; we are halfway there already." Zeke cautioned in the most annoying way ever.


    "Couldn''t you be more polite? I was the one kidnapped. I want to pee!" I yelled. The urgency to relieve myself was more than Iprehended. It came suddenly, pressing on my dder. "I am about to piss myself here!" Zeke continued driving for a while without sparing me a nce, and when I thought I was at my limit, he swerved to the right, momentarily distracting me. Then the car stopped. The loud unlocking sound of the car door brought me out of my haze. "Go out and pee."


    I gritted my teeth to hide my anger. These boys were testing my patience. For some reason, I thought if we had s*x, I would be able to understand them better. Clearly, it was a tug of war between the three of us. We could never get along. This was why this would never work. Realizing that just now broke my heart a little. I opened the car door to pee when I was met with four brown wolves.


    They looked like domestic dogs because of their coats, and I wondered why such things were as vicious as...


    "Naya, get inside!" I heard Zeke yell in panic. His voice sounded so far away. "What? Why? We weren''t at the Blood Moon Pack already, were we?"


    Suddenly, the wolves charged at me, and a strong hand pulled me back into the car.


    It was Kyle, and he was in the passenger''s seat. "When I f*****g say you should get inside, you should!"


    Zeke started the engines immediately. "We are on their territory. We need to get to a safe ce before showing them their stupid invitation.


    I was still dazed from all the pushing and yelling. I didn''t hear any growling behind the car for a while. "Wait, where are they?" I searched the entire surrounding area of the moving car. There was no wolf. "Wow, they gave up real quick." I sighed in relief, only to hear rabid growling from the roof of the car. "The f**k?" Kyle yelled in anger. "They better not ruin this car for us."


    "We were invited, right?" I began to panic. I always panic, but Zeke was exceptionally calm. Jeez, how does he do that? I mean, we have to be invited; otherwise, there would be war. "Besides, you are Alpha; they should recognize you!" Genius, Naya. You figured it out real quick.


    "Wrong." Zeke took another massive swerve to the right, getting us back on the road. Although I braced myself, I stillnded on my a*s. There was growling, snarling, and snapping of jaws. Jeez, the wolves were hungry. How did they get on the roof? My guess was that they were on their way to bing these monsters. They were faster and stronger and about to tear into our roof!


    "Kyle''s, what''s our status?"


    The banging above our heads has gotten heavier now.


    There should be something holding up the roof, right? "Er... guys." I raised my eyes to where they were hitting constantly. There was already a dent in the shape of their paws.


    "They are breaking through."


    Zeke took another big swerve without warning, and I hit the chair hard. I thought I knew why he swerved, but I just realized that the more he swerved, the more monstrous creatures fell off.


    "We are almost at the gate." Kyle''s eyes were ssy. So they were talking to their wolves. It''s a good thing I could rely on their wolves more than their logic. It sounded reasonable to me. "Just up the hilly road a little. We can get there in time and hand the letter to whoever is in charge.


    This way we don''t have to shed blood and be punished or something."


    I gasped. "We are the ones being attacked here! I swear to the goddess, Zeke, if you swerve one more time without warning...


    Of course he f*****g swerved, but this time I was prepared for him.


    "We are on their territory without proper identification. "I think they have every right to kill us. I am not their Alpha." Zeke repeated it like a f*****g robot.


    "Like they remembered this when they attacked the school."


    Frustration welled inside me. "I saw a man I called Father kill the Alpha. I know he hasn''t been good to me, but I was okay with the no talk, no see bullshit."


    "Hey, hey, hey, hey... You are rambling out of fear. Rx." Kyle said. I guess my eyes were really wide, and, jeez, we were in the middle of an attack. What if the boys decided that I was not worth saving?


    What then?


    "I can''t." I gasped.


    "I think I am having a panic attack."


    "Okay, this ends now." Zeke pressed hard on the brakes. He was angry now. I thought we were going to move faster, but instead we stopped.


    "What the f**k?" I yelled as the ss beside me shattered.


    Zeke growled under his breath. Okay, me''s out now.


    "They do not attack unless I want them to. They will all die at my hands today."


    Thest thing I saw before I fainted was Zeke getting out of the car and Kyle grinning wickedly. Then he followed boys will be the death of me.

 Chapter 79

    When I opened my eyes, I saw Zeke leaning on his car while cleaning his hands with a white handkerchief. "Ouch." I muttered, rubbing a sore spot on my head.


    "You hit your head pretty hard." Kyle said this from behind me, and I turned to find him seated.


    "Did I?" I asked him because, judging from his position, I had my head on hisp. No wonder it was so warm.


    He nodded affirmatively.


    "You were too overwhelmed, and


    we did what we could to save you."


    I blinked as many times as I could. "Really?" ncing outside, I could see the bodies of many monstrous wolves.


    "You really killed them."


    "To send a message." Zeke replied before throwing the bloody handkerchief on their lifeless bodies. "I will take responsibility when we get there."


    "I am taking the pictures right now." Kyle smiled as he took selfies with those lifeless wolves.


    "Really?" I deadpanned.


    "For soverneir. I mean, if they were going to attack us again, why not show them what happened to theirrades first?" He shrugged, tucking his phone into his pocket.


    When he didn''t delete the pictures, I realized he was being serious. Sometimes I couldn''t tell if he was saying the truth or being sarcastic. It was always like that with Kyle. "We better get into that ce before the moon is at its highest."


    If these wolves wanted me earlier, was this not leaving me up for sacrifice? Or does Zeke have a greater n? He seemed like a man going in with a n. I am sure he wasn''t going to leave me just like that.


    #


    Zeke Storm


    "There''s no n." I said to me, who chuckled.


    "Naya trusts you, and now you tell me there''s no n?"


    "Yes. I n to go with the flow, you know."


    "Shadow needs to hear this." me began to pace everywhere. He was irritated and upset with me. Who could me him? I was going into the lion''s den without a n but to kill anyone that stood in my way. That''s what I''m going to do. "Do you think they are going to wee you with open arms or something? You need to think, Zeke. For all I cared, you could get there and they''d lock you up in one of their technology thingies."


    "I don''t think so." I knew the Blood moon pack were far ahead in technology and science because how else could they recreate those monsters in their bodies? But they would never overpower the power of the full moon and the blood moon, that''s for sure. That''s what has kept the wolf cove safe all these years.


    "Bullshit. We need a n as soon as possible."


    "I''ll speak to Kyle." Was my short reply to me, or he''d never leave me alone. After a while, he came back:


    "I have. If I knew you weren''t on n, I wouldn''t have directed you here."


    "Yeah." I wouldn''t havee here either.


    #


    Kyle Storm


    My brother is worried. I saw the way he fought those furious things to protect Naya. It was amazing. He has always been cool. This was no different.


    "What do you think?" I knocked on Shadow''s mind. We haven''tmunicated in a long time. "Are we going to survive?"


    "You are usually afraid, Kyle. Why aren''t you today?"


    Shadow began his prodding. He probably knew the reason and wanted to tease me.


    "I have nightmares. I have always had them. My worst fear is for them to manifest in our realm. That''s what I am afraid of." I raised my hands in surrender. "Zeke knows of your problem. As for Naya, you pushed her away when she tried to help you."


    I chuckled loudly. "Really? I did what I had to do then to save my face. Don''t bring that up now, and act like the good guy. We are both terrible, and you know it."


    "Wait. I am receiving a signal from my brother, me. I think Zeke doesn''t have a n as we are going in."


    I rolled my eyes to the heavens. "Our n must be to kill them then."


    "So be it."


    My phone began to vibrate just as I finished speaking to Shadow. It was Brooke. I have been avoiding her since that fateful night with Naya.


    "Hey, Brooke." I cleared my throat, smiling like she could see me and ignoring the annoyed look my brother and Naya gave me. She has been quiet since, and I was sure she was lost in her own thoughts. What''s she thinking about? Whats she thinking about? Here I was on a call with Brooke, yet I couldn''t help but think about what Naya was thinking about. Her eyes seemed to hold secrets. Secrets that would follow her to her grave if possible. "Where are you? I came to the house only to find Marley disgusted by me."


    "She''s disgusted with everyone and everything." I deadpanned. It wasn''t her first meeting with her, but at least I know she could stand Brooke better than her own daughter.


    "Okay, I know. You did not have to use such a condescending tone on me." She wasn''t happy, that''s for sure. "I waited for you the whole day in your room, but you didn''te. School resumes in two days; will youe?"


    "I er." I turned to my brother, who was driving with the utmost concentration. He was trying to beat nightfall. "I may be able to make it if I don''t die first." I added thest part after careful consideration.


    "What did you say?" Of course, she didn''t hear me - well.


    "Nothing." I grinned at the mirror when I saw Naya''s eyes locked on mine. She wasn''t happy with my cell; I could tell that for sure. As to why? I didn''t know. Then I remembered that Brooke had good news for me. You see, after the meeting with the elders, I went for a long run. After that, I went to Spar, forgetting I had asked her to wait for me. She waited for a long time and then left.


    End of story.


    "You can''t even say you are sorry for standing me up." She started. I was not in the mood for her drama.


    "Brooke, stop." I yelled before she could go any further.


    "Why are you so selfish? I have a lot of matters to attend to, and you are acting like it''s all about you."


    Zeke and Naya gave me the look again, and it totally irritated me.


    "What is it?" I mouthed in anger.


    She was quiet for a long time. "I came to tell you some good news. Want to hear that now?"


    s**t! She sounded hurt. Really hurt. "Yes."


    "I needed to calm


    down.


    "Words got to me that my father is alive."


    That got our attention. "What?"


    Naya''s eyes widened in shock. "Beta Brooke is alive?" She muttered to herself.


    "Is someone there?" Brooke asked suspiciously, and I quickly raised an index finger to my lips, asking her to shut the f**k up.


    "No. Nobody" It couldn''t get out of my head. I specifically asked Dr. Ali not to tell anyone else.


    "How did you know


    about this?"


    She sighed. "I don''t know... Darren called me and said so."


    "Ask her if Darren''s father works with the Z patrol team." Zeke mouthed to me. We were approaching a gate that seemed endless. There was neither a beginning nor an end "Does Darren." I was about to ask.


    "I know what you want to ask, and yes, his father must have spilled it on his wife while he was within hearing range." Brooke said


    "That''s f****d up. And he told you? For what?"


    I was suddenly curious as to why he would tell Brooke what he heard.


    "At a silly price."


    "What did he ask for?"


    "You''d be surprised if I told you." Brooke said.


    "Well, say it." I urged gently. There was no point in yelling at her now.


    "A ticket to a concert. I asked Renee for it."


    Naya was breathing down my neck immediately.


    "What? My Renee?" She mouthed carefully.


    "What Renee and what concert?" I questioned Brooke instead


    "It''s in the ss group chat. There''s a concert taking ce at the Blood moon pack." She eventually said


    "The f**k?" Why wasn''t I in the group chat?


    "You muted the group chat, remember?"


    "How could I mute such important information?"


    Zeke is listening in on my conversation right now.


    "Youined that the messages were too much. I was there when you muted it. Secondly, it was random and very expensive. I wonder how she got the tickets." My brother was eager to talk to me now.


    "Okay. Brooke, can I talk to youter?"


    "When?" She sounded possessive.


    "Just give me five minutes." I ended the call to turn to curious eyes. "Seriously? I can''t get five minutes with Brooke without the both of you breathing down my neck." "Renee did what?" Naya asked, ignoring my ranting about space. They both knew I wasn''t a stickler for personal space. "Is she affiliated with the blood moon pack?" "I think so."


    "I am not in the school group chat." Zeke shook his head


    "The only ce a concert can take ce is at the blood moon pack."


    *"What if Brooke bought a ticket and is there right now?"


    Naya asked fearfully.


    "Don''t be ridiculous; she said she gave it to Darren in exchange for that information." I injected


    "I don''t trust any of them." Zeke added.


    "Of course we shouldn''t trust these people." I couldn''t say I trusted Brooke one bit. But there''s one thing I know for sure


    -she trusts me.


    "I think we should talk more about this when we get to the pack. There''s something going on, and woe betide the person who goes to that concert without my permission." Zeke''s hands tightened around the steering wheel again.

 Chapter 80

    My eyes widened as the gate buzzed and allowed us through. We didn''t have that at the Wolf Cove pack.


    Immediately after Zeke zoomed past, he was stopped at a wide road, probably the checkpoint. He brought out an envelope that seemed familiar. I narrowed my eyes on it when Naya told me that it was given to himst night. Jeez, now I remember where I saw that silly thing.


    "Is that our invitation to death?" I chose to taunt him again.


    "Yes." To my surprise, he answered me. I sighed, looking at the entire environment. It was totally different from our own, with few trees and lots of concrete.


    "Look at this ce... it''s so amazing, yet empty."I muttered.


    "They breed monsters; it''s only natural for it to be empty." Kyle injected, furiously tapping on his phone. I guess he was angry that he muted the ss group chat and didn''t get a chance to be invited to the concert. If that was his biggest concern right now, I would be disappointed in him.


    In a way, I was missing my home, my cottage, the tree, and the smell of fresh air. The air around here was a bit stale; even my wolf noticed it.


    "Naya, we need to get out of here; I can sense dangering close by."


    I sniffed the air and found nothing. "Don''t tell me this is one of your elder senses, because then I would smack you into next week." "Hm." was her short reply. Of course, I could not do that. I had no right to do that even if I wanted to. "There''s a car fast approaching, listen.


    I strained my ears to hear a car race past us. Then it stopped before reversing to where we packed


    Out came Renee, to my shock.


    "Renee?" I opened the car door, much to Zekes disapproval.


    When did he start ordering me around? Definitely not today.


    "What the hell are you doing here?" Her eyes brightened in genuine surprise. Then she eyed all of us. By all of us, I meant Zeke, who came out of the car looking edible, and Kyle, who was still on his phone. He paid no attention to his sun-kissed face. Gosh! Both of them were still as gorgeous as before.


    Maybe even better-looking now. "You all came for the concert?" She added, stepping a few steps back when Zeke walked close to her. He grabbed her hands before she could go any further back.


    "You came to our school from here. Are you a spy? Did you bring those monsters to our school?" He began to ask.


    She shook her head, snatching her hands away from his.


    Although it took much effort for her to do so seeing as Zeke wasn''t holding her tight. "I didn''t do s**1. That was not my fault. My birthday wasing up soon, so I wanted everyone to be there with me. Sorry if I am a stickler for attention."


    You cunning b***h!" Kyle shook his head in disbelief. "Do you know how much we hate this ce?"


    Renee wasn''t giving them the satisfaction of seeing her gravel. "I don''t care."


    Zeke''s hands elongated. "Your Alpha killed our Alpha. You will die if you don''t start talking."


    Her eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean our Alpha killed your Alpha? Did you see it happen? I know everyone is ming this pack because they are the closest and we are rivals, but I have no hand in this."


    "I thought you were Naya''s friend. And to think you were lying to her the entire time. Were you aware that Mr. Diego was your alpha, too?" Zeke''s hand was under her neck in an instant, and I feared he was going to scratch out her throat. I swallowed hard at the thought of that.


    Renee eyed his nails under her arms. She knew he was Alpha; therefore, her defiance would break sooner orter.


    Yeah, it was terrible either way, so either she started asking for forgiveness or told him what he wanted to hear. "Well, everyone has their secrets, don''t they? Naya is living with the Storms, yet you use her and bully her as you want. Who do you think gave Naya the scentless spray? I gave her that so that she would feelfortable enough to hide from the two of you. I have dozens of them at my hideout to help me get out of here as quickly as I want. Let me tell you the truth: no one here knows I go to Wolf Cove Academy. If you are asking about our Alpha, no one has seen his f*****g face. We don''t have simr scents, so how was I to know that Mr. Diego was our f*****g Alpha?" Renee was rambling now to save her life. With the way she was held, Zeke could kill her right at this moment and create problems for us before we even entered the dead zone.


    "And that has just earned you a quicker death." Zeke raised his hand high to bring it down her neck.


    It stepped in between the two of them. "Zeke stop." That was when Kyle raised his eyes from his phone. If it was only him here, Zeke would have killed her before he came in and asked questions about what happened


    Jeez, that would be terrible, innit?


    "Naya, step out of the way."


    I shook my head vehemently. "If you hurt her, you hurt me."


    "I don''t mind." His eyes were cold, but I could see a flicker of me showing up.


    "me will never forgive you. I know he has a soft spot for me."


    "You guessed wrong." Zeke was not moving from his position. But it seemed to me that he wanted to hear what I had to say. I frankly thought it was Kyle that would lose his s**t over matters like that, but he seemed to know that his brother wouldn''t let her off the hook so easily.


    I could bet that he was listening to us under the pretext of tapping on his phone. That sly wolf.


    "Speak Naya; you have just five seconds."


    "Renee is my friend." I simply said, causing her eyes to widen in surprise. Yeah, even I didn''t want to admit it, but I think I was getting to know how Zeke worked, and these words might just save her life. Zeke could kill her within a twinkle of an eye. Hell, with the anger over his father''s death, he could annihte an entire pack.


    But he was rational, and only logic got to him. "She has been my friend since the day the both of you chose to bully me, and I hated the fact she was my friend because I thought she saw me as a charity case."


    "Get to the point, Naya." Kyle said, losing his patience. I was right. He truly was listening all the time!


    "My point is that I don''t want to lose her. She has lied to me several times, but she means well. She lied to me about her pack and about Mr. Diego because..." I turned to her with anger in my eyes. "Don''t f*****g tell me you didn''t know that he was your Alpha. You must have sensed him, and he must have sensed you, which was why that creep put the both of us together to easily find me!" I yelled. It was Baron Diego''s n all along so that he would easily target me and get me. Only that he couldn''t because Zeke and Kyle would never let me go.


    Zeke released her immediately, and she fell to the ground, trembling and holding her neck, which could have been separated from her now. "We didn''t exactly choose to protect you ourselves. That fucker knew what we were up to and paired all of us together." "So we wouldn''t suspect him."


    I felt goosebumps at the back of my neck. "He was the one in the hallways, watching me all the time." I red at Ren¨¦e. "You may not be his spy, but you were his pathway toing here. He knew you came here."


    All these revtions seemed toe as a shock to Ren¨¦e because she was frozen now.


    "Why did youe to Wolf Cove?"Does anyone even know you are from here?"


    Suddenly she snapped out of her daze, getting up and dusting off her simple top and jeans. It was refreshing to see her in her household item. "They all know now. I think I understand why you said I was his pathway." We all raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" "You all need to text the group chat that the concert is cancelled. There will be no f*****g party." Renee sounded vindictive now. It made me wonder if her pack was treating her just like they treated me. It was now that I realized why she had always smelled funky. She didn''t have a scent due to the many scentless sprays she uses to escape from her problems. Goodness.

 Chapter 81

    "No concert?" Kyle asked, a bit surprised. He was the party animal, so it was no surprise. "What do you think I came all this way for?" He said it like he was joking, but the look in his eyes screamed murder. Oh yes, Kyle was pissed beyond whatever could make him


    pissed.


    He and Zeke''s moods usually turn on and off like a tap.


    Renee''s words had probably struck a nerve, so it was clear that their irritated moods were on full disy.


    "Why do you sound pissed? Were you not excited about strangling her earlier?" I frowned, feeling a bit stiff at my neck. I fainted too hard, I know.


    "Shut your mouth, brawn." Kyle snapped. For some reason, it wasn''t as painful as before. It wasn''t bullying time any longer.


    "Get in the car, Renee. You are now our official ticket for safety, and you will be going with us." Zeke dered with a possessive edge.


    Renee didn''t seem taken aback by the request. "I can''t leave my car behind, or it would be suspicious. I''ll lead."


    I nced at Renees car, a reminder that there was much I didn''t know about her. I had pushed her away repeatedly, and now, seeing her in a new light, I couldn''t help but feel a sense of regret. It wasn''t a regret for not getting close to her. It was regret for not leaving with her. I may have had a better life here or something.


    That was a ridiculous thought because it would never have worked out.


    "You have a car," Imented


    Renee smiled. "You would know I have money and a car if we were closer."


    I scoffed at her statement, feeling the weight of missed opportunities. "Oh, I have always known you aren''t ordinary, Renee. I just wasn''t expecting this. It means you know more about technology than me


    She merely nodded, seemingly eager to share something with me.


    "Ride with me?" She offered, but her voice was tinged with uncertainty. Did she need permission from the twins or something?


    I turned to meet the boys waiting for me to get in the car. I didn''t know them to be this possessive, but I knew when they told me to get in the car, I had to obey. I don''t want th¨¨m fighting over me with Renee. I feel like there are so many things I have to discuss with her. Like why she lied to me in the first ce, her life here, and whatever misconception I have about this pack.


    It was strange to see that the blood moon pack wasn''t what I had imagined in my head. I expected the monsters to be everywhere in the pack, death stinking the air, and a lot of dangerous things. I even expected an expanse of forest.


    There was nothing like that here. It was all just one big empty space on the road leading to the unknown. Silence filled the air as I stood there, stupidly caught between the searing gazes of the twins, Kyle and Zeke. They both radiated something I couldn''t describe that left me breathless. Yet this was important for me. I needed alone time with Renee to know what to expect from the people in her pack


    I grinned at Zeke. "I need to ride with her."


    "She isn''t to be trusted, Naya. She needs to prove herself by taking it to the wolf king himself." Zeke said thest part like it was a bitter taste in his mouth. It was rather expected because the man f*****g killed his own father. His father wasn''t exactly nice to him, but who wasining?


    The twins were on a vengeful mission, not without logic but with an intent to kill, and they would dispose of anyone who stood in the way of getting their revenge.


    "Besides, she lied to you." Kyle''s reply was adamant. He surely did not respect Ren¨¦e like before, and he made it clear to her.


    "You have lied to me countless times." I retorted. He was acting like a jerk now.


    "But we have also protected you." Zeke''s words were swift and heavy with anger. It was as if they had the perfecteback for everything.


    "She protected me from the both of you." I emphasized this so that they would remember the stupid scentless spray that Kyle hid in his room. Oh, the things I had to do to escape these big guys... I will never forget. "You have nothing else to say. You don''t own me. I will ride with Naya."


    "Did you just say that we don''t own you?" Both of them spoke at the same time. Somehow what I said ticked them off, and they both began to advance towards me.


    What the...


    From behind me, Renee took five steps back. I didn''t count;


    I just knew it was five steps because she was supposed to be by my side. I bet she has seen Zeke''s power and can no longer confront him. The Renee I knew was stronger than me


    Who was rather melting as two hot guys approached me like they owned me.


    Yeah, like they owned me.


    I gulped as Kyle and Zeke closed in on me with purposeful strides. Their intense gazes sent shivers down my spine.


    Not only was there tension between us, but I could describe it.


    It was desire. That was when I knew that this moment could go in any direction. It could go in the one direction that we were all thinking, which was them f*****g me over the hood of Ren¨¦e''s car, and at the end, I would never show my face to Renee again. Or the second direction in which they let me ride with Renee. Either I humiliate myself or I make a stand.


    Taking a deep breath, I looked squarely at the twins. "You might have protected me, and I appreciate that, but you don''t own me," I said firmly; my voice was surprisingly steady despite my beating heart. "I''ve made my choice. I''m riding with Renee." They still go to me with identical smirks, and shes of two nights ago ran through my mind. Seriously? Not now.


    Not with Renee by my side or her getting to see how much of a slut was.


    This time, the silence that followed felt like an eternity. The twins exchanged nces. I could see their expressions on full disy on their faces. Frustration came first, then disbelief, and then something more scary. It was as if a battle of wills was taking ce right before Naya''s eyes.


    I knew they weremunicating with their wolves by showing that much emotion on their faces. I thought I saw Shadow for a second. If they kept on behaving like this, they might make Ren¨¦e think that I was their mate.


    Only my mates behaved like I was entering the lion''s den. I was actually


    Finally, Kyle broke the silence. His voice was low and seductive. "Are you sure about that, Naya? You know, once you ride with her, there''s no turning back."


    They were making this hard for me now. It was tempting not to have their scents with me to reassure me of their protection. I matched his silly gaze, which seemed to be getting to me. "I''m sure," I replied, making sure my voice was unwavering. "I chose Renee." After a while, I added


    "Please."


    The word "please" hung in the air. It was a plea for understanding. What was the worst Ren¨¦e could do? Take me for ughter?


    "Fine. Lead the way." Zeke ordered, and they both entered the car smoothly while I joined Renee in hers.


    She immediately started the engine. "If I didn''t know better, Id say that you are their mate."


    I sighed. "But I am not. It''s infuriating when they do this.


    They know that I am an omega, so it''s easier for them to use their alpha power on me to render me useless."


    Renee sniffled as she passed the boys, who had sour looks on their faces. "Lucky you."


    "Yeah, lucky me." I deadpanned. "You have to tell me everything, Ren¨¦e."


    "You haven''t been seen in school for some days now. A lot hasn''t happened."


    "I haven''t been in school because I am part of the Storm''s family." I looked out of the window. It was still empty, with a wide span of road and heat. "This ce is so empty."


    Renee nodded, tapping on the steering wheel. "You should see the inside."


    "I have always known you didn''t belong in our school. Look at your hair!" I pointed at her pink pixie cut. "It isn''t natural like the rest of ours."


    "I dyed it pink." Renee simply replied. She wasn''t really excited, and I wasn''t either. "I didn''t see you in school, and then I put two and two together when I heard Zeke be the official Alpha while his twin supported him from behind."


    I nodded. "You have been paying attention. It must be hard not seeing me in school."


    Renee snorted. "Hard? We aren''t even close friends."


    I pped her hands yfully. "I bet I am a better friend for you toe all the way to Wolf Cove to school."


    It didn''t amuse Renee. "You are right."


    It was then that I realized something. "You were an outcast at your school."


    It took a while, but she eventually nodded.

 Chapter 82

    The silence was ufortable.


    "I am sorry." I quickly said. "I didn''t mean to."


    "Yes, you meant it." Renee sighed. "I have no grudge against you, Brawn."


    At the mention of that, I grinned. "That''s riching from you, Pixie."


    She scrunched her nose. "Pixie? How did you figure it out?"


    I shrugged. It was obvious that was her bully name at her school. Her hair was dyed pink, and it was cut in pixie form. I don''t think any wolf would love to be called a pixie.


    It made us sound weak. Mine or hers? Mine was totally worse, I know.


    "It was obvious. Tell me how it was. Your experience, I mean."


    "It was... normal. I was ignored most of the time. Then I decided to change that. I asked myself, What if I went to the other pack and had a better life there?'' It would be totally worth it."


    I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? How did you even get past security? Our patrol teams are vicious with checkups."


    Renee nced at me. "It wasn''t easy. I almost got caught. I was mainly good at sneaking out. Most people don''t see me, so how can they notice if I have left?"


    That made sense, at least to me. "Cool. You are cool, Renee."


    "It can never excuse the fact that I lied to you, andm sorry." Her face was etched with guilt and shame.


    . "If you


    noticed anything suspicious about me, it was because I tried to hide everything from you. I didn''t want you to know my secret and go about telling everyone." I realized why we were friends immediately.


    Renee was smart and friendly to me for no reason. It was as if she had tried so hard to be my friend. I thought she was like the others.


    "But you know your pack is not on


    good terms with ours. I suspect-no, scratch that-I know your Alpha killed Alpha Storm. He saved us from the monsters from here."


    "And you are waltzing right into their den." She sounded really angry and worried. Of course she would, because she knew her pack better than I did.


    "I have you.." I started to say, deceiving myself into believing that Renee could protect me against vicious wolves when I knew for a fact that she mightst only hours after I am dead.


    "No." Ren¨¦e shook her head in disagreement. She was fond of doing that. "This is a suicide mission. You are lucky you have the twins because if it was only you, you would have been dead."


    I sighed, remembering our attack. She doesn''t need to know that, or she would be concerned. "Tell me about it."


    Her eyes widened. "Don''t tell me you have been attacked already."


    "We have been attacked, and if it weren''t for the twins..." I could feel her eyes drilling holes in my head already. She was getting to that point, and I just pointed her in the right direction. Just great. "This is why you don''t have me. You have those douchebags for protection." She hissed. "I think they are your mates, Naya."


    "Never; they can''t be my mate. Mates don''t do what they do to me."


    Ren¨¦e had a puzzled look on her face. "Er, you meM, protect you, possess you like property, stand up for you,sh out at anyone who disrespects you? I am sure they have gone beyond kissing you. You can''t even resist them."


    I shook my head. "You are just saying that because..." Then my mind shed back to when they both advanced on me the other night. My face began to feel hot.


    She gasped in shock.


    . "Your face is so red! Does it mean


    they have gone past that?"


    "I am not a slut." I quickly snapped.


    "Whoa, I am not insinuating that." She raised her hands in surrender.


    "Hands on the wheel, please." I pointed at the road. How could she be that careless to leave the wheels?


    "Rx, Naya. We are wolves." Her voice was quiet now.


    "I didn''t mean to yell at you."


    "Just so you know, I didn''t call you a slut either. I only said that you totally deserve to have them wrapped around your pinkies after all they have done to you."


    "Yeah." They have done a lot of things to me. Renee was right. I totally deserve to have two douchebags wrapped around my pinkie and doing my bidding. But I have to let her know that they have also caught me in their own web of control. I always have to submit myself to their dominating figure. It was sick, I know. "It wasn''t my decision toe here, you know."


    "How?"


    I sighed. "It''s a long story" I haven''t decided if I should tell her about my newly discovered powers. "Well, it''s a long drive, isn''t it?"


    I peered out of the window. "How much longer?"


    ''Thirty minutes more. Your Alpha took a long cut. You guys should have been here faster and earlier. You could have avoided the attack, perhaps."


    "Tell me about it." I sighed for the fifteenth time. But I trusted Zekes decision. There must be a good reason why he didn''t follow the original route. "You can tell me about it."


    "I was drunkst night over something stupid."


    "Wolves don''t get drunk."


    I say upright. "I know right.."


    "Your wolf must have wanted it too. Both of you were going through an emotional phase that opened a pathway for you to get drunk. I hope no one saw you get drunk because it would be dangerous!


    I narrowed my eyes on her. "You know a lot about liquids and things in general."


    "I was thought to be the best. My parents are strange that way. I love to believe that theye from a long line of potion makers." A giggle escaped her lips, and I did not know if she was saying the truth or not.


    I joined her. "Anyway, contrary to your assumptions, I messed myself up. Thest thing I remembered was absolutely nothing. It was my wolf who filled me up with details of my misbehavior. Seriously, she is teasing me right now."


    Far away in my mind, I could hear Nayaughing at my actions. Especially the part where I threw up everything I drank.


    "I understand. I have gone through that before. I had a life before I joined your pack and saw better things. A life without too many toys, you know. It''s quiet and peaceful.


    What I didn''t expect was the bullying, and it just has to be you. Imagine walking into the hallways and finding your bang pictures everywhere."


    "Kyle''s fault!" I balled my fist, turning back to find him casually looking at me. They both had their attention on Ren¨¦e''s car. Did they think she was going to kidnap me or something? I remembered confronting him about those pictures, and he lied straight to my face. I should have done my revenge, but I guess not telling him about the spy, Marley, was better.


    He better figure it out on his own.


    Ren¨¦e didn''t look shocked at my outburst. "Of course. It has to be one of the twins or their admirers. They were out for you." She bumped her fists against my clenched ones.


    "Now tell me everything."


    "So, I went to confront Zeke about that night or something like that." Yeah, I lied. I didn''t go to confront Zeke; I went to ask him for Elder Rosalie''s number. "...when he asked me to go and pack my things that I wasing with. I didn''t know we were on a suicide mission until he was miles away. It wasn''t as if I was going to jump out of the window, right?"


    "Oh, now I see why they didn''t want you toe with me.


    They think you are going to escape with me, right?" haven''t thought about it that way, but yeah, they may have thought about it that way too. It would be futile anyway.


    There was a glint in her eye as she asked. "Why do they want you toe with them anyway? You aren''t in good shape for a fight."


    "Wow, Renee. You have joined them." I deadpanned.


    "Joined them to do what?" She asked innocently. I knew she was teasing the hell out of me again.


    "To say that I am weak." I chose to speak in a low tone.


    The glint left her eyes immediately. "I didn''t say that."


    I couldn''t hold it in any longer. My insides nearly burst withughter. "You should have seen your face."


    Renee simply smiled. "You should see your face too, Naya.


    You are happier than I remembered you were a week ago."


    "It seems like an age to me." What has changed? The s*xl had with the twins? The fact that I have new powers and no one can look down at me? Or the fact that I was bravely walking into the lion''s den with two dangerously handsome Alphas by my side. I didn''t know. Whatever Renee was seeing... She wasn''t entirely wrong.

 Chapter 83

    "We are close by."


    I sighed. "About time we got there."


    "Oh, don''t be such a boring girl. When you get inside, you''ll be amazed, just like I was with your pack. You can''t imagine how much I miss that ce even now. Everything was peaceful until what your Alpha said happened." "Why is he my Alpha and not Zeke?" I asked, puzzled, because she has been mentioning that for quite some time now.


    "Because he is an Alpha. I must call him that no matter what." When she saw my puzzled expression, she proceeded to exin further. "You have no idea, do you?"


    I shook my head. What the hell was she talking about?


    "I see." Renee nodded to whatever she was agreeing with.


    "He is the official Alpha of your pack. We have to respect him. I think you have been favored, Naya." She took a sharp turn to the left.


    I scoffed. "Favored? More like ignored at every turn. Who cares about the nobody called Naya Cod?"


    Renee gave me a sideways nce. "Are you serious right now? You were the only one who could defy them. I almost s**t myself just being in their presence."


    It wasn''t really her fault. "I understand. Didn''t Darren tell you that he challenged Zeke?"


    Renee gasped heavily. "I had suspicions when he didn''t show up at school. Then he..."


    "Brooke." I whispered. "She gave him your tickets. I can''t believe you asked our people toe to your..."


    "I wasn''t thinking. In fact, I canceled it."


    "Their luck before any of them die here." I added.


    "I am sorry. I was not thinking. I just wanted to..."


    "You are not alone." I finished for her. "I am here now; you don''t have to ride miles toe to school. I can stay here until I feel like leaving."


    She cackled. "Like you can stay if your Alpha doesn''t say so. And what''s with Kyle? Do you like both? You pervert!"


    I giggled, feeling my hot cheeks. "Alright. Enough teasing.


    Naya is gloating in them." My eyes brightened as I thought about her wolf. It was a good thing to have a friend to share everything with.


    Though not everything. I was still hiding the fact that I was an elder because I couldn''t trust her with that information yet. I still needed to know why her Alpha was after me.


    Suddenly, Renee drove onto a road with houses on the sides. It was arranged on the sides like houses from the movies.


    "Woah, this is amazing."


    "It isn''t amazing when your neighbor has to be your keeper."


    I gasped.


    Don''t tell me you guys watch each other."


    She nodded affirmatively. "Yes. What do you think?


    Everyone is a spy for the alpha. Look at that, already peeking out for news." She jerked her head towards a house with high windows. A woman''s head peered out of the window to see who was riding past. It was us, of course. "She''s spying." I helped to say.


    "The Alpha is already aware you are here. Can you mind linking your Alphas?"


    I tilted my head. "Mind link? Does that kind of thing exist?"


    She gave a quick nod. "Why? I thought you guys had that."


    "No. We only do that to our wolves. There''s nothing like that here."


    "True. Only true mates could do that. But here, our Alpha has the ability to tap into the minds of his subjects. I call it dark magic."


    I narrowed my eyes on the opening windows. "I call it invading my privacy. Unless it''s my mate, that is." I sat upright. "Is he in your mind right now?"


    "If he was, ''ll know. Rx; we are not strong enough to fight him out of our minds, but he needs our wolf''s permission to invade our minds. He is not omniscient, just an a*****e." Renee seemed offended as she stopped in front of a house. "Well, this is my house. There might be an inspection tonight. Maybe if all of you get lucky, you will be taken to the pack house."


    Hooked around, relieved to see the Twins car stop behind me. They both got out before we did, probably to scan the area. "And if we are not lucky?"


    "A war could break out. You are in a strange territory where we have never been allies before. Expect the worst." I squinted. "You seem awfully calm for someone who brought in a rival pack, and you could be deemed a traitor."


    "I knew what I signed up for when I agreed to no concert or party. I also took the deal your Alpha offered. I am your ticket here."


    Zeke was beside me in an instant. "Enough chitchat."Where do we need to be?"


    Renee pointed at the house in front of us. "That''s my home. Come in."


    I was partly excited to be at Renee''s home. It was nothing like the manor back at home. The storm''s manor was considered the biggest and most quality house, built out of strong wood and in roofing sheets. The woods were carved out expertly into wooden statues and whatnot that couldst for centuries during winters and coats. Trees and fresh soil surrounded us. The insides were no worse.


    They were designed with clean y tiles that you could see your reflection on.


    The average wolf''s house was a cottage like my papa''s, yet it was home to me. It smelled like home and family. No one wasining since we hardly slept in roofed houses.


    We had roads that led to wherever you wanted them to, but they were just one way. One way to school with stops along each house, one way to the pack town market; one way to everything. Here I could see that there were many tiny roads leading to unknown destinations.


    Looking at Renee''s house, it was made of iron, zinc, and brick. Could they even use those things? We studied them in wolf cove because of the civilization of other realms we maye across. There was not a single tree in sight.


    "Won''t you suffocate in this thing called a house? And I have been meaning to say this, but there is no tree here.


    How do you run?"


    "On pack tracks." Renee walked us through the stairs and clicked on a button. It made me remember the manor when the elders burst in, sttering blood and soil, and how the maids had to clean it up. It made my blood boil then, but it also made them feel free to


    roam.


    Could it be why they chose our pack to stay? Or why was I born as an elder to my pack? For our old ways? We didn''t get carried away with these things, that''s for sure.


    I could see their shoes outside. One for a male and another for a female. Soon, footsteps were heard rushing towards the door. The door opened, and a double version of Ren¨¦e popped her head out.


    "Ren¨¦e, is that you?" The door was opened wide for us.


    Soon her eyes widened as she took in our appearances.


    For some reason, she couldn''t meet our eyes. She turned to Renee hotly. "You brought guests, and you didn''t inform me on time."


    Renee shrugged, ushering us to sit. The room was warm and cozy. It smelled rich, too. I guess this was a rich neighborhood.


    We have a problem."


    "What''s that?" A man who was old enough to be my father ventured out. "I sensed powerful figures in my home, and for a moment I thought the Alpha hade to visit us. Who are you all?"


    Ren¨¦e sighed. "This is my father," she said, introducing the man.


    I stood up immediately. "My name is Naya."


    Zeke and Kyle stood up too. They seized him up. Suddenly, the man lowered his gaze, and Zeke grinned. "You were able to hold our gaze for a minute. Only Betaine can do that."


    I was right all this time!


    "My father is a beta."


    "The f**k?" Kyle yelled in shock.


    "My father is a beta," Renee repeated, emphasizing the rank while I stood shocked. Zeke and Kyle exchanged knowing nces before sitting back down. On the other hand, I was still processing the revtion. I have always known Ren¨¦e was a beta, but not a real beta to the Alpha! What was I expecting? She was hiding these from me again.


    I wanted to ask Renee some questions when her father cleared his throat. He was a big man who probably intimidated people for a living, but with Zeke and Kyle here, I had nothing to worry about.


    "What did you say was the problem, Renee? You know, do not ept visitors unless the Alpha is aware of it."-


    "They don''t seem like ordinary children." Her mother hasn''t raised her eyes. It made me understand that she may be Omega.


    She didn''t lie about this part. Not entirely


    "We are from Wolf Cove, the neighboring pack. We are here on a mission." Zeke took the lead in exining our situation. "And we''ve been granted temporary refuge here."


    The beta''s eyebrows raised slightly. "We aren''t against Wolf Cove, but it''s dangerous for you all to be here. Our Alpha doesn''t usually offer such assistance to outsiders." Renee chimed in, "Well, it''s aplicated situation. Their mission won''t jeopardize our home.


    Immediately the


    inspectorse in, they will be taken to the pack house, I promise." She beckoned for us to follow her to her bedroom. "I promise we are not in trouble." We all followed her up the stairs.


    "But that''s the problem, Ren¨¦e. If they are not in trouble, we are!" Her mother screamed after us.


    "It''s okay. They will be taken anyway." Her husband cooed.


    "The Wolf Cove? They might not love to see another day."


    "I could swear those boys were strange and powerful, even that girl."


    "You are allowed to be overwhelmed, dear."


    I paused for a moment to hear more. He was saying that because she was Omega.


    "This is different. I swear."


    Deep down in my mind, I agreed with her. The only normal


    * people were Renee and her. As for the rest of us, we were different.


    If only they knew.

 Chapter 84

    Renee closed the door with a loud thud, turning back to us, she gave a shaky smile. "I can''t believe you guys are here in flesh and blood, but I have to pinch myself all over and over again. Please let this not be a mistake." She gave me a pleading look which had me turning to the twins. They were the ones who called the shots here.


    "No harm wille to your family." Zeke simply said.


    "You


    didn''t mention anything about your affiliation to your Alpha.


    "And make you trust me less? No." She took a seat in the bed which made me eye her room. It wasn''t like mine in every sense. It was decorated in Ren¨¦e''s style.


    She even had a big bed! I slowly walked towards the bed.


    "Your bed is nice." I patted the pink sheets. It seemed like Renee loved pink so much that she had to dye her hair pink. Compared to my dull sheets and almost hard bed, hers was better. I couldy down here all day.


    Renee hummed in response to mypliments. "Look, I didn''t tell you guys because it would only make me seem like a traitor. Naya here knows why I came to your school. I feel so terrible right now because my parents are ves under his rule."


    "Are you sure that they won''t tell on us?" I was almost afraid. I needed to rest before being dragged about like a doll


    "We are counting on that" Kyle muttered. "Can we use your bathroom and refresh ourselves? I have a feeling your parents or if not your parents the others who watched use in here are calling in the warriors."


    I rolled on her bed. "Do you have something for us? I mean to eat." My stomach growled a bit and Zeke shed me a re. He was offended for no reason.


    "A door to your right." She pointed at a hall. Like I said, her room was big, just not as big as the twins. "As for you my dear friend, my mother is making pork. I could perceive it miles away." At the puzzled look on my face, she added. "Don''t worry, they won''t poison you. They are people too, you know."


    "Not just weing people. Please, leave the room, Renee.


    We need to freshen up."


    She scoffed in annoyance. Of course I''d be annoyed if I was shooed out of my room. "Just don''t touch anything that isn''t yours. Naya,e with me." She gave me a skeptical look that asked the question if I wanted to stay with two seductive Alphas in a room. If I said yes, I would confirm what she was saying earlier. If I declined, Zeke would say I defiled his orders in an unknownnd.


    Although he hasn''t told me not to follow her yet.


    "She says with me."


    Oh s**t. From the distance, you could hear Kyle singing. I gave him a nervous smile. "Kyle has made himself home, hasn''t he?"


    Both of them weren''t looking at me. I guess Zeke wasn''t using his Alpha powers since she could look at him right onto the eyes now.


    It did notst as she turned away. "Fine. I know I can''tpete with you but it should be Naya''s choice too."


    I thought the attention was longer on me before. "H-thought this was between the both of you. Why am I in this discussion again?" I knew that was the dumbest thing to say, but I couldn''t make up a coherent sentence without sounding like a fool. Renee sighed, her frustration imprable as she nced back and forth between Zeke and me. She gave me a look,


    "pick a side." But it was really a rock and a head ce she was asking me to choose between. I haven''t really obeyed Zeke since my time here.


    It was my way of punishing him


    for bringing me here without my will... or maybe it was my will, but I was drunk! One night of silliness out me in this.


    Because I couldn''t have agreed toe on this death journey even if Renee was going to be here.


    The room seemed smaller and held its breath, waiting for a resolution. I realized that it was time to speak up and end this awkward standoff. I took a deep breath as my next statement would determine our rtionship.


    "I''ll stay with Zeke and Kyle for now," I finally said, trying to defuse the tension. "But Renee, we need to talkter. I want to understand everything." It was just all so confusing to hear her say that her parents won''t poison me.


    Zeke nodded in agreement, his expression softening. He had a proud look even. Was that a smirk? "We''ll catch up, Renee. But right now, we need to freshen up and be cautious."


    Renee seemed a bit disappointed by my decision but also understanding. She gave me a small smile. "Alright, I''ll let you guys get settled. Use the bathroom down the hall, and I''ll check on the food. We can continue our conversation over dinner" As she spoke Kyle came out of the bathroom, whistling. "Someone already made himself home." Then she left me to the wolves. Literally.


    Immediately Renee left the room, I turned to Kyle, who had stopped whistling and was now looking more serious. "Her shower was nice. But we don''t have to be reallyfortable."


    "We have to be careful here," Zeke warned. "This is an unfamiliar territory, and Renee''s pack has a different set of rules."


    "The Blood Moon pack." I chipped in, rolling my eyes.


    Ignoring my statement, Kyle chimed in, "And we need to figure out what''s going on with Alpha''s intentions. We can''t let our guard down. You especially." He pointed at me.


    I nodded in agreement, feeling a weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. He was trying to tell me to be careful with Renee. "I know, but let''s not jump to conclusions. We need information first. And Renee might be our best source. I had a good talk with her and she''s cool."


    "You are a bad judge of character." Zeke dismissed me.


    "I knew when Kyle did what he did." I deadpanned angrily.


    "Oh, please. That was ages ago." He dropped his towel without shame


    I narrowed my eyes on him, surprised the discussion was going this way, yet I couldn''t stop it and neither could I stop my eyes from looking down at his well endowed c**k. "I should take a picture of that and post it on the school walls. You would like that, wouldn''t you?"


    He took a step to me to which I involuntarily hid behind Zeke. "You look like you''d want a taste."


    I cleared my throat. "I should go and take my bath. It has been a long ride."


    I quickly made my way to the bathroom and freshened up.


    Zeke went after. It was strange to be in a different pack''s territory, but there was an air of familiarity too. Probably the home of Ren¨¦e made it seem so as the scents of ribs and pork filled the house. . They were really interested in


    making us feel wee, right? It made me a bit unsettled.


    The customs and scents were different, but the essence of a wolf''s life remained the same. You could see fur rugs here and there. I bet they had a den here too for the full moons.


    Once we were done, Renee called us to the dining area. Her family seemed friendly, though I could sense their unease around Zeke and Kyle. They didn''t reveal the reason why they were here, so.


    We sat down to eat, and the aroma of Ren¨¦e''s moms food filled the room.


    "Thank you for the meal." The food was delicious, and I couldn''t help but appreciate the gesture. It''s been a long time since I was outside of the manor.


    As we ate, Renee chose to exin more about our situation to her parents. I had a feeling she wasn''t going to tell them the whole truth. "I had organized a concert without you guys knowing and nned to invite friends from my school."


    I widened my eyes. Was she about to tell her parents of her secret?


    "Renee, what are you talking about?" Her father began.


    "Both of you have forgotten about my birthday, right?" She sounded really sound, but knowing Renee this could be her tactics to get out of the situation unscathed too.


    "Your birthday?" Her mother gasped. "Oh dear, I have been too busy with the boutique and your father here... we are sorry."


    "That''s why I had to invite people. Well, they heard about my party and came. But it was only them that came for me. They are my true friends."


    "Oh, for the love of the goddess.." her father began to protest when Ren¨¦e''s mom gave him a nudge.


    "It''s alright. We are fine with them being here even if they are from another pack. However, we can''t stop the inspection tonight. You know what that means." Her father said instead.


    "I understand. What I am saying is, Don''t allow another person to do it. Let it be the inspectors so that they can be taken to the Alpha." Renee said gently. Her way seemed to be working

 Chapter 85

    Dinner was quiet after that. It seemed like Zeke was brooding over his next move. Would he really allow the inspectors, or whatever their name was, to take us away like animals?


    I nudged him gently. Even though he was Alpha, he should know when to tell a family thank you for their hospitality.


    They weren''t supposed to be this warm, in my opinion. I wasn''t sure if they came to the manor Marley was going to treat them with the same hospitality.


    Once, I saw Ren¨¦e''s dad staring at Zeke and Kyle. Maybe he was trying to tell the difference between the two of them. They weren''t identical twins, but sometimes you couldn''t tell the difference between the two of them. Kyle could dress up as Zeke, and you would think he was Zeke. I loved both of them that way. It wasn''t surprising for me to fall in love with both of them. I mean, if I could have both of them, why wouldn''t I have them? They were mine.


    "Are you here, Naya?" Renee touched my hand, and I nearly recoiled at how cold she was. "Are you worried the collectors will take you away? I won''t let them take you harshly, if you must know."


    I sighed, looking at the expense of roads where lights litter the environment. It was different from our pack. At the wolf cove, the moon was our way. We see clearly at night, so why the bright lights? It was so quiet here, like there were no wolves in the area. "I understand. The one thing I do not understand is how quiet this ce is. What''s happening?"


    Renee smirked. "Trust me, a lot of things go on here. It''s just that the asion hasn''t called for it. When it does, trust me, you would want to go away from everything!


    I nced at her, her pink hair shimmering with all that light.


    "You have a lot of secrets, Renee, and I am not asking you to share them with me." I have my secrets too. I was an elder, and if I was looking for a spectacle, once they all realized it here, it would be chaos. "But I just want to ask, is there something else I should know about you?"


    I wasn''t being fair, I know. I hid things from her because I couldn''t trust her. Not yet.


    "I am not. That was my biggest secret. The fact that my father is a Beta to the Alpha that killed your Alpha makes me ashamed, but he is still my father. And they weed you." She tried to defend them. It wasn''t her fault. They were still her family. "Not exactly with open arms. And tell me something. You almost exposed yourself at the table. Your parents would be dumbfounded."


    She merely grinned. "I can''t tell them. They will have my head on a spike. Both packs aren''t at war, but there''s this unspoken tension between the Alphas. A wolf could smell it from miles away. What you guys are doing here is brave.


    I could never be that brave to tell my parents or let them know. Ever."


    She was really serious about this


    "Will you keep oning to our school?" I swallowed hard.


    It would be bad to miss such a friend, should they ever find out. "Your Alpha knows about your deeds."


    "Yet he pretended like he didn''t know me. He used me.


    That''s why none of you trust me; I get it." She blew her hair, and it bounced before returning. "I am so angry right now, and its like I have lost my freedom. You have to keep my secret a secret." She turned to me with pleading eyes. don''t care if our Alpha knows; I don''t even expect him to understand. I have always known that my punishment woulde. Just not today."


    "Ours is today." Iughed nervously.


    "You don''t belong here, Naya. You are tense, and you feel a monster is going toe out and attack you in theforts of my home." She emphasized thest part with a small smile.


    "Taunt me all you like."I shoved her yfully. We hadn''t even settled when loud noises caught our attention.


    "You can''t just barge into here without respect!"


    I heard Renee''s mom shout before some group of people barked.


    "You are harboring strange cargo. Bring them out or face punishment."


    "Sh." Renee ces her index finger on her mouth to stop me from moving. What about Zeke and Kyle? They had gone upstairs to rest while I chose to stay with Renee for old-time sake. All Zeke had done was give me a weary eye before leaving me. I knew he was nning something, and this visit wasn''t just to check on some things. Listening to myself now, that sounded like a flimsy excuse. He just wanted to test a theory.


    What if he knew about Ren¨¦e but didn''t want to make me panic? I shouldn''t trust the twins either. They were cunning and unpredictable, like their father. And wise too.


    "I am Beta. Why are you disturbing the peace of our home and that of other families?"


    I nced at the houses behind me. Some of them were alreadying out to see themotion. Their voices weren''t exactly subtle. They were loud and eager to show their authority. Where the heck were Zeke and Kyle? Not having them close to me made my hair stand. Renee could do less to protect me as she too was crouching low. We were supposed to be in bed, but we had taken a detour to the balcony to talk. I should have been with Zeke by now, basking in their calming scent and warmth.


    I miss them, even if they were a few feet away.


    "We are the Alpha personal guards, and we have been sent to retrieve cargo."


    "They are not cargo!" Renee''s father suddenly boomed, and I could swear the walls shook. Well, that should wake up those sleeping beauties by now. Urgh! "They are my guests, and you will treat them as such..."


    "What is going on here?" Kyle came down shirtless, revealing his tanned six-packs. His abs were refined and broad for an eighteen-year-old. Even a fool knew they weren''t ordinary. He didn''t pack his hair in a ponytail but left it cascading. He paused at the foot of the stairs, folding his hands over his chest. "Oh, the inspectors?"


    Zeke followed after. His eyes were tired, but I wouldn''t be fooled if I were those guards. Those eyes were as alert as they would be when he was fully awake. He too wasn''t putting on a shirt, and his muscles were ripped and trembled. His slim and t stomach put the ps under my stomach to shame.


    One of them stepped forward with papers in his hands.


    "You are from a different pack. You didn''t pass through the checkup," one of them started to say without formalities.


    I just wasn''t expecting what Zeke did next. He raised his fists and, in a sh, punched the talking man. He fell t to the floor, crouching his nose and yelling in pain. I gasped at the blood pouring out of his nose and the bit of skin and blood that stuck to Zekes fingers.


    "You bravely enter someone''s house in the middle of the night without proper formalities." He spat in disgust. "My patrolling guards are better than you." Then he flung something I thought I had seen before.


    "It''s the envelope of invitation. I am Alpha Zeke, and...


    "he


    gestured for Kyle to speak for himself.


    "Kyle." Kyle simply said it without the Alpha title. It was smart. I jolted when I heard Zeke call my name. It ran shivers through my spine.


    "Naya!"


    I swallowed hard, shivering, while Renee watched with wide eyes. Well, that was my life every day. Thanks to Zeke''s unpredictability, I tend to see this disy around the pack once in a while.


    As for Kyle, he made sure the women never heard of him. I flew out of my position before I''d be next. "Yes?" I eyed his hand, and my heart went out to him, although I doubt he would be very happy to see me coo over him in the presence of his enemies. The guards were halfway through the envelope. After confirming the seal, they slowly folded the envelope.


    Something told me that if they wanted to put Zeke down, they would have done that since they had the equipment.


    Why invite him here? And they never told me about any f*****g letters! I thought we were going to get thrown out like trash. It was surprising how tight their security was, but ours could be a sanctuary for people like Renee. The other guard on the floor was picked up by the others and carried to their car.


    "Alright. We apologize for ourck of manners. Can you follow us, Alpha Zeke and Kyle?"The guards didn''t even apologize to Ren¨¦e''s family.


    "Give us a minute to wear our clothes." One look at Zeke and Kyle told me they needed my presence.

 Chapter 86

    ere supposed to be with us. What were you doing outside?"


    I tried to pull my hands from his vice-like grip. "Seriously? I was with Renee. We have a lot to catch up with, and I have so many questions."


    Kyle gently pried his brother''s hands from mine. "It''s fine now." It was as if he wanted to pull me into his chest and kiss me.


    "You are cute when you are scared."


    I slipped from their bodies, which were about to squish me in between. "I am sorry." I have been apologizing for things that were not my fault these days.


    Zeke clicked the roof of his tongue in annoyance. "What are we going to do about you? If you keep doing this, I may not be able to protect you." Hraised my hands yfully. "I have both of you."


    "Keep pouting like that and see if I''ll protect you." There was a hint of yfulness in his eyes. It made me happy for a moment. It wasn''t all the time you saw Zeke yful. It made me wonder about the irony of the situation. The fact that he was smiling while there''s danger outside the doors


    "Change into a beautiful gown. We will go in grand style." Zeke cleared his throat.


    Kyle eyed himself with appreciation. "They brought us out here thinking we were kids. We will show them just how mature we are. Nice work out there, Zeke."


    "I bet their ears are glued to the door, listening to what we are saying."


    I shrugged. "I don''t care. What I care about is the fact that I don''t have a beautiful gown to wear."


    "What?" Both Kyle and Zeke eximed simultaneously. It had some of the inspectors banging at our door.


    "Alright, just put some clean clothes on, because you are noting with us in pajamas." Kyle grimaced as soon as he said it. It was like an abomination.


    I rolled my eyes where they would not see me and pluck them out. "I''ll just pick something." I contemted asking Renee for a gown, but I decided against it immediately.


    "Hurry."


    Huh? Yea. I quickly put on jeans that showed my curves well and a simple blouse. It would enable me to fight if I wanted to. Even if I wanted to change into my gown, it would shrink well enough for me to slip out of it, unlike a gown. A beautiful gown would tear into pieces. What were Zeke and Kyle thinking when they asked me to change into a beautiful gown?


    "Once this is over, we must go shopping. I don''t like those things in your bag."


    "Well, suck it up. They have been with me long before you knew me." I stuck out my tongue at them, which merely amused Zeke. I shook my head before slipping into my sandals. It was simple-too simplepared to what Zeke and Kyle were putting on. Jeez, I resembled a maid instead of theirpanion.


    "I am going out. You cannot keep intimidating me with your clothes."


    Kyle snickered knowingly. "Poor Brawn is ashamed she didn''t bring something nice to wear." Then his smile disappeared as he turned to Zeke. "Promise me we will beautify her after this."


    I won''t let theme too close to me. If they did, I would give them trouble of my own. Zeke chuckled as he saw my irritated expression.


    "Let''s go. Naya, stay beside me.


    They were increasingly possessive, and it scared me. What if I was truly their mate? Besides, their birthdays wereing up in a few days. We should be in the pack by then.


    Renee gasped as soon as she saw the boys. "Really?"


    Zeke gave her a simple pat. "I am an Alpha, dear." He turned to her parents with a frown. "I apologize for hiding this from you, but we were invited for a meeting. We couldn''t reveal it until the inspectors were here. But then," Zeke turned his fury to the inspectors. "They had to be rude."


    Renee''s father was still shocked, but he quickly recovered.


    "It exins why I wasn''t able to look at you for long. You are still a kid. How did you...?"


    Yes, I puffed up in pride. Zeke was an amazing kid. "He actually fought more than fifteen wolves. He chose the hard way. Kyle here was gifted naturally." I didn''t know the implications of my words until all eyes were on me.


    Mr. Renee seemed confused. "The hard way?"


    I cleared my throat. "Er."


    Mrs. Renee raised her eyes in realization. "Oh, he is unmated." She gave a light giggle. "I thought you were their mate."


    Their? Did she actually think I was mates to both of them?


    Why does everyone keep saying that? "I am not."


    Kyle snorted.


    . "She could as well pass for our mate since


    she knows everything about us." He gave Mrs. Ren¨¦e one of his charming smiles. "Giftse to me naturally. I am Kyle." He took her plump hands, bringing them close to his lips, and nted a simple kiss on them. Why didn''t he do this the first time he was here? He was on his phone!


    "Urgh!" I groaned.


    Kyle shed me a sour look. "Jealous that much."


    Mr. Renee took Zeke''s hand in a handshake. "We may have treated you badly, but you are still an alpha. There are people who look up to you. If you need help, we will be here."


    Zeke nodded, releasing his hands and using a white handkerchief to wipe them. Then he threw it to me beforewalking out. He threw the f*****g handkerchief at me!


    "What the f**k?" I gasped at his audacity. Taking a deep breath, I smiled at Renee.


    "We will meet again, yeah?"


    "Sure. At school." Then she pulled me into a side hug, her chin resting on my shoulders.


    "Youing here was the


    best birthday gift ever." Her eyes were a little sad.


    I knew what she was going through because it had happened to me a lot of times. There were countless times I stopped remembering my birthday because there was no one there to celebrate it with me. Which was why I was at the mating age, but I had no idea if it was before or after my age. I was certain I wasn''t up to eighteen yet.


    But Renee was different from me in many ways. She had whatever money could buy. I had nothing, and to eat at the manor was as if I weremitting a crime. I usually sneak into the kitchen after the lights go out.


    It was how I survived at the manor, but Zeke and Kyle would never know. Nobody must know. "Later."


    Renee smiled wider as the door opened. Thest image I saw was that of her parents hugging her with apologies in their eyes.


    I never had that.


    "You are surprisingly quiet." Kyle nudged me as soon as we were ushered into a Jeep. "Aren''t we using our cars?"


    "We will drive it for you."


    "Er, no." Zeke shook his head. "No one drives my baby except me. "Don''t you have a bigger truck that can tow my baby away or something?"


    That was sick. To tow his baby away. One of the guards snapped his hhands,and a bigger truck appeared from nowhere. Were they expecting us to resist or something?


    They always had everything ready. I eyed their shock sticks wearily. That should keep a strong wolf down for a few minutes.


    Wait, Baron didn''t tell them he was expecting some visitors? Well, considering our wee attack package and the inspectors barging into people''s homes, I knew this meeting or whatever it was wouldn''t be pleasant. The thought of that weighed heavily on my mind.


    I raised an eyebrow at Kyle, who was still staring at me intensely. "What?" My eyes asked in irritation. I wanted to be left alone since this visit was overwhelming. I have a feeling they had more equipment to capture people like me.


    I was sure they knew what I was for them to send monsters at me. Could I really trust the twins not to hand me over to the blood moon pack for political alliances?


    1 shivered in fear.


    "You should be asking questions or making a snarkyment, not this deathly silence. I don''t like it." Kyle gestured into an open car. I slipped in without a word. As usual, Zeke was beside me, and once again, I was sandwiched between the two of them. "Zeke, what did you do to Naya?" Kyle whined suddenly, causing Zeke and I to frown in surprise. "I can''t be the only one talking here."


    "Well, what do you want me to say?" I snapped at his childish attitude. It was imitating. "That I am scared?" The car was quiet after that. Two guards entered from different sides, and soon the engine started.


    Kyle chuckled, not hurting one bit. "Okay. I''ll leave you alone."


    He didn''t sound like someone who was going to do just that.


    I sighed.

 Chapter 87

    I was actually surprised Kyle chose to leave me alone. It was kind of him and, at the same time, infuriating. wanted to hear his voice as he teased andforted me when I felt down.


    He wasn''t exactlyforting, but his words would make my situation sound so smallpared to how it actually was. "Alright, you can talk now." I started, eyeing him from the corner of my eye. "I am sorry."


    Kyle nodded with a dangerous, yet mischievous, glint in his eyes. He wasn''t so forgiving of the pack that killed his father. "There are two guards working directly for the Alpha of this pack in this vehicle. They don''t seem to like discussions." "Really?" I eximed in a loud voice, ying along with Kyle. It was his own way of infuriating the guards.


    However, you do not want to see an angry Kyle, because you won''t be able to decipher if he was threatening you by joking with you.


    "Sh, Naya. You do not want to anger the inspectors." Kyle boomed thest part in a loud manner, causing me to snort. The name ''inspectors'' was really stupid. Who calls their wolves ''inspectors''? We were wolves, not some f*kg army. I eyed the rear mirror, where one of them gave me a weary re. He knew he was in for a long night. The second didn''t seem like he was fazed by anything. He was the type that lobed to do their job'' no matter the circumstances. "Hey!" I tapped at the man. "Do you work closest to the Alpha? If not, why are you so stiff?"


    Kyle burst into loudughter. "You are so silly." He admonished with a bit of love in it. I felt it somehow. This was how it should be-no tension, except the s**** ones, of course.


    Noved this side of Kyle. Despite the negative fact that he poured me pop soda on our first encounter, I couldn''t resist the positive fact that his wolf, Shadow, was the first to wee Naya. It was as if Shadow knew something I didn''t. "Oh, he definitely does." Naya chipped in like a small rat.


    She has been quiet all day, watching me bicker and smile around.


    "What''s that?"


    Naya sighed before scratching her hind fur. It was not an easy side to reach, so she was trying her best to scratch away. "Look, Naya. Some things are not best said." Her voice held a tinge of sadness.


    "Is it the fact that I am an elder? Wait a minute, do they have something on me that I don''t know?" I asked Naya, wide-eyed like a child, who shook her head. It was as if she wanted to poke my shiny eyes with her ws. Oh, yes, Naya was irritated by both of us. "Drop the subject and focus on getting out of here. Don''t mess with Kyle. He has the brains and muscles to get out of here alive. Not you."


    I rolled my eyes at her words. The irony of it all? We didn''t have what Kyle had. Don''t even talk about Zeke and his charismatic nature. Looking at him now, I was reminded of our night of pleasure. I would do anything to have that night again, right here, right now. "Are you alright?" Kyle''s concerned face blocked my view.


    He was another dose of pie at my feet. It was apparently close, but not within my reach. He was out of my league and made for people like Brooke. Who was calling right about now?


    But he wasn''t picking up. 1 don''t understand.


    "You are not picking up your phone. Isn''t that Brooke?"


    Kyle blinked, refusing to look at the phone.


    "I will call her


    "I am sorry. What is going on?" I frowned at the guards, who had their eyes on me the entire time and not the road.


    When they turned back to the road, I noticed we were approaching a ce that looked like the pack house.


    It was obvious how magnificent it was. "Wow." I pointed at the sheer beauty. There was nothing to be seen after the rows and columns of houses we passed by. But this? This was beautiful.


    It was beautiful to me because I haven''t seen anything better than this before.


    "Wow, they put up the lights too." Kyle said it in a bored tone. "It''s almost like a celebration."


    "We are going for a meeting, remember?" Zeke spoke slowly, like he was talking to a two-year-old. "We weren''t the only ones invited, so get a grip of yourself, Naya." Oh, he was referring to me, as always. I thought he was speaking to Kyle.


    But I was the one who was excited, not Kyle, so yeah, it was directed at me.


    "Where do they run?"


    "On tracks. The two guards answered me. Clearly, they were both eager to show me the wonders of their pack.


    "The tracks are soft under the feet and absorb heat. When the heat is absorbed, it makes the ground a bit cold.


    Bnces all things." One of the guardspleted


    "It''s a beautiful thing."


    Huh? Clearly, he hasn''t been on our forest floor before. The trees blur as we pass by, the dew drops on our fur and our eagerness to shake it off, the sun filters through the leaves, offering whatever bnce they are talking about. "Is it?" I asked gently. Why did Ren¨¦e leave these ''beautiful things'' toe to our pack? It seemed like everything was artificial to me. No wolf would like it.


    Everything should be of nature. Everything should be about...


    "I don''t feel good, Naya." I whispered to my wolf. It happened this morning. I was thinking about stuff like this, and my body began to feel numb.


    "I don''t feel good either. If only we had a chance to talk to Elder Rosalie. Rest assured, this silly excuse for suicide wille to an end in three days."


    Three days? I groaned to the heavens. Both guards seemed to be lost in thought because I asked a single question about whether it was really as beautiful as they thought it was.


    "Tell me, have you ever left the pack?"


    "It''s forbidden." One of them snapped.


    That earned me angry res from Zeke and Kyle. They didn''t like where this question was going, but something in me wanted to continue the conversation. I was determined to make them see a world better than this.


    "It should not be forbidden." I slowly said, although I felt my body grow numb and my eyes a bit dizzy. I dropped my head on Kyle''s broad shoulders. "I don''t feel so good, Kyle."


    He was on me in an instant. It made me wonder if we were truly friends. "What''s wrong?"


    Zeke ced his rough, wide palms on my head. It was warm andforting. "You are hot; stop talking."


    I shook my head. "Everyone deserves to live just fine, free from confinement. I feel that you are confined and that you want out. I should release your wolf into the world." By now, I was saying gibberish because I couldn''t think! Each time I wanted to think, it mixed into jellies.


    "I don''t think she is aware of what she is saying. We need to calm her down."


    "Elder Rosalie.


    . I tried to stop them from talking so that


    they would hear me. It was as if I was drunk all over again.


    But this time it wasn''t with wine. It was something I could ce my hands on. There was a source around here that I was tapping into.


    "Stop the car!" Zeke thundered in anger.


    "I can''t until we get to the house. Alpha''s orders." The first guard replied like nothing was happening. It seemed at that moment they didn''t mind their own thoughts.


    I sighed, knowing why he would not follow Zeke''s order.


    "Leave him, Zeke. He has been given an order with a hint of the Alpha''s power infused in it. You can''t stop him because you are not his Alpha."


    Kyle had an amused smile on his face. "And how did you know about all of these?" He seemed so handsome. His jaw lines were so clean and sharp that they could cut into anything. His eyes were more colorful than usual.


    "You are pretty." I dropped my head into his chest again, moving it from side to side so that I would drown in his scent.


    "I think she is either in heat or something else. Her hair is beginning to glow purple. They are almost covering her hair." Zeke whispered to Kyle, despite knowing wolves had supernatural hearing. He was wise enough not to reveal my powers yet.

 Chapter 88

    "What''s happening to her?" One of the guards asked. His face was etched with concern as he watched us from the rear mirror.


    "None of your business. Just step on it." Zeke murmured, stretching his hands to cup my face. "Youined about this in the morning.


    I scoffed weakly, feeling my strength leave me. "And you ignored me." My mind went back to when I felt numb and a bit weak. Panicking, I ran into Zeke''s room. Then he chose that moment to touch me and do things to my body. With Kyle holding me... I could feel my strength returning. Even in double folds, Zeke touched me more. I could be imagining all of these. "I wanted to discuss this with Elder Rosalie. How do I do that now?"


    "Don''t worry, we will find a way." Kyle nodded, petting me.


    Suddenly, he was the loving and caring man I had always wanted. Not some bully. The thought made me excited.


    I grabbed Zeke and Kyle''s hands. They were warm, and I loved how big their hands were-enough to hold my tiny ones. "Hold me." Sleep was enveloping me.


    "Ah, I love this." Naya muttered in my ears. "Their hands are so warm. I can feel Shadow and me reaching out to me for some reason." She was rolling on the floor now.


    "Enjoy it while you can. Once I am better, they will go back to being bullies and teasers. They are so kind to me that it is unreal. Their bodies made me calm." I sighed, putting both their hands under my neck where my scent was better


    "Why do you think we are acting like this? Is it because of our elder blood?" Naya asked curiously.


    "I feel there is a source we are tapping into that we do not know about. This ce triggered it." I simply concluded. It was true. From the time I came here until now "There''s something living in me that''s trying toe out. You should be prepared too, Naya. It may fight for your position."


    "Huh? What do you mean?" She sat up immediately, eying me through her blue eyes. I cleared my throat outwardly, causing the twins attention to be on me.


    "You are dumb like me." I snapped in irritation. "I said, When wake up, I may not be you or me. I may be someone else." could feel something else taking over my skin. It was intentional now, and it was spreading fast, unlike the other day.


    The elder blood! "I think it''s the elder blood." I whispered to Kyle, who nodded to Zeke. It was as if they were expecting it.


    "I suspected it, but I wasn''t entirely sure. Say no more."


    Zeke was ring at the guards, who didn''t seem to mind their own business.


    "Hey! Drive."


    "Elder blood?" The guard whispered to his friend, and I rolled my eyes weakly.


    Suddenly, a voice whispered close to me. "Should Ishut them up and set them free as we intended?"


    I nodded. "Nobody must know that I have Elder Blood. Elder Rosalie told me not to say a thing. We are in the enemy''s pack, and I''ll be a target."


    "Are you talking to someone?" Naya was piqued with Interest..


    "No."


    Her eyes lit up immediately as she scanned the corners of my mind. "It must be here. What should we do?"


    I closed my eyes tightly, as this was a fight in my inner self.


    There was nothing the twins could do but help me endure the numbness and give me strength. "Wee them."I muttered, allowing myself to be open. I let go of my sentiments, and soon I was in a different ce. Kyle Storm


    "She has slipped into the darkness." Shadow began to panic and pace about. He was going to give me a headache if he wasn''t careful.


    "Can you stop doing that?" I snapped angrily at him.


    "Doing what?" His face was so innocent. Oh, s**t. He did not know what he was doing. "Hold her well."


    "I will." I sighed. "We are giving ourselves away. I thought we agreed not to let her know. Everyone will suspect that she''s our mate."


    "Of course she is our mate, even though she doesnt know.


    She asked for our hand!" Shadow was beyond excited. "I don''t know why you and Zeke decided to take this route of hiding things from her. She will not reject us contrary to our fear." His voice became lower at the end "You see, you are scared too. One week of kindness won''t erase months of bullying. I feel we don''t deserve this gentle soul."


    "She''s even more fragile now that she''s an elder. I can''t believe it. She has the ancient Elder Blood in her! What could have caused this reaction? Was she born with it or was it given to her? She couldn''t have been created only to be manifesting her powers now. Look, the purple is taking over."


    Shadow talked too fast for me toprehend him. We just needed to go to a ce of rest so she could sleepfortably. I turned to Zeke, who was also in my thoughts. "What are we going to do?"


    "Get her a ce to rest. She may be fighting with her inner self now. ording to the books, " He suddenly stopped to catch the guards eyes on him. Whoa, they were even quicker to avert their gaze away. Those crooks! "Aren''t we there yet?" He grunted in a way that showed his patience was running out. I wasn''t surprised to see Zeke in this sensitive mood. Posted by  These days, he was so picky and easily irritated. I was sure the thought of being away from the pack made him really jumpy. It made me jumpy too, as l couldn''t wait to get back to thefort of the pack.


    They swallowed each other before taking a hard turn into the big building''spound. The rest of the cars stopped behind us.


    The building was simply magnificent. It was made from red bricks, and lights bung everywhere, almost blinding me. "Seriously?"


    "Wee!" A sharp voice rang out in joy. I squinted, shocked to see Mr. Diego in ck robes and a smile. A group of people followed him from behind without a smile on their faces. On the other side of his hand were three maids with a ss of water and a wet towel. I could see the water around its edges. The f**k?


    "Zeke, are you seeing this?" I pointed at the man.


    Zeke nodded, opening the car doors. "I see what you see, brother. Should I carry her or?" From the eager look in his eyes, I knew he preferred that I let him. I smirked, ncing at Naya''s string grip on both our hands.


    "I''ll do the honors. Just be an Alpha." I quickly said, jumping out of the car.


    Zeke gave me another stiff nod, then he dusted his clothes and raised the sides of his lips to resemble a smile to wee the Alpha. It was obvious from the distance that Mr. Diego was the Alpha. If Zeke was disappointed, he didn''t show it. There would be plenty of time for Nayater.


    Now he has to y the dutiful Alpha for the sake of political alliances.


    Besides, this was the perfect way to distract myself from slicing Mr. Diego''s neck. He killed my father, yet he smiled like he did nothing wrong. The invitation said it was a meeting for all Alphas. This was a political thing, so all feelings had to be put aside. There was no way we would just barge in, acousing the Alpha without proof.


    Yes, that''s all we need to bring him down. Proof of his conspiracy with probably the spy in our pack, and when I get them, they would be punished severely. Pulling an unconscious Naya close to my chest, I turned her until she was over my shoulders. Perfect. Although her purple hair dangled dangerously, It needed to be covered.


    A ck scarf was quickly shoved into my face. I blinked to see who it was when it was one of the guards. He was smiling now. The other guard also had a smile on his face.


    And when the other guard simply gave me a nod to go ahead and collect it, I knew something had changed in them. They were showing a bit of respect.


    I snatched the ck scarf without asking questions, quickly tying Naya''s head before the Alpha got to my side.


    Zeke has been doing a good job distracting him.


    Sometimes, we work in sync and think the same thing. It was the same with Shadow and me, too. That was one of the perks of being a twin. To work and do things together.


    I was learning that recently. Naya was the cause. She made me understand what it meant to work together, even if she did not realize it. Sometimes, I still hear her small, nagging voice in my head, asking me to join Zeke and fight alongside him.


    He was my brother, and she was also my mate. I loved both of them to death. With that, I bnced Naya over my shoulders well. Her hair was now covered with the ck scarf and no longer visible.

 Chapter 89

    I closed my eyes, and when I opened them, I found myself in an entirely new world. It was a world I hadn''t anticipated would be better than Wolf Cove. Wolf Cove paled inparison to this beautifulnd. The world around me was andscape that shimmered in hues of blue, the color of my eyes, and red, the color of my hair. It was overly purple. Even the floor seemed to buzz with an intensity I couldn''tprehend.


    There was a subtle energy in the air and an aura in the fields that made me want to stay here forever. But I knew I had to understand why I was here in the first ce-to get lost and never go back to my lovers.


    Yes, I was safe to think of them and call them my lovers.


    No one would berate me for doing that. I lowered my hands to the grass, swaying gently with the energy. That was when I realized I was without my sandals. My legs were bare, and...


    + was naked. "Ouch!" A hand tapped from behind me. They were so warm. I turned to see a version of myself. She grinned before transforming into a wolf I knew so well, like the back of my hands. I cooed in delight, d I wasn''t the only one in this strangend. I didn''t know if it was real or not.


    "Naya!" I engulfed her furry body in a big hug. Her boy warmed my cold and made one. Seriously, I couldn''t have entered here with clothes? Was my mind that perverted?


    Naya did well to wee me. Id say she was happy to see me.


    "Have you been here for long?" I asked, expecting her to talk to me.


    The only thing she did was nuzzle me fondly, then she jerked her head behind me. She was trying to tell me something. I chuckled in astonishment at her endearing behavior. "What? Cat got your tongue?" It was back to teasing again, but with the heavy nudge Naya gave me, she wasn''t in the mood


    So I was tempted to turn in the direction of her gaze.


    Approaching from a distance was a woman. But she was nothing like I had ever seen before. She kind of exuded the aura of Elder Rosalie, but even better. One of wisdom and power. It was as if she knew everything, even the reason why I was here. As she walked closer and closer, I could see the world in her eyes. They were a reflection of myself.


    "What the f**k?" I yelled as Naya nipped my ankle in a (not-so-endearing way. I kicked her hind legs in anger, to which she yelled and took some steps backward. I was so happy to see her, but not anymore.


    "Language!" The woman yelled from a distance. She wasn''t cussing in her beautiful field. Great. Just great. Her hair was the longest I had ever seen. and they were made from the grasses of the field. Weird and perfect. It carried the weird colors I saw on the elders. White, green, blue, orange, and wine. Then my color was at the center of her hair. They upied half of her hair.


    I gasped at the realization of who she was. She was the one who created the Elders! I took in my surroundings, understanding why I was here in the first ce. My elder blood brought me here, no less


    Soon, she came closer to me, confirming everything I had seen from afar. It was as if she was never far away to begin with. There was a kind smile on her face. And no, she wasn''t naked like I was. She was, in fact, dressed in soft, colorful clothes-the type I see on the elders whenever theye to perform their duties. I had only the privilege of seeing them up close because I was part of the manor. A long time ago, I would never havee close to them. Or spoken with Elder Rosalie.


    "Hush now. No more thinking. Focus on me." The woman spoke. Her voice sounded like bells, and her skin was filled with those beautiful colors. They were beautiful.


    My mind was in a frenzy. Her voice suddenly made me focus on her. And on her alone.


    Her satisfactory nod told me I was doing well. "Wee, child of the Elder Blood, she said, her voice echoing like distant thunder this time around.


    . "You have crossed into


    the wolf realm of your ancestors, down to where the powers of the elders reside." Her hands touched the grass, which seemed to sway in delight at her presence.


    I wanted to say something, but I couldn''t. It was as if I were paralyzed in her presence. Seemingly lost for words, I closed my gaping mouth. My heart pounded in my chest, and several times I had to touch the chest where my heart was beating underneath to see if I was still alive.


    "I know you want to say something. I will let you. But know this. You carry the Elder Blood in you. Do you know what that means?"


    At the end of her words, I finally found the will to speak. My clogged throat opened up again. "What does that mean?


    Why am I here?" My voice didn''t sound stable. I was trembling both from cold and shock. The onlyfort I had was the fact that Naya was beside me. Even though she was still weary of me. How dare she bite me? I could see she wasn''t happy with the woman''s presence. "Elder Rosalie told me..."


    "Elders are created, not born. You were born as an elder, my dear. It only stayed dormant until you came of mating age." The woman sighed. "My sister made it so. You cane out now, sister."


    At the mention of ''my sister'', I narrowed my eyes at the figure who emerged from the grasses. It was a woman. A very shy woman. She was tiny like me and had ck eyes that seemed to pierce into my soul. Her hands were veiny and long. Same with her legs. But the upper part of her (body...


    I couldn''t describe it. All I knew was that I was looking at a half-animal and half-body form. She was pretty and powerful, with no description due to her many shapes and forms. They were all animalistic in nature.


    Her eyes went to Naya immediately. A smile lifted her shy face as she tapped on the buzzing earth. "Hey, Wolfie,e on."


    Naya leaped to her side immediately, causing me to roll my eyes wearily. "Really? You bit me, Naya."


    The woman simply giggled. "She doesn''t like my sister, dear, and the only way she could tell you that was to gently. bite you. I can hear her apologizing constantly. She says she is sorry."


    I sighed, knowing I could never stay mad at Naya for long.


    "Who are you?"


    "The moon goddess." She quickly replied for a shy woman.


    It made me wonder if she was ever shy in the first ce or if she just looked shy. "My sister, who has been trying to hide her identity from you, is the elder one. It''s why she is called an elder. She also has wolf blood in her." She stopped petting Naya for a moment. "Sister, why am I the one telling her this?"


    Suddenly, Elder One extended a hand, and I instinctively reached out to take it. When our hands touched, I felt a rush of energy coursing through me. It was as if a river of knowledge and power was flowing into my very being.


    "Because somehow she found a way into our realm without proper training." She was looking at me curiously now. It made me feel self-conscious since I wasn''t putting on anything and was bare for them to see. "Did I make a mistake?"


    The moon goddess gave Naya onest heavenly run, which Naya relished before standing up. "You didn''t. Try to remember thest time you went down to their realm. Did you have a lover, perhaps? It''s for a reason, dear sister." With my hand attached to the elder one, I couldn''t help but wonder if it was true. Could it be that she came down or something?


    The elder one shook her head. "Lucky me. I made a mistake one time. I slept with a wolf. One of your creations!" Her face held a disgust I couldn''t ce. It made me understand that although wolves and elders were meant to co-exist, it didn''t make them love each other instantly.


    "Yeah. But you did sleep with that wolf, and it wasn''t a mistake. I never see a mistake in my creations." Her kind eyes went to Naya, who was back by my side. Loyal as always.


    "I don''t see a mistake in mine." The thoughtfulness I saw faded to be reced by amusement. "You have her two of them. How would she be able to handle them if I didn''t give her this gift?"


    Why were they discussing me like I wasn''t here?


    "You carry the Elder Blood within you."


    "You carry the wolf''s blood within you." They both said it at the same time. "It is a legacy passed down through generations, a connection to us."


    "Your papa is one of us, but he didn''t tap through. I have been waiting!"


    "Is? My omega papa? Or is there another?"


    The two of them seemed shocked at my reply.


    "Oh, she does not know." The elder one whispered to her sister.


    The moon goddess shook her head in pity. "But he knows."

 Chapter 90

    Kyle Storm


    "She must be so tired from the journey" Mr. Diego looked different from thest time I saw him. He had muscles that couldn''t be hidden even under those robes. His hair was slightly coiled back with ck gel, and his eyes had ck rims around them. Either he hasn''t been sleeping well or that was how he looked. What surprised me more was how younger he was, unlike thest time. He was aging like fine wine. This man was a bit different from the man who killed my father.


    It made me skeptical of who he truly


    was.


    There was a dark aura around him. It smelled like an Alpha''s, but at the same time, it was something I couldn''t ce my thoughts on. I cradled Naya properly so that neither the noise nor the ufortable position would wake her up. If I must say, she twitched a little to the right when I cradled her closer. Unconsciously, she was leaning closer to me. We needed a ce toy her down so she could rest.


    "We all are. After all, we didn''t have a warm wee." Zeke''s hands were in his pockets. He did that whenever he was observing his environment, and I could tell he was doing that right now.


    Mr. Diego paused to beam at Zeke. "You deviated from the right path. We don''t use short cuts here."


    Zeke gave him an equally unhappy smile. "Ah. Then we left" a trail of bodies behind. I hope you don''t mind."


    Mr. Diego subtly gave his guards side nces. They all dispersed to do what I couldn''t decipher. "It is their duty to make sure our guests don''t stray off the path. If you saw that as an attack, who am I to disagree?"


    "You don''t seem offended, and you look familiar for some reason." Zeke yed with the lion''s tail. He was going to provoke Diego, but to me, it seemed fertile. In fact, everything we did here seemed to be going downhill.


    "Many people say I look like a school teacher. Would you like to refute that fact?" The smile was gone from his face now as he seized Zeke from head to toe. He looked squashable to me. Like a mosquito on gum, ready to be squashed.


    "No. Zeke backed out like the gentle man he was. Pff, my brother was no gentleman. Cold, calctive? Yes, he was that. He must have figured out how foolish it was to challenge an alpha in his territory without a concrete n. "Shall we?" Diego ushered us in as he inconspicuously monitored Naya. "Your mate? I didn''t n for extra guests."


    He was definitely desperate to know who I carried in my hands. Really? Did he really want to know that? I wasn''t in the mood to share the reason why Naya was like this. I could break his f****g nose if he continued to prod me for answers. I froze, feeling annoyance coursing through my body. "Well, s**k it up. You didn''t expect us to walk in here without someone to apany us, right?"


    "Kyle." Zeke warned carefully. Don''t worry, brother, 1 won''t reveal our mission here.


    "Careful, Kyle. I don''t smell ''nice from this man." Shadow expressed his anger in a weird way. He always did that when he didn''t like the aura of a fellow wolf. Or, in this case, a fellow Alpha. Of course, he was sketchy.


    "Hold me back because I promise this won''t be thest he sees of me." I gulped down my anger, but it rumbled in my stomach like an undigested meal.


    Shadow sounded pained as he spat. "me already warned me. I can''t do s**t and ruin our ns. I need to know why this f*****g Alpha killed my father."


    "It''s alright." I took a deep breath to calm him down.


    "We are here for a meeting. I won''t have disrespect in my pack. If you cannot respect me in my pack, leave. Besides, you and your brother have already killed twenty of my pack (guards and injured one. I don''t like it." He wasn''t like before, as more darkness covered his already dark form.


    Seriously? Was this man into sorcery or something like that? Maybe he had elders backing him up. But we were the only ones capable of doing that. They were our elders, not his.


    We were the only pack in this realm with elders, hence our rights and respect.


    "I am cool." I resigned from making a fool of myself. "You haven''t properly introduced ourselves. It''s like you know who we are from our looks."


    Mr. Diego popped out a sillyugh that hid his annoyed feelings earlier. "No, I don''t."


    I raised an eyebrow in shock, and Zeke did the same. Like I said, we work in sync.


    "You don''t know who we are?" If he


    did, he was hiding it well, because even I couldn''t smell a single lie in him. His heartbeat was perfectly stable, and his face seemed innocent. Jeez, he was going to let us believe what we saw, huh? "That''s bullshit." Shadow spat bitterly.


    "I don''t believe him." I agreed with Shadow.


    "But everything shows he''s saying the truth."


    "Alphas are good liars too." I eyed my brother, who pretended like he wasn''t shocked. The fact was that we both managed to hide our murderous intent until now.


    Weren''t we amazing enough to be called good liars?


    "But." The man grinned before checking Zeke and me out.


    Wait... Gross.


    I grimaced like I just ate something raw. "What?"


    "It''s obvious where you are from."


    I looked at Zeke''s clothing. "What gave us away?" If he wanted us to y along, sure, I was in for the ride. I was known as the maniptive master. He was stupid to think I''d fall for his show. "Shoes." He jerked his head towards my shoes.


    I followed his gaze down to my legs. My shoes looked normal to me. Oh, they had a bit of dirt under them. Yeah, he was right. We didn''t have that many roads, so we basically walked on solid earth. "Good point. What else?"


    He raised his eyes to my shoulders. "Clothes. Not thetest, butfortable enough to discard whenever you need to change. You are from the Wolf Cove pack. Brutal animals." He finished, and I thought we were supposed to p for him. Hisst words were supposed to be apliment, buting from him made them sound like an insult.


    We arrived at the doors, which opened wide for us to get through. "You went out of your way, didn''t you? Well, you aren''t entirely wrong."


    There was music and a lot of noise from over a hundred wolves, possibly Alphas. They all had either a ss of wine in their hands or their mate''s hands in their hands.


    I could care less. There were special scents-too heavy a scent and weak ones. All were from different parts of the world. It was amazing that this man was able to put over a hundred Alphas together.


    Zeke walked past us without a word into the crowd. I had a hard time catching up with him. He stopped midway. "Get Naya somewhere less noisy." He looked around like he wasn''t expecting to find this many people in fancy clothes on the first day he arrived. He was right when he told me to put on fancy clothes. Naya was asleep, so she didn''t stand out much. What stood out was the fact that I carried a growndy on my shoulders.


    "I am Baron Diego, Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack, and we weed all our guests this way." When he saw my reaction, he added "Don''t feel too special." With a snap of his finger, a woman appeared beside me. I know she appeared because I couldn''t even hear her f*****g footsteps.


    "Come with me to your room." She stared pointedly at Naya in case I wanted to refuse. Who was I to refuse a good night''s rest with Naya by my side? This was one of the perks of not being an Alpha. Work will be tediouster, but for now? I would appreciate it if my brother did all the work tonight.


    I was about to leave when Zeke joined me. "On the other hand, I''ll join you. We need to regroup and think of our next course of action."


    I raised an eyebrow as if to ask him what went wrong. Zeke rolled his eyes. "I am just tired."


    Something told me he didn''t just want to be close to our father''s killer all night. I gestured for the woman to lead the way, which she did. She took us away from the bustling environment toward an empty hall and farther away from the activities.


    We went from one hall to another until she stopped at a distinct hall. There were at least two doors for two people. I knew we were going to use one unless Naya woke and demanded a separate room. We won''t be able to refuse her then. "This would be your quarters. It is away from the other guests, so you don''t have to worry about privacy.


    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will bemunicated to you through the telephone in your rooms. If you need anything, dial the number one for service."


    Seeing that she wasn''t going to show us our rooms, I gave her a single nod. Rooms at the Wolf Cove didn''t have pretty and easy services like this.

 Chapter 91

    Zeke Storm


    Baron Diego, the man who pretended he was one of our academy teachers, a makeshift father to Naya, and a friend to us all, He killed Alpha Storm. It took everything in me not to rip off his throat the moment he opened his mouth to speak. Up close, he was nothing like the things I mentioned.


    Instead, he was perverted and yful. Kyle better suited his character than me.


    But Kyle was also on the verge of losing it. I could see the wheels in his head turning even though he gave a tight-lipped smile to the Alpha murderer. My question was why he had chosen to act like he wasn''t any of those things. I sighed, walking past the both of them to meet a crowd different from what I knew back at home.


    If my mother could see me right now, she would say that I was doing well blending in with the strange crowd. It took me a while to realize that they were Alpha''s from different parts of the world. I could see them scrutinizing me from the corner of their eyes. ...who is he?"


    ...he smells different."


    "..Like the forest...


    ...polluted like the Wolf Cove wolves."


    "... But so young and handsome..."


    ....Unusual, guarantee...


    I snapped my head in-the direction of the voice, and none of them flinched like the maids would have back at home.


    Hm. This would be a different experience for me. Here, the pheromones in the air bounced off the walls, and I was certain no omega would survive in this heat without their mates.


    "Wow... look at them." me beamed. If I didn''t know him as a sadistic wolf, I would have thought he was actually happy with this turn of events. "I can picture their wolves seizing me up and asking for a challenge. Naya would be the coldest of all these." me muttered in my head with a bored tone.


    He has never been an excited wolf, and anytime he was excited, it was for something really pervasive or evil. He was a possessive motherfucker too, because howe he never says anything without mentioning Naya these days?


    "You''re in denial. It''s not my fault" me shrugged like thezy, energetic a*****e he was. Then he raised his head in shock, and I thought something had happened. "Look who decided to be silent today. You." Heid his head on the softest part of my head. The fucker.


    "Whose personality did you take after again?" I asked me a bit aggressively, because he was right. I wasn''t myself in such a crowd. I may look to be doing well, but I knew I was feeling crazy.


    "Alpha?" Someone brushed soft fingers against my arms.


    From the corner of my eyes, I could see Kyle freezing in his tracks to take in everything that has been thrown at us without a moment of rest. Was / wrong ining here?


    What if this was a trap? Then I may have fallen deeper


    --than I acknowledged."


    I whipped my head in the direction of the voice. It was a male, probably his mate by his side. He had a bright smile on his face and was dressed like everyone here. In strange coats and shoes. Whatever happened to looking good in three-piece clothing? "And you are?" I ced both hands in pockets, scrutinizing them. My father has always been the cold one, and I nned on keeping his reputation. However, it could not save him from being killed because there was a mole.


    I will find out soon enough.


    "Alpha Bret of the ck Desert pack, and this is my wife, Breta." He was a bit too enthusiastic to introduce himself. It made me wonder if Alpha Storm or Marley knew him. Ah!


    They were called desert wolves, agile and able to camouge, yet I see nothing in their Alpha. He seems to blend in with Baron Diego''s desire for clothing, though.


    I frowned. Wife? "You mean, mate?"


    He cackled a bit, attracting unwanted attention. I detested it. "Mate, yes."


    He was insinuating that I wasn''t learned, whereas we were as learned as every other person here. We just don''t unt it around. We weren''t barbarians with a few civilizational ideas to build our pack. The earlier they learned that, thebetter for us all during this meeting. "Why aren''t you dressed like your pack''s name? You guys are the dessert wolves, right?" I narrowed my eyes on his bracelet, made of desert sands that had solidified in heat and were exible to wear. He had one for his wife, too. Their facial expressions were of the desert too. While other wolves had shorter muzzles, they stretched longer than normal and their eyes were thinner than usual. They hardly leave a mess while changing into their wolves. They were clean, but also few in number. All these distinguish the desert wolf from the forest wolf. The academy made sure to teach, which is the difference between us all.


    It exined why he sounded so desperate to me.


    Considering that fact, Baron Diego must have taken advantage of his love for his pack and turned him into this.


    A parade.


    Alpha Bret seemed a bit nervous, which was usual for an alpha.''


    "Thest time I saw you, this meeting was taking ce at your pack. You were a baby then. You and your brother."


    I blinked at his words. "You knew my mother?"


    Alpha Bret was young, but his eyes held generations of experience.


    "You are the youngest person here. Haven''t you noticed?"


    I swallowed hard. He was right. No wonder I have the looks. Every Alpha here was either in their fifties or looked like they were in their thirties. I was the only one whose eighteenth birthday was in a week. Jeez. I see what me talked about. Maybe I should rest. "I have noticed. How about we discuss this tomorrow morning?" I had a lot of questions. The first one was how the f**k this meeting was moved over this stupid pack Secondly, why was he approaching me like he hadn''t heard of my father''s death yet? I should not have left the pack until my father had a proper burial. Has my adventure for revenge made me forget my family at home?


    It was time for me to retire for the night. I turned to where I found Kyle earlier. Whoa, he was still there. For how long?


    He was not spared from the res either, and even more so because he had Naya draped over him. I was d my silly brother thought quickly of tying her purple hair with a back nontransparent scarf. A woman gestured to a hallway, and I knew she was directing him to where we would retire for the night.


    I reached out to remind Kyle that I was still here. "On second thoughts, I''ll join you. We need to regroup and think of our next course of action." I felt morefortable with both of them than in a room full of Alphas forced toe together because of politics. To me, they were all desperate for something, and I wasn''t. I sighted Baron Diego whispering something to a woman. The same woman Yaughed hard before jerking her head towards her and saying something else.


    Jeez, he couldn''t be more shameful, right? Suddenly, I found myself regretting my decision toe here.


    "Get a grip of yourself." me growled angrily. "You make me sick with all your negativity."


    Ha! His words were supposed to make me upset. Instead, they made me grin. You live for negativity. You are just lucky someone like Naya hase into our lives."


    Someone like Naya Look at me directly falling into me''s trap. I knew it from the way he smirked. It was a wicked one.


    "I see," he said, disappearing into darkness. There was something he was going to do now. I clicked the roof of my tongue only to find Kyle staring at me like I had grown ten heads.


    Rolling my eyes, I gave him the answer he wanted. "I am just tired." I wasn''t tired physically, as I could take on fifteen Alpha''s alone, but strength wouldn''t see me through all this tonight. I''ll have to give this one a me. I need Naya.


    The halls blurred past, but I trust me to remember which way we went even without trying to be so focused. He had a certain gift I didn''t have. The woman stopped in front of two rooras. I''ll give it to Baron Diego; he certainly knew how to entertain his guests. The hallway is really pretty.


    "This would be your quarters. It is away from the other guests, so you don''t have to worry about privacy. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will bemunicated to you through the telephone in your rooms. If you need anything, dial the number one for service." All were fancy, fancy, fancy.


    They made me dizzy, so dizzy that I wanted nothing more than to lie down with Naya and my brother, Kyle.

 Chapter 92

    Kyle Storm


    "Put her down gently." Zeke ordered that if I didn''t do that, she was going to break into two. Let him deny it all he wanted, we were falling deeper in love with Naya.


    I gently lowered the purple haired wolf to the soft bed. We all chose one bed, just like I predicted. Naya''s mouth was slightly open, and when I leaned closer to her nose, she inhaled and exhaled just fine. When I loosened the scarf, her hair flowed all over the bed. It was longer than her usual red hair. It had me freezing in shock for a second.


    "Good job out there." Zeke gave me a single nod. It was unusual for him topliment me this way, so I did what a Kyle storm would do.


    Beam.


    "Ugh!" He rolled his eyes yfully before sitting beside Naya to pet her hair. "Her hair has be longer."


    "I can see that." I muttered, sitting on the other side, to caress her warm shoulders. "Her body is warm; wherever she is, she isn''t in danger."


    "It''s her power. Something around her probably triggered it.


    Don''t you think so too?" Zeke was brooding with a hand under his chin.


    I considered Zeke''s words for a moment. He had a point:


    Elder powers should react whenever there was danger. I couldn''t believe I knew nothing about elders.


    But one thing I knew was that their powers often reacted to her emotions and surroundings. Take Elder Freya for one.


    She was a b***h. "You might be onto something," I admitted. "But it''s still strange that her hair has changed color too." I thought it was going to be her natural color of hair, since it has always been zing, making her easy targets for bullies. It wasn''t right now. Her hair practically turned purple in my presence, and it took everything in me not to scream.


    As a wolf, there were many bizarre things to see. In Wolf


    Cove, the abnormality was normal. Elders disyed magic all the time, although only those close to the Alpha family could have the privilege to see such a beautiful disy of powers. Naya was one of them, because how could an elder heal her bruised knee? It was het first time up close and with Elder before.


    It made me wonder if the Elders and Naya have a close rtionship. Zeke nodded, his fingers gently trailing through Naya''s now-vibrant purple locks. They seemed to be shimmering under the soft glow. "True, her hair''s never done this before. Maybe it''s a side effect of whatever caused her powers to re up." He nced at the door. "Is it locked?"


    "Cameras. You can''t put it past these people." I nodded towards the extravagant ceiling. It was nothing like what I had seen before. Heavy structures in the shape of the antelope''s antlers dangled from the ceiling. They were filled with bright lights that illuminated


    our room.


    "Can you see one?" Zeke was a bit anxious, which was unlike him. "If I concentrate, I can hear it." With a nod to my side, I gave him the floor. After a minute, his eyes snapped open. Zeke raised his fingers to the closet, which indicated there was one there. Next, he pointed at the figurines on the table.


    "Wow, these figurines are beautiful." I eximed loudly, walking towards them. "It would be a shame to break them." I pushed my elbow around the table, not surprised when all the figurines came tumbling down. Great.


    "Yeah?" I asked Zeke in code. He gave a quick nod, and we spent the next few minutes breaking and destroying all of it. "Woh! I am so excited!" I paused. "What if we are breaking the rules of this pack by destroying these things?" leyed the broken ck technology on the floor. They really went far, huh?


    Zeke shrugged. "He will have me to contend with. No Alpha should be spied on."


    I rolled my eyes. "We are being rude to him right now."


    Zeke raised an eyebrow as if to ask, "Really?" "You are saying this now? He will have to deal with it."


    I nced at the door, half expecting the inspectors or guards or whatever their names were toe barging in, state a code, and say we were found guilty or something.


    My gaze went back to Naya''s peaceful expression as she slept. "Do you think she''s dreaming about something rted to this?"


    Zeke''s brows furrowed in thought. "Possibly. But we won''t know for sure until she wakes up."


    We sat in silence for a moment, lost in our thoughts. It was rare for us to be so open and vulnerable with each other, but Naya has always been our top priority. We have always agreed on what to do with her.


    "I just hope she''s okay," I said softly, my concern for Naya growing by the minute. "Wherever she is, For some reason, I don''t feel as worried as I should. What if she was dying?" I was opening up to cold and emotionless Zeke for the first time. He may think I was telling a joke. But he has always been good at taking me seriously and knowing when I''m not joking. Like the time I had a nightmare. And still do.


    Zeke nced at me, his usual stoic demeanor giving way to a hint of worry. "Kyle, you aren''t just worried about Naya; you are worried about yourself." He chuckled, surprising me. "I don''t know ifing here was & good idea."


    He, too, was having doubts. Damn, Zeke, and you didn''t tell anyone! I was a bit hurt that my brother didn''t see me as someone to confide in. Speaking of which... Zeke has never confided in me before. He was always fond of carrying his burdens alone. Still, I appreciated Zeke''s attempt tofort me by expressing his fears. It hasn''t been easy for him, either. "No," I chose to say.


    He raised his confused eyes to look at me. "You are the Alpha, so I say no. I am not going to allow you to have doubts abouting here regardless of what Marley or Dad has to say."


    Zeke couldn''t form a coherent sentence. He seemed overwhelmed with what I was saying, and frankly, I was spewing s**1. "What are you talking about?" Now he was looking at me like I was drunk when he damn well knows that an alpha wolf can''t get drunk. Well, Naya is an omega, SO..


    took a deep breath to steady my nerves. "I have always known you to be the rational one, so you are not allowed to think for a second that this was a wrong decision. What made you think that anyway?" As much as I was trying to lift his spirits, I was deviating from the main point. "Talk to me, Zeke."


    His expression held pain for a while. "You lost me there for a moment."


    "I am sorry. Talk to me." I am talkative, so I usually lose track of my words.


    "I met a desert wolf. The Alpha, to be precise." He began with his attention on Naya''s slightly open mouth.


    "What happened?"


    Zeke sighed again. If I was going to get anything from Zeke, I had to be patient. He either spoke slowly or never spoke at all. If he was angry, me would take over, and every word he spoke would be deadly. "He seemed different. You know, dressed like Baron Diego''s people. He said he knew me."


    "So what?" I asked, not getting the memo.


    It was when Zeke shed angry eyes at me that I knew I wasn''t taking him seriously. "I am sorry. So what if you saw a desert wolf and he wore fancy clothes?"


    "No!" Zeke suddenly growled. "He was different. He doesn''t seem like an Alpha, only to be submitted under this house This ce. You should have asked yourself, What a f*****g desert wolf is doing here?"


    I blinked, trying to understand him.


    "Desert wolves are few


    in number. They hunt side by side... em." I scratched the back of my hair to recall more. Then it clicked. "Desert wolves never change their outfit!"


    Zeke seemed satisfied with my answer. "Now, I saw him in those clothes, iming to have known us since we were babies. He said we have always held this meeting in the manor and that he knew our mother. We just walked into the f*****g enemy''s territory with our mate!" And without ns, I added silently.


    I gulped at the revtion of all of this. He was right... Oh, he was so right. He was also wrong because we were not alone. "We may have done that, but they don''t have what we have."


    Zeke snapped his head at me. "What is that?"


    Trolled my eyes at his ignorance as I pointed to Naya on the bed. It wasn''t getting cute any more. But Naya''s soft snores? Now, that was cute. With the expression on my brother''s face, I knew he was about to ruin the littlefort I offered. I didn''t ask him to use her immediately. Although I was still skeptical of Naya, we had practically brought her on this journey. To see if she was a spy too. I haven''t told Zeke about Maley''s little escapades. He may not believe me since she was Luna.


    "What if we can''t control her powers when she wakes up?


    What if she''s a danger to herself or others?" Zeke closed his eyes in worry. Wow, seeing Zeke like this blew my mind.


    I was d to know that he was not all animalistic


    -


    I ced a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We''ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Right now, all we can do is be here for her. Should we change into our wolf and cuddle her?" As much as we would hate to admit it, she was our mate, and body contact might reach out to her.


    He eventually nodded. "I know, Kyle. It''s just hard to see her like this." See her like this? She was sleeping with me. A part of me was d that Zeke had forgotten about the desert wolf for now. We shouldn''t bother ourselves with other Alphas and just focus on why we are here. Zeke''s gaze never left Naya. "I think we should do what you have suggested."


    Yeah, but I fear for our wolves when we change. I reached out to Shadow. "Hey!" I whispered.


    "You do not call your wolf like that!" Shadow harrumphed.


    Such a naughty wolf! He was trying to hide his excitement about getting to cuddle Naya with his brother, me.


    "You know why I am calling you." I deadpanned. "Don''t try stupid things while you are out there." I paused for a second. "Please."


    Shadow gave me a ''really'' look. "I can''t make promises."


    "Then no, because the moment you are out, you will be doing something stupid like humping on her back. Look, I know we have blue balls, but don''t do that to Naya." I knew my wolf better than he knew himself; besides being called the ancient wolf, his experience with pervasive things was massive. I was good at that too.


    "I will behave, I promise." Shadow had his serious face on. I shouldn''t trust that for a minute. There was nothing I could do anyway other thap trust him. So I closed my eyes in preparation for him to take over.


    "No!" Zeke clicked the roof of his tongue in anger. "We have to do it in the bathroom." Before his words could sink into my head, I had changed into Shadow. By the time Shadow was out, there were no blood stains, causing me to look around in shock. Zeke, too, was confused. There could only be one exnation. Naya''s magic had probably absorbed everything. If she wasn''t here, there would have been blood stains all over the floor and bed sheets. Shadow stuck his tongue out.


    "Damn! I like to clean myself. He climbed into the bed immediately, and I closed my eyes in embarrassment. He was going to do it again.

 Chapter 93

    Naya Cod


    I watched the subtle exchange between Kyle and Zeke, and I could onlye to one conclusion. They were both fighting to cuddle me. It was clear in the way Shadow growled under his breath at me''s greed to have me alone. They must have entered into some stupid bet, and of course, me yed dirty and won. I havee to understand their nature within the short time I have spent with them.


    The first time I met Shadow, he was so fluffy and yful.


    He was perverted as well. All he needed was my scent as well as the scent of the thousands of women at the academy. Meeting him on the other unnned passionate night showed me how much of a gentleman he could be, even though he mocks nearly everything hees across.


    If Naya were here, they would bicker so much and still can''t do without each other.


    Zeke was more pure, but me... me was dangerously possessive. I would rather call him a psychopath who had emotions. The way he handled me the other night...


    Suddenly, I could feel his wet muzzle under my neck. I chuckled, beckoning in Shadow with my other hand so that me wouldn''t see. I buried my nose in me''s fur, loving the way he smelled. Shadow came up begrudgingly, and I swore I could see a pout on his face before he jumped on me, and they both started to growl and nip at each other.


    I couldn''t resist the smile threatening to stretch my lips beyond the usual. They were brothers and loved each other so much. I swallowed. Does this mean we are all mates?


    How could I feel the same thing for two brothers?


    Sometimes I''d try to weigh my love for Kyle or my love for Zeke. They were equally loved by me. Soon, their y stopped, and they jumped on the bed again for cuddling. I scratched under Shadow''s belly and rubbed my chin on me to get my scent on him. The wolves were technically more friendly than Kyle and Zeke themselves.


    Why don''t I enjoy this when I can? "I am sure Zeke is watching this with irritation, wishing he was feeling this, right?" I cooed at me, careful not to make him feel like a pup. He was no pup; I was constantly reminded by his heavy form, which took nearly half of the bed. He was a majestic wolf that I was lucky to have on my bed.


    Don''t even get me started on Shadow, who was watching me with curious, cold eyes. He probably has questions, but there is no way to ask me about them. "You guys are amazing. Should I change into my wolf?" I asked Shadow, who wagged his tail and brought out his tongue. If I didn''t know better, I would think they were whipped for me.


    No. They already have mates, I believe. I paused, contemting if I should change into Naya or not. In the vision, the goddess and elder only said that and told me to go back. All they asked me to do was contact the watcher.


    They also said that if I wanted to find them, I knew where to look. The moon goddess winked at me! I had always imagined the moon goddess would have the character of the elder and vice versa, but it wasn''t so. The moon goddess was a mischievous god who never made mistakes. The Elder was more critical, traditional, yet forgets who she was sometimes.


    They were bothplicated to the extent that I couldn''t get an answer about what Papa knew before he died. They weren''t telling me anything, and it made me really upset. I expected toe back to the physical to see Zeke and Kyle''s disgusted faces, but instead I was met with lots of rubbing, licking, and cuddling.


    It was weird, but warm. Really warm.


    "Alright." I sighed, knowing I had to let them go for now.


    "me, Shadow, please, I need your hosts right now. We have a lot of things to discuss. After that, I will show you a surprise and what I can do... more actually." I winked at both of them.


    Shadow ced his paws on my palm as if to make me promise.


    "Promise?"


    nodded, raising his paws and kissing him gently. Jeez, they were clean wolves too, contrary to what anyone thought of the wolf cove pack. If they thought we were stupid, they were stupid. Really stupid.


    me was the major work. Shadow was easy to understand, but this wolf was an enigma. "You are being possessive of me, me. Is there something I should know?"If I were their mate, they would tell me, right? What are they afraid of? This wasn''t a month ago when Zeke was afraid of me. No, we were both afraid of our feelings together.


    me merely ignored my message as he forced me to lean on his belly. I didn''tin because it made it special.


    His belly throbbed, and the muscles underneath trembled with might.


    I closed my eyes, and when I opened them, Kyle''s face was so close to mine that his breath fanned my face. We could kiss without much effort. I smirked.


    "Do you want to kiss


    me?"


    Kyle gave me an equal smirk. "Do you want me to?"


    I was about to cry when I felt Zeke''s c**k poking my head.


    He was really hard. No, this wasn''t what I envisioned at the blood moon pack. Dodging, I jumped off the bed. I knew I looked like a red tomato. I pped my hands together to lighten the s****? tension in the air. They were staring at me naked and lewdly. "Let''s focus here, alright?" I was on the verge ofdosing control of myself. I didn''t want tobel myself the slut here. They would have to work together to get me or make me weak. "What happened while I was unconscious? Where are we?"


    Zeke blew out of control as he wrapped the sheets around him. My eyes caught the broken stic on the floor. It was all confusing to me. How could all this have happened in such a short period of time?


    "You are at the blood moon Pack house," Zeke replied monotonously.


    Of course, we arrived at her with our bodies intact. I thought we were going to end up in jail. I thought the invitation toe here had been a rise to send Zeke and Kyle out of their packs so that they would attack and kill them.


    "It doesn''t work that way, Naya. Our pack is one of the strongest. We are the only pack with elders." Naya exined proudly in my head.


    I rolled my eyes. "I know. But if that''s the case, why didn''t we have this meeting at our pack? Something is not right.


    Besides, the alpha was killed. It made us look weak."


    Naya chuckled. She was happy and not moody like thest time in the goddess and elders realm.


    "You are thinking


    like Luna of the pack. Do you wish to change things? Take Zeke and Kyle as your own."


    I had to stop her there.


    . "There is no such thing as two


    Alpha mates. It would be too much to handle. I''ll be the most powerfuldy."


    "Oh, Naya, dear. You are already the most powerfuldy.


    You have the power to walk into the paths of the elders and goddesses. Soon, you will hear their voices in your head.


    This is why you need Elder Rosalie and other elders too. To teach you control. That should be your major focus."


    "You are right." I sighed. I could not change my hair when I wanted to. It would be tiring if there were other side effects due to ack of control. Kyle snapped his fingers at my face to bring me back.


    "We''re not entirely sure, Naya. Your powers suddenly red up, and your hair changed color. Do you remember anything unusual before that?"


    I closed her eyes, clearly trying to recall the events leading up to my power surge. "I have been feeling under the weathertely. Numb hands and buzzing under my skin.


    It''s like an itch that I can''t get rid of. So I went to Zeke." I lowered my gaze. I hate to admit it, but it did. "You calmed it down a little. Then it started again when I entered this town, but it was bearable until we got closer to the pack house. I thought I heard something, and then... everything''s a blur." This was pretty much it.


    Kyle got up slowly. "The guards tried to protect you. They revered you. All of us...


    "Your power made them do that." Zekepleted his thoughts.


    I couldn''t help but feel a sense of dread. "Do you think someone might have triggered this intentionally?"


    Zeke''s expression darkened as he considered the possibility. "It''s possible, he admitted.


    "But I didn''t see anyone there. It felt like the energy just... erupted from within me." I whispered in confusion.

 Chapter 94

    Naya


    cod


    felt really good and thingy. It was amazing.


    Zeke and Kyle exchanged worried nces. They may know something I don''t, because this is something they''ve never encountered before. Why now? Why did this have to happen now? The surge of energy was nothing I had ever felt. While I was in the elder realm, I "We''ll need to investigate this further Zeke said firmly, standing up. "But for now, you need to rest and regain your strength."


    I nodded, clearly exhausted. "Thank you, both of you, for being here." I was not supposed to be thankful for them being here; I was supposed to be thankful for both of them dragging me here. Without them here, I wouldn''t have manifested or been able to control my powers.


    Kyle groaned as his back cracked a little. He was about to drag the bedsheets over him when I raised my hands to stop their movements. "I have something to say."


    Zeke raked tired eyes over me. We have been driving for some time now, so it was supposed to be like that. We were supposed to be tired. "What?"


    "The fact that I have Elder Rosalie''s number? I have a way to contact her. In fact, I can contact the elders right now and ask them what''s wrong with me."updated by  That had Kyle sitting up. "By magic or phone?"


    They were both staring at me expectantly and with admiration. I blinked, wondering what they thought of a frail, fragile girl having the power of an elder. It was like I carried the burden of the world, and I didn''t even know what I had yet or what my power was in general.


    "Yes?"


    Kyle threw the sheets over him. "Then let''s get right to it."


    Zeke patted the space beside him. "I am sure you need the both of us beside you."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll figure it out. But before that." I had to rify our rtionship. There was something between the three of us that I wanted to understand. Yea, I knew it was sudden and shouldn''t be in this dangerous ce, but if I was correct, they destroyed these stic things on the floor for a purpose. To conceal our conversations. "The both of you." I nced at the expressions on their faces. There were dark rims under their eyes. We haven''t had a good night''s rest ever since. When I thought we were going to have that at Ren¨¦e''s home, the inspectors came barging through like they owned the ce.


    Technically, they did own the ce.


    Maybe this was the wrong time to bring this up. I threw my head back, and the soft mattress enveloped me. Now, they were looking at me like I was crazy. Frankly, I was nervous to tell them what I thought about them. If we didn''t rify our doubts, what if they were hiding the fact that I was their mate? With each passing second, they make me believe I am their mate, but when Brooke calls, they remind me that they have different mates. I was unsure of Zeke''s stand. He was an enigma l''d studied my whole life and still not been able to figure out.


    Kyle had Brooke. Thoughts like this usually tire me out.


    Although I haven''t seen this ce, there will be different Alphas with their mates and Betas looking for Alphas to take as their mates.


    No one would want an omega for Luna. I give them a small smile. "I think you are right, Zeke. We need to rest. Don''t worry, I''ll contact herter. We need to rest." I repeated this when they were unmoving, just staring at me like I was something they couldn''t recognize. Have they figured out my thoughts? I swallowed under their intense gazes.


    "Alright." Kyle nodded, giving his brother a sign to drop it.


    Leke rolled his eyes before dropping to the side. They both slept by my side, squashing me with their big and sexy forms. They both smelled heavily. I was still awake when Kyle pressed himself into me, causing me to hold my (breath. The times we had after that passionate night suggested we still had the hits for each other, but it was like an unspoken agreement not to act on our desires.


    We even fought in between. I needed to define our rtionship. Where did we stand? What was I to them?


    Omega? Loyal subject or a slut to use and dump afterwards?


    Even I didn''t have an answer to my question. The elder and godess imed my papa knew something about me. Papa told me everything. Why didn''t he tell me about this? Why did he try so hard to hide the fact that I was an elder?


    Zeke draped his right arm over my navel, and I could feel his hot breath on my neck. That was my sensitive spot, so when the both of them went like that, it made it hard for me to breathe. In a sexy way, though.


    When I said I knew how to contact Elder Rosalie, I wasn''t entirely saying the truth. I didn''t tell the boys that I practically walked into the lives of the elder and goddess.


    "Damn, Naya, you are getting good at keeping secrets." I whispered to myself. Who would believe me when I say I have seen the goddess and elder? I should be trembling in reverence for fear of seeing them again. They did not harm me but saw me as a gifted child who was inquisitive.


    None of them asked me what I was doing in their world.


    They were all so weing, like they were expecting me.


    "Go to sleep, Naya. I can basically hear your thoughts." Kyle murmured, burrowing into my neck. What the f**k? I froze, not making a single noise even as a whimper threatened to escape me. Knowing Zeke, he may awaken at the sound and f**k me into this mattress. That would ruin the questions I meant to ask them. How did I walk into the goddess and elder''s realm? Can I do it now? I don''t even feel numb or powerful enough to do that. Kyle told me the guards were being kind to me. The Blood moon pack has been nothing but rude since we came here. Ren¨¦e''s family was different because.. well, because they were Renee''s family. They were different because they raised their daughter into a good girl who never discriminated


    My eyes were getting heavy now, but I still have a lot to think about. Soon, I closed them, drifting into sleep.


    98. Answers


    #


    Zeke Storm


    "So she wasn''t sleeping, huh?" me chuckled lowly. He has been mesmerized by Naya since today and has been misbehaving under my nose, knowing fully well that we agreed not to let her know she was our mate.


    "You fool, she''s having doubts already. It wasn''t me. It was all you." me defended himself, refusing to take the me. Sometimes I wondered if this person was the Alpha of the pack. He was selfish and refused responsibilities sometimes. I could say he was a darker version of Shadow.


    Puff!


    "You know I can hear you, right?" me grunted, not in the least bothered about the insults directed at him.


    "Then shut up. I am not happy with you because you messed up. If she''s having doubts, it''s because you kept on nuzzling her neck."


    me shrugged like it was a normal thing to do. "She smells amazing. She loved it."


    He was enjoying teasing me, huh?


    "Damn, Naya, you are getting good at keeping secrets." A soft whisper filled the air, and I opened my eyes.


    She squirmed for the fifth time in a row, and I came to the conclusion that she wasn''t sleeping. Then Kyle spoke up.


    He must have noticed her movements too. Unlike me, he wasn''t one to keep quiet about her disturbances.


    "Go to sleep, Naya; I can basically hear your thoughts." He mumbled under the influence of sleep. I grinned a little. She would never know that I was still awake because the events of today were haunting and made you sleepless. I was sure it made her feel that way Then why the f** was Kylefortably sleeping? That brat... I was a brat too, considering his age. Urgh! What did she see during her sleep? Naya was getting smarter as she knew how to change questions. For some reason, she had skillfully manauvered the facts of what she saw during her sleep. I mentally face palmed. It was our fault because me and Kyle were asking the wrong questions. She was asking the right ones. Frankly, I was bothered; she stopped halfway through contacting the elders. She was hiding something, and I wanted to know what that was.


    Even she said it. She was getting good at keeping secrets.


    Now, her breathing steadied, and her body rxed. It seemed like her powers had subsided for the time being because her hair returned to its vibrant red color. Thebination of her hair color and blue eyes gave her a unique purple color. She may be doing all these things on purpose. I don''t know anymore. She would never believe it, but I have always thought of her as beautiful.


    The first day, she walked into our home with her mother, carrying those vibrant cropped hair and innocent blue eyes.


    I wanted to do things for her. Kyle and I were in denial of our emotions, which resulted in cing bets and bullying her. She hasn''t told me if she has forgiven me for all those painful months of bullying.


    This evening, Kyle tried to kiss her, but she dodged perfectly. That little wolf practically ignored our raging boners. It made me sad, but I tried my best not to show it. I turned my eyes to where Kyle slept, only to see that he hadn''t been sleeping. I was too distracted to notice he had been faking his breath like he was sleeping so that Naya would be convinced we were both sleeping, and it would also cause her to go to sleep.


    "We are both acting like her mate and giving ourselves away." Kyle said. He knew what I was thinking, too.


    "Our birthday ising up. We may never be able to resist her charms.


    "When she celebrates her eighteenth, it will be harder." Kylepleted it for me. We were both doomed.


    "Should we tell her?" I suggested, worried to death.


    "We bullied her, Zeke. We pasted her nude all over school and touched her inappropriately because she was an omega and was able to feel more. She is submissive, and you know how that made us."


    "The only omega in school made her a target." Kyle was right. My brother was always right, even if he did crazy things sometimes. There were times he said the truth. This was one of them.


    "Thest time we talked about this, she said we also protected her and bullied her times without counting." I bit my lower lips. That was before the s*x. She may have said that to get me to f**k her. Omega''s may look uplicated, but they wereplicated little shits 100.


    "Protected her?" Kyle turned to face me. Naya was in our middle; her little mouth was open, and soft snores escaped them. Cute, I thought, There were so many questions that needed answers, but for now, our priority was her well-being. His eyes darted here and there, and it made me wonder if he heard us.


    "Were you eavesdropping?" I asked knowingly.


    Kyle sighed. "I didn''t mean to."


    I nodded. That little brat.. "How many times have you eavesdropped on me?"


    "The many times you eavesdrop on Brooke and me having s*x. You perverted son of a bitch... Where did you learn skills like that?"


    His words tingled my insides, and Iughed. My brother was a crazy s**t too. He was right again, and I instantly forgave him. "Naya said we protected her. I think her wolf cajoled her into believing that nonsense."


    Kyle stopped me with a sniff. "I think she is right, though."


    I sighed. "It may look that way, but it doesn''t excuse our behavior."


    "We are torturing ourselves because we cannot be ourselves around our mate or act on our desires." Kyle was sadder than I have ever seen him be. We were both torturing ourselves for her. There were so many things I wanted her to feel, so many things I wanted to say if I would just open myself to her or she would open herself to US.


    "Your nightmares?" I was suddenly curious.


    "Gone with Naya by my side. Why do you think I want to feel her close to me all the time? Do you think she wanted to ask us about our rtionship? Shadow misbehaved today."


    I grinned. Our wolves had minds of their own. We shouldn''t tell them what to do because they are basically our animalistic sides. Their desires for Naya were times ten of our desires, and their way of thinking was too heavy sometimes. But it was their nature. "I think I''ll let the me off the hook. We are not supposed to tell them what to do because they have an apartment in our heads. They are part of us."


    "Seriously?" Kyle was watching me curiously. "I don''t know, but this alpha thing is messing with you." There was a yful glint in his eyes.


    I was tempted to punch him, yfully, of course, because a fight would wake Naya up.


    "We should start our investigation as soon as Naya is fully recovered," I said, determined to help her and solve our mystery. That was the least we could do for her. For torturing her all these months and still torturing her. We were hiding the truth from her, so this It was tearing me apart.


    Kyle sat up in agreement. "Agreed, Zeke. Where should we start?"


    "Let''s make friends first. Many of them may think I am a dad. So, we will tell everyone I am the Alpha of my pack.


    Then, after that, we will find out everything about the different packs. During the meeting, make sure we aren''t invisible; that way, we are creating awareness of who we are. Next, we monitor Baron Diego and what he wants with us. We''ll need to be vignt," I continued. "No eating and drinking stupidly. All we have to do here is be the best among the others. We mist regain our pack respect."


    Kyle was all in the bobbing of his head. Then he smirked wickedly. "Cool. Being the best is my thing. I have a talent for that"


    "Good." I patted his back softly. "Let''s sleep."


    Hours passed, and Kyle and Naya continued to sleep soundly while I took turns watching them. I gently climbed out of bed, proceeding to the window to check on the situation. The arrangement was simple, but not right. What was going on in the pack now? I wondered. Maybe the next time this meeting is held, we will be in our pack.


    twould make sure of it.


    #


    Marley Storm


    "What?" I asked the guarding team. "What do you mean they are guarding little children?"


    The guard swallowed. He was the head of the warriors and has fought in so many wars. Storm had ced him in our head after much thought. It was simply because the wolf imed he had mates to take care of. Seriously, I have been going too easy on him. How dare he tell me t he alpha asked them to guard children?


    "The Alpha asked me to put my men at the children''s cottage due to the recent attacks from the Blood Moon pack."


    Ugh! I told Baron to leave the children alone. He was testing my patience now. "Tell them they are doing the wrong thing. I am in charge here. The guards will guard the manor, and that''s final. When the Alpha gets back.


    "He will have their heads hanging on a spike and pit in front of the pack gate for all to see." Freya interrupted.


    When did she enter? Damn all these f*****g elders. I thought I made the right decision by asking Zeke to keep them by our side. She was standing at the doorway with an amused smirk on her face. "What are you doing on the Alpha''s seat?"


    I waved my hands, dismissing the guard. He doesn''t need to be here to hear Freya insult me like I was a pack child. "I am in charge now. The Alpha, as a child, went to do what children do.


    Freya narrowed her eyes on me. Who knew what was running through that cunning mind of hers? What was she doing here anyway? She tightened her hands around the stupid rod she carried about. "What are you doing on the Alpha''s seat?" I cleared my throat. "Doing his work, of course. What do you want me to do?" Zeke left me with all of this. How dare he go on an adventure trip with his brother? And I knew they took Naya along. If not, she would be here, making my day. s**t! Freya''s smirk grew wider, and she sauntered closer, her piercing gaze locked on mine. "Oh, Marley Storm, always so eager to take charge. But remember, you''re not Luna, not


    I gritted my teeth, barely holding back my frustration. I know I wasn''t Luna!! It doesn''t make me happy to hear her say it to my face. Does she know how hard I have tried to get to this position? I even signed my hand in dirt, joining hands with Baron Diego. Zeke would have to see me as his only option, not my daughter. I was more qualified for that position. The one thing I wouldn''t do is give her the satisfaction that her words gave me. There was always a better reply to give back to Freya to make her as worked up as I was right now. "Zeke entrusted me with his responsibilities while he''s away. It''s my duty to protect the pack and make decisions in his absence." Yeah, I did this and will do it for now.


    Freya nodded like she understood me, but I knew she was just ying along. She leaned closer to me as her venomous mouth opened in a condescending manner.


    "Protecting the pack, huh? You''ve always been headstrong, Marley. But the pack needs a strong and wise Alpha, not a reckless young wolf." She sighed, sitting on the avable chair opposite me. "He left the pack in your care. That''s recklessness." Her white gown spread over the entire floor.


    It was amazing when they transformed into their wolf; they managed to make minimal mess and still have a copy of this cloth somewhere to back up.


    And we were back to square one again.


    I could never measure up to an elder. I wasn''t in formidable form, and I''ll forever be reduced to fighting for the Luna position. The reason I killed Alpha Storm in the first ce.


    My ambition won''t stop at Wolf Cove alone. I want it all.


    Baron promised me that. I clenched my fists, struggling to maintain myposure. Freya was a formidable elder, and her words had a way of getting under my skin. "I know what''s best for our pack. Zeke trusts me, and so should you." I wasn''t lying entirely. He trusted me because I made myself seem like someone he could trust. Not Kyle, though.


    That boy knew more than he let on. Distracting people with his nonchnt attitude was his specialty. But he was, in fact, dangerous. I should keep him in check.


    Freya s expression softened slightly, and I wondered why.


    "Zeke is a young wolf and needs guidance. We are here to guide him. If only he would put his ego down. Earn the pack''s trust," she stood up, her rod raking the floor. "I am shocked that during his first few weeks as Alpha, he went on a trip Are you sure it was a trip?" Her orangey eyes were focused on me now. They were cold and piercing, and I could feel her power creeping behind me. Just how powerful was this woman? Well, she wouldn''tst long because Baron Diego has something cooking for our vision to happen.


    Her words struck a chord within me. I had been so focused on proving myself that I hadn''t considered the importance of earning the pack''s trust. I nodded slowly, realizing that Freya might have a point. I needed to earn the pack''s trust now that Zeke was not here. If I acted like I cared for the pack, they would ept me. I gave her a slow nod to show that she wasn''t in charge of me.


    She averted her gaze to the door without making ament about my nod. Suddenly, she turned back to me.


    "I don''t want to see you on that chair again. It''s not yours." With that, she walked out. As much as Freya''s presence grated on my nerves, I knew she was right. It was time for me to step up and earn the pack''s trust.


    Make them see me as Luna before Zeke''s mate does.


    They were all pawns in my game.

 Chapter 95

    Zeke


    Storm


    "So she wasn''t sleeping, huh?" me chuckled lowly. He has been mesmerized by Naya since today and has been misbehaving under my nose, knowing fully well that we agreed not to let her know she was our mate.


    "You fool, she''s having doubts already. It wasn''t me. It was all you." me defended himself, refusing to take the me. Sometimes I wondered if this person was the Alpha of the pack. He was selfish and refused responsibilities sometimes. I could say he was a darker version of Shadow.


    Puff!


    "You know I can hear you, right?" me grunted, not in the


    least bothered about the insults directed at him.


    "Then shut up. I am not happy with you because you messed up. If she''s having doubts, it''s because you kept on nuzzling her neck."


    me shrugged like it was a normal thing to do. "She smells amazing. She loved it."


    He was enjoying teasing me, huh?


    "Damn, Naya, you are getting good at keeping secrets." A soft whisper filled the air, and I opened my eyes.


    She squirmed for the fifth time in a row, and I came to the conclusion that she wasn''t sleeping. Then Kyle spoke up He must have noticed her movements too. Unlike me, he wasn''t one to keep quiet about her disturbances


    "Go to sleep, Naya; I can basically hear your thoughts." He mumbled under the influence of sleep. I grinned a little. She would never know that I was still awake because the events of today were haunting and made you sleepless. I was sure it made her feel that way Then why the f**k was Kylefortably sleeping? That brat... I was a brat too, considering his age. Urgh! What did she see during her sleep? Naya was getting smarter as she knew how to change questions. For some reason, she had skillfully manauvered the facts of what she saw during her sleep. I mentally face palmed. It was our fault because me and Kyle were asking the wrong questions. She was asking the right ones. Frankly, I was bothered; she stopped halfway through contacting the elders. She was hiding something, and I wanted to know what that was.


    Even she said it. She was getting good at keeping secrets.


    Now, her breathing steadied, and her body rxed. It seemed like her powers had subsided for the time being because her hair returned to its vibrant red color. Thebination of her hair color and blue eyes gave her a unique purple color. She may be doing all these things on purpose. I don''t know anymore. She would never believe it, but I have always thought of her as beautiful.


    The first day, she walked into our home with her mother, carrying those vibrant cropped hair and innocent blue eyes.


    I wanted to do things for her. Kyle and I were in denial of our emotions, which resulted in cing bets and bullying her. She hasn''t told me if she has forgiven me for all those painful months of bullying.


    This evening, Kyle tried to kiss her, but she dodged perfectly. That little wolf practically ignored our raging boners. It made me sad, but I tried my best not to show it. I turned my eyes to where Kyle slept, only to see that he hadn''t been sleeping. I was too distracted to notice he had been faking his breath like he was sleeping so that Naya would be convinced we were both sleeping, and it would also cause her to go to sleep.


    "We are both acting like her mate and giving ourselves away." Kyle said. He knew what I was thinking, too.


    "Our birthday ising up. We may never be able to resist her charms.


    "When she celebrates her eighteenth, it will be harder." Kylepleted it for me. We were both doomed.


    "Should we tell her?" I suggested, worried to death.


    "We bullied her, Zeke. We pasted her nude all over school and touched her inappropriately because she was an omega and was able to feel more. She is submissive, and you know how that made us."


    "The only omega in school made her a target." Kyle was right. My brother was always right, even if he did crazy things sometimes. There were times he said the truth. This was one of them.


    "Thest time we talked about this, she said we also protected her and bullied her times without counting." I bit my lower lips. That was before the s*x. She may have said that to get me to f**k her. Omega''s may look uplicated, but they wereplicated little shits100.


    "Protected her?" Kyle turned to face me. Naya was in our middle; her little mouth was open, and soft snores escaped them. Cute, I thought. There were so many questions that needed answers, but for now, our priority was her well-being. His eyes darted here and there, and it made me wonder if he heard us.


    "Were you eavesdropping?" I asked knowingly.


    Kyle sighed. "I didn''t mean to."


    I nodded. That little brat... "How many times have you eavesdropped on me?"


    "The many times you eavesdrop on Brooke and me having s*x. You perverted son of a bitch.). Where did you learn skills like that?"


    His words tingled my insides, and Iughed. My brother was a crazy s**t too. He was right again, and I instantly forgave him. "Naya said we protected her. I think her wolf cajoled her into believing that nonsense."


    Kyle stopped me with a sniff. "I think she is right, though."


    I sighed. "It may look that way, but it doesn''t excuse our behavior."


    "We are torturing ourselves because we cannot be ourselves around our mate or act on our desires." Kyle was sadder than I have ever seen him be. We were both torturing ourselves for her. There were so many things I wanted her to feel, so many things I wanted to say if I would just open myself to her or she would open herself tous.


    "Your nightmares?" I was suddenly curious.


    "Gone with Naya by my side. Why do you think I want to feel her close to me all the time? Do you think she wanted to ask us about our rtionship? Shadow misbehaved today."


    I grinned. Our wolves had minds of their own. We shouldn''t tell them what to do because they are basically our animalistic sides. Their desires for Naya were times ten of our desires, and their way of thinking was too heavy sometimes. But it was their nature. . "I think I''ll let the me


    off the hook. We are not supposed to tell them what to do because they have an apartment in our heads. They are part of us."


    "Seriously?" Kyle was watching me curiously. "I don''t know, but this alpha thing is messing with you." There was a yful glint in his eyes.


    I was tempted to punch him, yfully, of course, because a fight would wake Naya up.


    "We should start our investigation as soon as Naya is fully recovered," I said, determined to help her and solve our mystery. That was the least we could do for her. For torturing her all these months and still torturing her. We were hiding the truth from her, so this It was tearing me apart.


    Kyle sat up in agreement. "Agreed, Zeke. Where should we start?"


    "Let''s make friends first. Many of them may think I am a dad. So, we will tell everyone I am the Alpha of my pack.


    Then, after that, we will find out everything about the different packs. During the meeting, make sure we aren''t invisible; that way, we are creating awareness of who we are. Next, we monitor Baron Diego and what he wants with us. We''ll need to be vignt," I continued. "No eating and drinking stupidly. All we have to do here is be the best among the others. We mist regain our pack respect." Kyle was all in the bobbing of his head. Then he smirked wickedly. "Cool. Being the best is my thing. I have a talent for that." "Good." I patted his back softly. "Let''s sleep."


    Hours passed, and Kyle and Naya continued to sleep soundly while I took turns watchipg them. I gently climbed out of bed, proceeding to the window to check on the situatione The arrangement was simple, but not right. What was going on in the pack now? I wondered. Maybe the next time this meeting is held, we will be in our pack.


    I would make sure of it.


    Marley Storm


    "What?" I asked the guarding team. "What do you mean they are guarding little children?"


    The guard swallowed. He was the head of the warriors and has fought in so many wars. Storm had ced him in our head after much thought. It was simply because the wolf imed he had mates to take care of. Seriously, I have been going too easy on him. How dare he tell me the Alpha asked them to guard children?


    "The Alpha asked me to put my men at the children''s cottage due to the recent attacks from the Blood Moon pack."


    Ugh! I told Baron to leave the children alone. He was testing my patience now. "Tell them they are doing the wrong thing. I am in charge here. The guards will guard the manor, and that''s final. When the Alpha gets back..."


    "He will have their heads hanging on a spike and pit in front of the pack gate for all to see." Freya interrupted.


    When did she enter? Damn all these f*****g elders. I thought I made the right decision by asking Zeke to keep them by our side. She was standing at the doorway with an amused smirk omher face. "What are you doing on the Alpha''s seat?"


    I waved my hands, dismissing the guard. He doesn''t need to be here to hear Freya insult me like I was a pack child. "I am in charge now. The Alpha, as a child, went to do what children do."


    Freya narrowed her eyes on me. Who knew what was running through that cunning mind of hers? What was she doing here anyway? She tightened her hands around the stupid rod she carried about. "What are you doing on the Alpha''s seat?" I cleared my throat. "Doing his work, of course. What do you want me to do?" Zeke left me with all of this. How dare he go on an adventure trip with his brother? And I knew they took Naya along. If not, she would be here, making my day. s**t! Freya''s smirk grew wider, and she sauntered closer, her piercing gaze locked on mine. "Oh, Marley Storm, always so eager to take charge. But remember, you''re not Luna, not yet."


    I gritted my teeth, barely holding back my frustration. I know I wasn''t Luna!! It doesn''t make me happy to hear her say it to my face. Does she know how hard 1 have tried to get to this position? I even signed my hand in dirt, joining hands with Baron Diego. Zeke would have to see me as his only option, not my daughter. I was more qualified for that position. The one thing I wouldn''t do is give her the satisfaction that her words gave me. There was always a better reply to give back to Freya to make her as worked up as I was right now. "Zeke entrusted me with his responsibilities while he''s away. It''s my duty to protect the pack and make decisions in his absence." Yeah, I did this and will do it for now.


    Freya nodded like she understood me, but I knew she was just ying along. She leaned closer to me as her venomous mouth opened in a condescending manner.


    "Protecting the pack, huh? You''ve always been headstrong, Marley. But the pack needs a strong and wise Alpha, not a reckless young wolf." She sighed, sitting on the avable chair opposite me. "He left the pack in your care. That''s recklessness." Her white gown spread over the entire floor.


    It was amazing when they transformed into their wolf; they managed to make minimal mess and still have a copy of this cloth somewhere to back up.


    And we were back to square one again.


    I could never measure up to an elder. I wasn''t in formidable form, and I''ll forever be reduced to fighting for the Luna position. The reason I killed Alpha Storm in the first ce.


    My ambition won''t stop at Wolf Cove alone. I want it all.


    Baron promised me that. I clenched my fists, struggling to maintain myposure. Freya was a formidable elder, and her words had a way of getting under my skin. I know whats best for our pack. Zeke trusts me, and so should you." I wasn''t lying entirely. He trusted me because I made myself seem like sonteone he could trust. Not Kyle, though.


    That boy knew more than he let on. Distracting people with his nonchnt attitude was his specialty. But he was, in fact, dangerous. I should keep him in check.


    Freya''s expression softened slightly, and I wondered why.


    "Zeke is a young wolf and needs guidance. We are here to guide him. If only he would put his ego down. Earn the pack''s trust," she stood up, her rod raking the floor. "I am shocked that during his first few weeks as Alpha, he went on a trip. Are you sure it was a trip?" Her orangey eyes were focused on me now. They were cold and piercing, and I could feel her power creeping behind me. Just how powerful was this woman? Well, she wouldn''tst long because Baron Diego has something cooking for our vision to happen.


    Her words struck a chord within me. I had been so focused on proving myself that I hadn''t considered the importance of earning the pack''s trust. I nodded slowly, realizing that Freya might have a point. I needed to earn the pack''s trust now that Zeke was not here. If I acted like I cared for the pack, they would ept me. I gave her a slow nod to show that she wasn''t in charge of me.


    She averted her gaze to the door without making ament about my nod. Suddenly, she turned back to me.


    "I don''t want to see you on that chair again. It''s not yours." With that, she walked out. As much as Freya''s presence grated on my nerves, I knew she was right. It was time for me to step up and earn the pack''s trust.


    Make them see me as Luna before Zeke''s mate does.


    They were all pawns in my game.

 Chapter 96

    Naya Cod


    My legs were high above the floor as I watched Zeke and Kyle reveal that I was their mate while I was asleep. Then they said other series of things that made me worried.


    They were nning to reject me because of what they did to me. I knew it made me unhappy sometimes, but I couldn''t bear to lose them over the fact that they bullied me for months. I know it hurts. They hurt me so badly that I cried for weeks atmy miserable self, but I could see that they were trying to atone for their foolishness all these months.


    Zeke thipks I don''t see him stare at me longingly with those piercing eyes of his. Kyle subtly hides his pain with those silly jokes that don''t make meugh anymore. They were both jerks, making me go through this all these while. They were the cause of my pain and at the same time my fefuge whenever I needed them.


    Because they were always there.


    I shook my head, watching them go back to sleep with a promise to protect me and find out their problems. It seemed like they wouldn''t be hiding a lot of things from me. For our rtionship to work, there has to be transparency. I didn''t mind them shoving me about like them. belonged to them because technically, I belonged to


    "What do you see?" A voice from behind startled me and I nearly jumped out of my skin. No, I was already out of my skin, Jeez. I turned to find Elder Rosalie smiling at me. She was here to chastise me. I knew it from her tensed shoulders. It was her smile that nearly disarmed me. "So this is where you were?"


    I ducked my head away from her tight smile. "O was dragged here I swear."


    She snapped her head at me.


    "I know, you don''t have to swear."


    She was always like this huh? A pout formed on my lips before I could stop it. She chuckled. "Sometimes I forget you are still a kid. Elder Freya won''t take this from you, was she to train you."


    My eyes widened at the thought of that b***h training me.


    "Elder Freya? I don''t want her to train me." I wasfortable with Elder Rosalie being my mentor. The elgers had a strange way of behaving. They say they love you but chastise you. I don''t think I''ll be able to handle such chastisement right now. "You are better..." I wanted to say when she suspected it was what was on my mind. No, scratch that, she knew that was on my mind.


    "Don''t try to get out of it, youngdy. I am no better than the rest of the elders. We are one." She finished, sighing when I gave her a pointed look that some were worse than the others. Take the orange haired Elder and the white haired one. They were sassy and cold. "Alright, you have made your point. But I meant it when I said we were one.


    We share the same blood and unfortunately, that''s how we find each other." She narrowed her eyes on me, indicating! have done something wrong. "You didn''t ask me how I found you. You don''t ask questions at all."


    Because I am shocked!! I wanted to yell at her but I couldn''t. "I walked into the realm of the elderly one and the moon goddess."


    Elder Rosalie froze midway. Her face was disbelieving as she regarded me carefully. "You said what?"


    I sighed, knowing this was how she would react. No one would ever believe me huh? Then I should give her the uplicated version of the story. "I met with the goddess and the elderly one."


    She was in front of me in an instance. "What do you know about the elderly one? I have never told you of our creator."


    Well, Elder Rosalie didn''t need to tell me anything. The elderly one and her sister said everything in my presence.


    "The Elderly one created us while her sister the moon goddess created the first lycan." I floated above Kyle, caressing his cheeks, not in the least surprised that I could touch them. Kyle seemed so peaceful when he slept. It was one of those things I loved about him. He made sleeping seem so easy.


    Or not.


    I shifted to the back a little when he started frowning in his sleep. "He''s having a nightmare. He hasn''t had one in a long time." I muttered for Elder Rosalie to hear. She also had a concerned look on her face.


    "He has always been like this. Something here is making his nightmaree back." She added


    "What''s that? I think that was what triggered my powers to erupt. You know everything. Tell me."


    She shook her head immediately. "I cannot say anything more."


    I frowned, remembering her powers were just as useless.


    "Why? He is in pain even while I am here. What can I do to reduce his pain?"


    "Nothing." She sadly muttered.

 Chapter 97

    I gaped at her reply. "Nothing? So he should stay here without..."


    "You could go back to your body and figure out a n. It means we won''t be having a discussion tonight." She shrugged, getting ready to leave. Jeez, this woman knew what she was doing. Either I went back to my body or I followed her and learned more. She must know he was my mate. "Was that why you hid the fact that they were my mates?


    You said you knew everything!" I yelled back at her.


    Slowly, she stopped with her eyelids closed. "Well, you caught me." Her white robes were raised a little. "Listen, I can''t tell'' you everything but we eventually figure everything out."


    I couldn''t believe what I was hearing from Elder Rosalie. It felt like she was constantly keeping secrets from me, and it was frustrating. I crossed my arms, demanding more answers.


    "But why keep things from me? If we''re supposed to be a team, why not share everything?"


    She scoffed. "A team? I''d wonder if that''s what we are now.


    Just because you saw the elderly one and the moon goddess doesn''t make us a team. You need to learn your manners, youngdy." Her stare was getting frightening now. I swallowed hard as it came my way like never before.. I still have a long way to go, right?


    "You need to help him. I don''t even know how to get back into my body. How do..."


    Elder Rosalie stamped her rod to the floor in irritation. This was one of the rare times I saw her irritated by my rantings.


    "You will figure it out. I''ll be waiting for whatever decision you choose."


    I gave her my best puppy eye I could muster. She was leaving me alone when we just got to see each other. She did not even have the time to reprimand me.


    Elder Rosalie sighed, her expression a mix of frustration and empathy. She could see that I was trying so hard to make her help me, knowing well that she would never help me. It would ruin the purpose of her power as the watcher.


    She simply allowed things to run its course. It was that terrible. "Naya, it''s not that simple. Some things are better left uncovered until the right time. Trust me, it''s for your own safety and the safety of those around you."


    There she goes again. Withen why was she here if she wouldn''t help me do s**t? I couldn''t bear to see Kyle writhing under the bed. He was trying his best not to wake Zeke up subconsciously. I clenched my fists, torn between my desire for answers and my respect for the elders. "I just want to help Kyle. He''s going through something terrible, and I need to be there for him. But you are asking me to choose between following you for answers tonight and.."


    Elder Rosalie''s eyes softened, and she ced a hand on my shoulder. "I understand your concern, but sometimes the best way to help is by learning and growing on your own. You have unique elder abilities, Naya, and you''ll need to master them to protect those you care about. Not just that. We will never know when your powers will be enough to summon me again. You are in a dangerous ce, yet you aren''t thinking about yourself. Naya, you have a long way to go."


    She was right, but I reluctantly nodded, realizing that there was more to this than I initially understood. It also opened my eyes to the reality that I loved the twins more than myself. This was a trivial matter. It was time for me to make my decision. "Okay, I''ll go back to my body for now and try to figure things out. But promise me you''ll help me when the time is right." She must already know that I would choose my mates over her. Now that I have figured they were my mates and their intentions were pure, I''ll protect them too. I half expected Elder Rosalie to shrug and leave me to figure how to go back to my body, but instead she smiled knowingly. Leaning closer to me so that her hands would touch me, she whispered. "I promise, Naya. You''re not alone and we''ll be here when you''re ready."


    "Wait.. we?" I was puzzled. To my shock, the rest of the Elders materialized from nowhere. "How?" Before I couldplete the statement, she pushed my back into my body. I expected to be met with hardness but I opened my eyes in shock. The elders were here with me! They heard me rant and talk like I was...


    Wait... Elder Freya must have stood really he corner watching me... oh no! I was about to scan the area for her when I noticed Kyle was trembling. His condition has gotten worse than thest few minutes. "Kyle." I whisper close to his ears, hoping hed not hit me and stop thrashing about. Zeke was fastasleep and I knew he needed his sleep more than anything.


    That is, if he wanted to sessfully fight Baron Diego.


    "Sh.." I muttered closer to his ear, proceeding to cradle his head on myp. Thest time, I was able to calm him down and this time, I would turn his nightmare into a wet dream he would #ever forget. It was a bold move I knew, considering the fact that the elders could still be loitering around. If I wasn''t an elder myself, I''d never know that they could leave their bodies and enter into other packs.


    I think the reason they could do that was because of Elder Rosalie. She made them visible to me after a while. I dragged my hands into Kyle''s shirt.. This was different from thest time. Thest time, he poured pop soda on (me, drenching my clothes... this time. He''s mine.


    I was not trying to take advantage of his helpless state. I was just doing what worked thest time. My hands traveled lower to where his muscles were tensed and I began to knead gently to which he groaned like I was touching the right ces. He no longer writhed like before and Instead leaned to my touch.


    "Naya.." Kyle muttered and before I could answer, I was dragged down. I gasped in shock only to see that his eyes were closed. He was still deep in sleep. His sweaty body hugged mine and we were in perfect sync.


    "Are you okay, now?" I asked, hoping he would answer me.


    Well his next behavior showed he was more than okay as he began to grind unto me.


    s**t. I muttered under my breath. This took a dark turn immediately. It was worse than I thought. I quickly tapped his back to see if he woulde back to his senses and let me go. Although 1 knew it would be hard for him to. I started it and I must finish it. Jeez.


    #


    Marley Storm


    It''s been six hours since the alpha of the pack chose to disappear into thin air with his friends. That boy would be the death of me. Elder Freya had warned me never to sit in the Alpha''s chair. As much as I''d like to spite her, I didn''t feel like provoking her. I sat there seething as Freya''s words echoing in my mind like a relentless drumbeat. She had a knack for getting inside my head, and I hated it with every fiber of my being.


    After all, she was the weather fairy. If she thinks I am not aware of their powers they have got something elseing. I couldn''t let her words deter me. This was my chance to prove myself as a capable leader in Zeke''s absence. Once I do that, I''ll take the rightful ce as the Luna of the pack. Then the same way I allowed Alpha storm to die...


    I''ll do that to Zeke.


    First, I needed protection and in order to get that, I''ll need to address the issue of the guards at the children''s cottage. It was a matter of pack security, and if Freya was right about earning the pack''s trust, I had to handle it wisely. Although we were both thinking differently. I reached for my phone,


    *my fingers tapping impatiently on the screen as I dialed a number I never thought I''d have to call. He should better answer immediately or...


    After a few rings, a deep and authoritative voice answered on the other end. "Alpha Baron Diego of the Blood Moon pack speaking. What do you want, Marley Storm?" His voice had the tingle all Alpha wolves had, but this was different. I''ll have to keep my disgust inside to get what I wanted. "I don''t use this except for emergencies and tell me this isn''t an emergency."


    He was ranting again, I rolled my eyes to the heavens, taking a deep breath, trying to keep my frustration at bay.


    "Baron, we need to talk. It''s about the little incident you caused. It''s making things hard for me here."


    There was a pause on the line, and I could almost picture Baron''s cold calcting expression. "Go on."


    "They''re causing unnecessary tension in Wolf Cove, I exined, choosing my words carefully. "We need a better idea. How about the beta?"


    Baron chuckled on the other end, a sound that sent cold shivers down my spine. "Oh, Marley, always trying to be the best aren''t you? But you see, I have my reasons for inviting them here. Reasons that you might not fully understand."


    I clenched my fist, my patience wearing thin. "Baron, we have to coexist peacefully for both our ns to work."


    There was a brief silence, and I could sense the tension on the line. Baron was a formidable Alpha, and he didn''t like being questioned. "Very well, Marley Storm. I''ll send my guards after the beta, but only under one condition."


    I leaned forward, ready to hear his condition. "Name it."


    "You owe me a favor, Baron replied gravely. "One day, I''lle to collect, and you won''t refuse."


    I hesitated for a moment, weighing the consequences of agreeing to Barons condition. But I had no choice. "Agreed.


    Find the beta and we''ll consider this matter settled."


    Baron''s chuckle filled the line again, sending a chill down my spine. "Until our next meeting."


    As I hung up the phone, I couldn''t help but feel I made another mistake. Making a deal with Baron was a risky move, but I had to do whatever it took to be Luna again.

 Chapter 98

    Naya Cod


    "Kyle, please stop." I tried pushing him away and soon he stopped copsing on top of me, nearly crushing me with his heavy body. He was snoring peacefully now. Who knew what was going on in his wet dream?


    I sighed, knowing how futile it would be to push him off me. I stayed there, staring at the ceiling until sleep took over. I didn''t know when Zeke got up from the bed and went into the other room. When I opened my eyes, both sides of the bed were cold. It meant that they had woken up a long time before me.


    s**t


    Frankly, I have always been cautious whenever Kyle had a f*****g nightmare. Justst night, he had almost raped me. I wasn''tining, but damn... we needed to talk to each other about our issues. Not only did I not want Kyle to wake up above me, but I didn''t want Zeke to have a wrong idea that we did it without him.


    What was I saying? Did it without him? They already got the idea because they had woken up before me. s**t! Zeke and Kyle were aware that they''ve got feelings for me, but I have never taken my time to ask them if they were bothfortable with sharing me. Although from the looks of it, they seemedfortable. However, the stunt me pulled the other time worried me. He felt he was the owner of the rtionship and Shadow was just someone he was allowing to have me. That wasn''t what I wanted. I loved them equally so their love for me shouldnt be shared


    There were lot''s of issues to settle with Kyle. I should take my love life step by step or I''ll end up being overwhelmed by two hot guys who were my mates.


    Do I keep pretending I don''t know if they are my mates or I just keep acting submissive and allow the mating bond take over? No. We all needed more than the mating bond.


    We needed to speak to each other and be transparent with our initial feelings to avoid rejection. I would never forget the embarrassed looks they had exchanged that day after our s****? encounter. The thought of being rejected alone scared me like never before. I could be imagining it though because they were both experienced in pervasive matters. Zeke and Kyle lived to f**k me. Now, waking up alone in his magnificent room, I couldn''t help but feel uneasy about what''s going to happen next.


    As the sun''s rays filtered through the curtains, I could hear a grumble from the doorway. The wee party ofst night must be over. I gasped as Kyle stumbled in, still rubbing sleep from his eyes, his messy hair sticking out in all directions. He was so cute. He carried a breakfast te with him, and before I could utter a word, he spoke, his tone gruff. "Morning," he muttered, setting the te down on a nearby table. Did he prepare breakfast for me? My heart fluttered at the thought of it being for me. "Look," he began with his gaze trained on me


    s**h


    He woke up above me, so he must want answers right? "About yesterday, it''s gotta stay between us, okay?"


    I hesitated for a moment because my mind was racing with questions. I knew I looked like a fish out of water-What was he hiding? Why did he want his nightmare to remain a secret? Zeke deserved to know that his nightmares had started again but I am his cure. Or we could just act like we were supportive of his decision and try to pry answers out of him. I gave him a reluctant mod to assure him I was in this with him. "Okay, Kyle, but you have to tell me why it has to be a secret."


    I observed as Kyle nced around, as if ensuring no one else was in the room. It was his brother for goodness sake!


    Then lowered his voice.


    "There''s a lot going on in this


    ce, Naya. You don''t understand. Just trust me on this. I don''t want to trouble Zeke any more."


    My curiosity grew, but I chose to nod again. One step at a time, right. I doubt this would be trouble to Zeke, but Kyle must be feeling he was no longer a kid to run to his brother whenever he had a Nightmare. Instead, I reminded him that Zeke may already know. "Alright, I trust you, but I can''t help but wonder what''s happening to you. Didn''t Zeke find you on me?"


    "He went to the other room. When I asked, he said he wanted to think. He didn''t see us." Kyle offered a weak smile even though his guard was still up. He was f****g lying and I knew he was. "ll exin when the time is right.


    For now, let''s just have breakfast."


    I sighed, choosing to drop it. Later, I agreed, and joined him at the table. I couldn''t help but think that there was more to Kyle''s secret than met the eye. It wasn''t a secret. It was his shame and because I wanted to cover him up, I chose to sacrifice my quest for him. I just made sure the Elders wouldn''t see his weakness. Who knew when they started hiding away, but Elder Rosalie wasn''t like the others.


    She was kind and wouldn''t let the others see his weakness.


    I was now on an additional mission. To make myself the boy''s weakness.


    As Kyle opened the tray to eat, Zeke walked in. He did not say anything, but joined us to eat at the table.


    . "The food.


    Who delivered it?" He asked suspiciously. That was the only thing he has said since he saw me. Was he pissed about seeing Kyle on me? What about the kiss Kyle threw my way earlier? He didn''t say anything then!


    Kyle waved his hands to dismiss Zeke''s questions. "I found a small kitchen. We didn''t need to call that wolf, so I just whipped us something." At the look of Zeke''s annoyed face, he sighed again. "It''s just food Zeke. I don''t think they are nning to poison...." We both gave Kyle a pointed look. Breakfast smelled amazing, but we were in a rival pack. They might have poisoned everything.


    "Great!" Kyle eximed, shifting the heavy table to the right like it was mere paper. "Let''s f*****g starve then."


    Zeke was okay with the idea. "Let''s get dressed. Food may be served at the banquet hall." He eyed me. "Every pack has a banquet hall where wolvese to eat. If nobody dies then we are safe."


    It was a bit too quiet because we all knew today was the day we would be having a meeting with other Alphas. I cleared my throat, preparing to have a discussion with them. I didn''t even get to say a word before the doorbell rang. I stood up, a bit angry at the interruption. "I''ll get it." I figured that since I was in the room, I should at least make herself useful.


    Or I was just trying to avoid ''the talk''


    Topened the door to


    see a brte ring at me. If I didn''t know better, I''d think she was upset with me.


    "Hi." I was confused. Who was she? Was the boy expecting a girl or something? "Who are you?"


    She lowered her gaze as Zeke came up beside me. I knew that he wouldn''t allow me converse with this gril properly and ask her who the f**k she was. "I am the one who showed the Alphas their room yesterday night. You were asleep..." she looked around for Kyle. "The other Alpha." She didn''t have to go into detail like this, but seeing how Zeke stood over me in possession, she must have felt the need to exin the situation to him.


    She may think I was their mate and damn, I would never refute that im.


    "Ie with news of the meeting. We will be expecting your presence at the First meeting by 8:00am." I narrowed my eyes. "What would you all be discussing anyway?"


    Zeke chuckled easily at my foolish questions. "Pack matters." He looked at thedy wolf. She was pretty. I wondered if she and Zeke or Kyle had a brief romantic encounter. "Thank you." He ended the discussion, closing Curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn''t resist asking Zeke about her. "She lowered her gaze when she saw you.


    How Did she know you were Alpha?


    Okay, I didn''t mean for my time to be possessive like he was mine. It was an innocent question that required an innocent answer. Although I doubt the look Zeke gave me was anything but innocent. "Are you jealous?"


    "What? Jealous? I am just asking a question..."


    "You are red." He pointed out.


    I touched my ming cheeks. ''Anybody would be red, especially in an unfamiliar territory. What did you think?" I huffed and puffed, not realizing how cute I must have sounded.

 Chapter 99

    "You are jealous. I just know it." Zeke muttered under his breath before going about to change into his clothes. Then his face contoured, like he just remembered something. "Common, you heard what the woman said, you need to take your bath." He quickly shooed me into the bathroom.


    Here I was thinking I was going to eat breakfast. "No breakfast?"


    I gasped as Kyle threw the food into the dust bin. "The Alpha said no. A while ago, you were afraid of eating poisoned food."


    I sighed, swallowing the aroma I perceived this morning.


    "What can I say? I wish I had the power to nullify poison. I didn''t eatst night." Yesterday night was better to hold the hunger in because I was busy trying to go back into my body. "You''ll be alright." Zeke''s reply was swift. Although I could hear his voice, tinged with worry, and Kyle''s low, reassuring tone,


    "We will grab somethingter." Kyle proceeded to pat my tummy. How do they manage to make me flustered all the f****g time?


    In order to escape their smoldering gaze, I disappeared into the kitchen. They were purposely trying to send me out of the kitchen for some reason I do not know of. Although I closed the door, I pressed my ears to hear what they were going to say when I wasn''t there


    For conviction, 1 turned on the shower. Then I closed my eyes, feeling my body reverberate. On a normal day, if the shower was on and I was eavesdropping, I wouldn''t be able to hear them properly. Thai was different. I could hear what went on in the room. Kyle was shuffling and grumbling about how he was famished, and Zeke was shushing him.


    "Naya, a third presence wille soon. Soon we will be having your elder blood speak. Can you differentiate us?" My wolf was sad now. She hasn''t been talking for a long time, and I fear she is no longer the chatterbox that I was used to.


    "Is something wrong?" I decided to give the boys another second to express their thoughts now that I wasn''t there. I stretched my scrawny hands to increase the shower and also to yeast my abilities. I heard perfectly fine.


    "I feel you''d have to share just to please.." Naya was cut short by Kyle''s next words. I wanted to tell her that would never happen, but I knew it would happen eventually.


    Jeez, did she have to put it that way? Although she was correct through and through, this was a power that has been residing in me dormantly, yet it has influenced my character. I was sure it made me sassier than I was along the way. All elders tend to have such silly attitudes. Even the elder one had it too. Frankly, I am so fascinated by my power that when it fully showcases itself, I will be excited.


    I will never forget Naya. She was my wolf. I was Naya, and she was me. Even if another presence was in me, she would have to adjust to Naya being there. After all, he has been silent all these years, choosing to show up now and nearly ruining things for me. "Rest assured, Naya, you are


    going nowhere." I wanted to say it again. That must be the reason why she bit me, since she couldn''t bite the elder one. All that jealousy won''t be for nothing.


    "We have to keep it together, Zeke, Kyle was saying. "We can''t let Naya find out about this."


    My heart beat increased in tempo as I pressed my ear to the door to hear more and make out the rest of their conversation. It was clear that something was going on- something they were both keeping from me. Not just the fact that they were my friends. I wondered if I should confront them, but a part of me felt that it might be better to wait and gather more information, which was why I got up to answer the door when I wasn''t supposed to.


    No, scratch that; I was nervous. Deathly nervous.


    "That we snuck the dress in?" Zeke asked in amusement. I asked Renee to purchase this for a purpose. I was even shocked that the order was delivered even at night." I cringed at the loud shuffling. I guess he was tearing the bag open. "Never at our pack." "Do you think it''s something we may have to invent? Id love ate snack delivered... We have everything." He snickered. We could even go to the pack store to get whatever we want. Order a person or two to do that."


    I felt the need to shake my head at their words. I thought they were saying something important. "Silly Alphas. They bought a dress for me." I couldn''t stop myself from smiling brightly


    Naya twirled happily.


    "We will get to wear a dress once in our lifetime. I am so happy. It should be all the time." I agreed with her. They should be able to buy me dresses all the time. I was okay with it until they said the word and rejected me.


    "I highly doubt that. Now bathe so we can try out the new dress." Naya scolded like she was my mom. Sometimes she was like that to me. I would never abandon her like my mother did.


    I removed my clothes, stepping under the shower and sighing as the water sttered all over my back, calming my nerves for what''sing next.


    Kyle Storm


    "...Order a person or two to do that." I finished proudly.


    "What if they were with their mates? Would you call them out to get a dress for you? This is different. We need to learn from this if we want to be better." Zeke said with a hint of sadness in his voice.


    I shook my head. "We shouldn''t have to change our ways.


    We are doing fine." I take back what I said earlier about inventing home delivery. It was a bad idea, but I loved our packs old ways and traditions. It wasn''t going to change US.


    "Of course we are doing fine, and I am not changing a


    *****g thing about our pack traditions. Zeke leaned closer.


    "Home delivery should only be added to our packages. We could emte some good ideas from here and create more job opportunities for our pack members. Not only that, we could take over if we wanted to with these perks. I can assure you that a lot of people want to be a part of our pack but find it impossible. This is a way to bring all of us together. Give them these benefits; make lives easier."


    I licked my dry lips. "I understand you. How did Renee get into our pack if it was that easy? How did all these people..."


    Zeke gave me a knowing look. "That''s why we are here. To find out how and why, find the mole and sever the link. We are here to kill, steal, and destroy. What do you say?"


    It all made sense, and I was onboard right from the start. It meant Renee had a connection to the pack. It wasn''t just the scentless spray that made her invincible. She was overlooked by the territory patrol team. The same team harbors Beta. I snapped my head at Zeke. "What about the beta?"


    Zeke nodded, seemingly thinking about the same thing.


    "We need to send a message to the patrol team. The beta needs toe home."


    It would also ruin our ns. "What about the consequences of our actions? We agreed not to bring him back yet until our problems were solved for a while."


    Zeke rubbed his face, and I could see he was getting tired.


    That was the job of an alpha. We were both Alphas, but it was his call for now. "The only person I can trust with this is Marley."


    "Marley?" I asked, shocked at why he thought of her instead of someone else. That woman was suspicious as hell. Who knew what she could do with this information?


    Zeke gave me a ''drop it'' look. Fine. I take it as a test for her.


    If anything goes wrong, it will only help me to confirm that she''s the mole. If Zeke trusted her, I wouldn''t stop him until I had sufficient evidence. He continued. "I''ll ask Naya to contact Elder Rosalieter. She''s another person I can trust for Beta''s safety. We will need to be quiet about this. Once word about the beta spread, his enemies woulde after us, and we are yet to know why our father sent him on a death journey."


    Zeke was bing more mature than I was. I was about to agree again when he switched to the next topic. "About the mate thing. We do not know how Naya would react to both of us being her mates, so let''s take it one after the other, huh? I''ll go first."


    There he goes again. I frowned at his statement but refused to say a word. He was trying to see if he had a better chance at her, forgetting that the mating board doesn''t discriminate. The love will surely be shared equally at some point in time. "Okay, brother. She admires you a tad bit more than me." I refused to let the disappointment show in my voice, even though it was through. I saw it in her eyes every day. She appreciated Zeke because he''s an alpha, and I was just azy bone tagging along. I was second to him.

 Chapter 100

    I turned off the shower. "Now let''s go out there and change into something better than this."


    When I entered the room, Kyle and Zeke were nowhere to be found. I figured they gave me a chance to wear the new gown. My breath constricted as I sighted the beautiful gown on the bed. There were six gowns actually.


    "Oh!" I gasped at the sheer beauty. There were some pairs of shoes beside each one. It was as if they were asking me to choose one out of all of them. They were simply stunning! I stood there, awestruck by the sight of those six exquisite gownsid out before me. Zeke and Kyle really went out of their way to do this.


    It all made sense now why they were both acting suspicious.


    Slowly, I crept closer to them. Each dress was a unique work of art. It would make things difficult for me. I reached out to Naya immediately because she must have a say in this. We''ve never gotten to wear such an expensive gown such as this. They were all beautiful and made for princesses!


    "Look! The blue one... just the right color of our eyes!" Naya was rolling on the floor of my mind with excitement. "They chose our color!"


    I chuckled at her dramatic state, proceeding to examine it properly. She was right. It was the color of my eyes. It was made of shimmering bluece. I sighed, moving onto the next dress. There was nothing extraordinary about it.


    "We have other gowns to check out, Naya." I said, ignoring her whine about the blue dress. I shouldn''t have said she had a say in this selection. The second gown was silver in color. Every little design in it sparkled like starlight. No. Not my type, I dropped the fabric. Besides, it would itch all the way through and I wouldn''t like that. I loved myfort, you see.


    The next gown was a bold emerald green dress that looked fit for a forest queen. I was no forest queen and my mother would look better in that dress anyway.


    "You are just being bitter." Naya pouted from the side. At least I got her to stop being dramatic and choose a dress we wouldn''t regretter on. Who knew how the meeting would go? I really didn''t want anyone to stare me down. I was with the Alphas of my pack, I should dress like one. I eyed the fourth gown suspiciously. It was a ssic ck gown with a dramatic train. Jeez... I bet Kyle chose this to tease me. I''d look like a widow!


    The fifth gown was red and soft to the touch. It emitted avender scent that enticed me. What''s worse, it was the color of my hair. A vibrant red. "Nah." I and Naya disagreed immediately. I wasn''t as fragile as I looked so this would certainly send that message across. Finally, a vibrant purple dress that stood out from the rest. I froze at the spot to admire its texture. "What do you think?"


    "I think we have spent so much time selecting the best gown, but I also think this gown is the one."


    I grinned, d that we were both on the same track. My hands gently traced the fabric, feeling its softness against my skin. "This one," I whispered to myself, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. It was as if the dress had called out to me, and I couldn''t resist its charms. Without thinking, I dropped my towel, preparing to wear the purple gown. It was simply stunning how purple suddenly became my signature color. It was thebination of my eye and hair.


    A reminder of who I used to be. Once a chrysalis and now a butterfly.


    "Try it." Naya urged. She too was okay with the color.


    I rolled my eyes. "I am." The gown went over my head without problems.


    "Go to the mirror, let me see you fully." I ran to the only mirror hanging on the wall. It was a perfect fit, hugging my curves in all the right ces, and the way it flowed around me made me feel like a princess.


    "It''s perfect." I could hear Naya mutter in awe.


    As I twirled in front of the mirror, my happiness was indescribable. I couldn''t remember thest time I''d felt this carefree and beautiful. "I feel amazed!" My mouth almost hurt from smiling too much. It''s been forever since I wore a gown not to talk more of a princess-like gown.


    They were expensive as f**k! I smiled at my reflection in admiration. Then I began to notice the changes. My eyes were beginning to show purple glints and when I blinked, my once blue pupils became purple in color. "What''s going on? You are changing." Naya began to panic.


    Could it be as a result of how happy you are?"


    I shook my head, wondering too. It didn''t stop there as my red hair began to shift and change, transforming into a vibrant shade of purple that perfectly matched the dress. I gasped in amazement, watching as the color spread from root to tip, as if my hair and the dress were meant to be together. "s**!!" I eximed in shock.


    Naya nodded in affirmative. "Now that''s what I am talking about!" She pranced about proudly. "Take a picture with the boyster. I want to see your frame high up for everyone to see. You deserve it, Naya." She finished with a little crack in her voice. She was getting emotional.


    "Oh,e on." I chided, not happy with her state. "Consider the irony of this and get yourself together. We are in the enemy''s territory. We need to look good for our funeral."


    "Stop talking about death. The boys will be there for you."


    I smiled bitterly at my reflection. "Yet they chose to hide the truth from me." No number of gowns would change the way I feel about them. My love for them would grow stronger everyday and that was it.


    Naya refuses to say a word after that. Instead I decided toplete the look with a pair of clear heels that were ced next to the dresses. The shoes were surprisinglyfortable, and they added a better touch to my outfit, perfect making me feel like I was walking on air. It was


    Naya''s tail wagged happily as she looked me up and down from the mirror. "The heelspliment your gown and that shade of purple suits you perfectly." Oh, a nice change of topic? Good. It was better than thest


    I chuckled and reached out to tuck a strand of my hair behind my ears. If Naya wasn''t ashamed topliment me like this, it meant I really looked good. Then what would the Alpha say? Why would Kyle say? The thought of that made me giddy. "This is just a fun change for today. I may not have the opportunity for this again."


    It was back to depressing thoughts again. s**t! Naya continued this time, "You know, I''ve been thinking about something. I''ve seen you in all kinds of situations, but this is the first time I''ve seen you in a dress like this. It''s different. It''s your power." Damn Naya for being right in almost everything. I sat down on the bed to collect my thoughts. "It is different. Change can be refreshing."


    Naya c****d her head to the side, her blue eyes filled with curiosity. "Maybe if you told them you overheard them, we would wear this forever. You know what I mean. Or isnt that why you chose the purple dress? To try something new? A difference?"


    I nodded, grateful for Naya''s understanding. "Yes, exactly." Maybe that was why my elder color was purple. Naya was blue while my red hair bullied me and stood me out. Thebination of this was perfect. Plus, it''s such a beautiful dress, better than the rest and it made me feel happy the moment I put it on. It helped me transform into a matching outfit. "Sometimes, it''s important to follow our instincts and go with what makes us feel good."


    Naya let out a contented sigh andid down, her tail still wagging. "You always know how to make the best choices."


    "Zeke and Kyle need to see this." I said finally preparing to stand up. Just as I was about to leave the room and show off my new attire, I heard a soft, melodious voice. "My, my, don''t you look absolutely stunning in that dress.


    "


    Startled, I spun around to find Kyle walking into the room. I must have been so lost in our discussion that I didn''t hear the door. I guessed I was taking too much time. "Suits you perfectly." Zeke grinned like prince charming.


    This was the first time I have seen him smile genuinely. He gave Kyle a high five. "We were right!"


    I narrowed my eyes on them. "You mean you just added these ones but knew I''d choose the purple?"


    Kyle snorted. "I think I should call you the purpledy now."


    "You should." (replied sarcastically to which he and Zeke snickered.

 Chapter 101

    "Oh, Naya, they look so good!" Naya gushed as we both checked Kyle and Zeke out secretly


    They were both putting on tuxedos, and it made me wonder if we were going for a ball instead of a meeting.


    Zeke caught me staring before I could avert my gaze


    "What? Are we overly dressed?" He also turned to Kyle for approval


    I clicked the roof of my tongue. "You are asking the wrong person."


    Kyle''s question swirled around. "These types of things should go in style, babe." I froze at the mention of the endearing term ''babe. I eyed him from the corner of my eyes to see if he noticed how awkward I was acting, but he went on fixing his hair like nothing happened.


    Neither did Zeke acknowledge it. Maybe I was just being paranoid about the situation. So what if he called me babe, stepsister, or little wolf? Sometimes kittens too.


    "Are you ready?" Kyle called out, and I snapped out of my reverie. "Yeah." The heels were bnced, and they made me shoulder level, with him. He stretched out his hands, and I took his. They felt warm like always, and I loved the way hisrge palms swallowed my sweaty ones.


    "Hold on." Zeke said, bringing out something from his pockets. It was a shiny purple pin. He raised the shiny pin up to my hair, clipping the stubborn hair behind my eyes. I could do nothing but show him my best, most grateful smile. "You almostined. The words were at the tip of your tongue."


    I closed my mouth, refraining from any other snarky words since he just bought me a dress and a beautiful hair pin. TI cherish both of them forever. Without thinking, I nt a kiss on Kyle''s cheeks and do the same for Zeke. I did it so fast that it didn''t register what I had done until we were out of the hall.


    "Did you just.." Zeke asked with an amused smirk.


    Kyle pulled me closer to him. "It was cute." Heplimented me, and I felt the heat of hispliments in between my thighs.


    "Get a grip of yourself, Naya."


    "I cautioned my wolf to


    distract from our desires. They were both making it harder for me to control myself.


    "I should tell you that myself." Naya grinned mischievously.


    "You do know that they can smell your arousal, right?"


    I gasped, swallowing at the thought of my desires spreading into the air and embarrassing me. "What didn''t you tell me earlier?"


    Naya shrugged without remorse. "I wanted to tell you, but then I changed my mind since you were already busy."


    I raised my eyebrows. "Busy with what?"


    "With scolding me." she deadpanned, going deeper into the shadows. Argh! I wanted to just strangle her. Unfortunately, she was not materialistic. All we had to do was think of my mother and the dead Alpha Storm having s*x.


    As soon as the image went through my mind, the heat stopped. "Thank f**k!" I wiped the small beads of sweat underneath my nose. There were people to meet, so I couldn''t possibly embarrass myself and show everyone I was an Omega with uncontroble desires.


    I shook my head to focus on the designs I couldn''t see when I was unconscious. The halls were adorned with beautiful tapestries, and the air was filled with the scent of the musky undertone of wolves. The Alphas were already seated. Frankly, I''d prefer to be seated before everyone arrives.


    Without the twins by my side, I''d have fainted from the high levels of pheromones. Not only that, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the Alphas wanted to know what would be discussed. I could see the same anticipation at Kyle and Zeke''s ce. It made me realize that it must be their first time being here without their father. My respect for them increased tenfold at the thought of them being here without anyone''s help.


    Being here with them made me feel special. Why would they ask me toe if I wasn''t their mate or if they were nning to reject me?


    All that bullshit about helping them find Baron Diego was not entirely true. I was here because they wanted me to be here. Why couldn''t they bring Brooke or Luna Marley? I scoffed. My mother would get really furious when she realized I was the one they brought along and not her.


    Not for once did Zeke think of bringing her along to the all-Alphas pack meeting. She wasughable. However, it also meant Zeke trusted her to handle the affairs of the pack, or he just had something up his sleeve that I was not aware of.


    A shiny object sitting on a shelf caught my eye, and I couldn''t believe it. It was a rare vase I had seen once on Kyles wallpaper. "Wow, this ce is incredible! Look at that. You have it on your phone." I marveled, my eyes darting around to take in the beauty of the surroundings.


    better enjoy it while I can. The manor was just as beautiful as this, but this was different. This time I had time to check out the surroundings, unlike back at the manor. It was as if the twins were asking me to take this as my vacation. Zeke, in his typically straightforward manner, simply nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the room for familiar faces. What was I expecting from him? I


    If I wanted excitement that matched mine, Kyle was the best shot. But even he, on the other hand, couldn''t resist a teasingment.


    "Well, little wolf, it seems like you''re easily impressed. Wait until you see the Alpha''s throne." I pouted immediately.


    Seriously? Was he going to go down thatne and make me ask about the alpha''s throne? I have never been to the manor''s main official hall. I knew it would be more homely than this. Besides, what''s with the endearing names?


    "He has always been like that; you just never noticed." Naya pointed it out. "You are noticing because you just know the truth."


    Oh, the truth about being mates? I shot him a yful re.


    "Don''t call me that."


    He chuckled, obviously not taking my protests too seriously. "Alright. But seriously, this ce is like a pce.


    It''s a far cry from the forest you''re used to."


    I nodded. "I prefer wolf cove any day." I guess my statement made them happy because Zeke gave me a small smile of appreciation and satisfaction. It was true for all of us.


    Soon, we were approaching the center of the hall, where a magnificent throne stood. I haven''t seen the throne of Wolf Cove, so I couldn''t say if I appreciated this one or not.


    There was a long conference table at which Alphas from different parts of our realm were seated. If I thought I had been feeling the power from the hallway, this was worse. I gripped Kyle''s arm. He gave me a knowing look to tell me that was why he had been walking close to me. The air seemed to crackle with Alphaly power, and I rolled my eyes back in pleasure.


    Zeke''s hands were around my waist instantly. It was as if they knew this was going to happen. He leaned closer to my ears, panting softly. "If you behave like a good girl today, I will reward you."


    I blinked, gluing myself to the side of Kyle, who was d to receive me. I narrowed my eyes on the imposing figure on the Alpha throne. I gasped as soon as I saw who it was.


    Baron Diego was sitting regally on the throne, his eyes scanning the gathered pack members until theynded on me, melting me in the spot.


    "Mr. Diego?" I whispered in terror. I thought I had imagined it all-that he was the Alpha of this pack. He nodded in acknowledgment as we approached, and I realized that it was our turn to greet him. Exerting confidence, Kyle stepped forward, extending his hand in a formal greeting. "Baron Diego."


    I shivered as his gaze was still on me. Zeke followed suit with both hands in his pockets. "Baron Diego."


    I nearly snorted at the baron''s sudden frown. He eyes the hands in Zekes pocket, not clearly happy with his insolence. Then his eyes shed at me, and I realized everyone was waiting for me to greet him.


    I hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the formality of it all. But I knew I couldn''t let my difort show, so I stepped forward, extending my hand as well. "Mr Diego, I mean Baron Diego." Kyle let out an amused snort as Baron Diego refused to take my hand. Awkwardly, I withdrew it. His gaze met mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.


    "Wee." He said it simply.


    I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. So this was how it was to be in the presence of an alpha? I could never stop thanking my stars. Zeke and Kyle were with me.

 Chapter 102

    "Ah." Mr Diego.. Baron Diego to the man beside him. He may seem like he wasn''t familiar with me, but I knew he recognized me. It was me who wasn''t sure if I recognized him. He seemed so different from before. Look at all those gold chains around his neck! It was obvious the Blood Moon pack was swimming in money, which I really did not care about. The manor may not be treating me right, but I was content that all they had was mine. What else could I want?


    A butler walked up to us. "Have your seat."


    I eyed the man he just spoke to. Perhaps that was his beta or something. I followed Kyle and Zeke to where they were assigned with my eyes on the floor. Everyone was staring at us now. I was d I didn''t dress shabbily because, damn, these people were hot. Damn. "Seat here." Zeke pointed at the chair I''m in the middle of while they nked me. Kyle sat at the right, and Zeke was at my left. If I was a buffer, they may mistake me for the Alpha. Great.


    "Thank you foring all this way. But before we start, we


    have to have a minute of silence for the Alpha we just lost.


    He was murdered by an unknown pack. Alpha Storm." He gestured at us, and the environment was filled with surprised chatter. Of course, some of them knew, while others didn''t.


    Zeke''s hands were folded by his sides. I could see how white they were bing. I didn''t miss the wink Baron Diego gave Zeke. I knew it! He exchanged the same expressionless look with Kyle. Soon, everyone stood up for a minute of silence. It was a bit humiliating since the alpha was murdered in his own home.


    I ced my hands on Zeke''s folded shirt once to keep him calm. I could feel me prancing around his mind, thinking of jumping out and ripping Alpha Baron into pieces, but that would only prove how uncultured he was to his host. They would deem him guilty, and the elders of ournd would punish him.


    And I will follow suit. No. I better calm him down.


    It went just as quickly as it came, and everyone began talking again. Some of them even had the courage to walk up to Zeke to express their condolences.


    The first to approach was Alpha Baron Diego himself, and I all but wanted to punch him in the face. Note my sarcasm.


    Baron Diego extended his hand towards Zeke, his face a mask of tense sympathy. It was obvious he wasn''t in the least sorry. How could he be up for the death of Alpha Storm like they were friends when he clearly knew how much of an enemy they were? He even knew his first name when I didn''t! How dare he try to get a rise out of Zeke and Kyle? Hasn''t he done enough? Did he have to tell the world how much of a fool we were?


    The Alpha was killed in his home. He died while fighting, which didn''t make him a weakling, but it was humiliation for us. It clearly showed the other pack who murdered Alpha Storm was stronger. Secondly, Alpha Storm has never had to receive alliances from other packs. They usually came to him for alliances. This happened because Alpha Storm was too confident in himself.


    Or he never did have the time to tell the world that the Luna of the pack contributed to his death. I was just as guilty of fear and embarrassment. Zeke and Kyle should know of this, yet I hide it like I am a saint. No elder would hear of this and keep it to themselves. I was an untrained and unmannered elder. I do not deserve to be by their side.


    "Alpha Zeke, my condolences for your loss. Callen was a formidable leader, and his passing is truly a tragedy." His tone was dripping with insincerity.


    Zeke clenched his jaw but managed a polite nod, not bothering with the handshake. He had a keen sense for detecting fake sentiments. "Thank you, Alpha Diego. All eyes were on him to act rashly. He was the youngest one, so they were all waiting for him to act out of character.


    Knowing Zeke, he doesn''t give a damn about their feelings.


    He was Alpha, and his word was absolute. At least where we came from, that was it.


    I turned to watch Kyle''s expression, which remained stoic despite everything. He leaned closer to me as he acknowledged Baron Diego with a curt nod, shaking the offered hand briefly. Kyle was touchy that way too. I smiled a little, giving him a nudge for making the atmosphere less tense.


    "Alpha ra." Zeke greeted us wearily. I wondered secretly how he knew her name. "She is famous for her seductive nature."


    Ah. My mother''s type was here too. I shifted closer to Zeke.


    Alpha ra approached us precisely. It was amazing to see a female Alpha, but what amazed me were her eyes.


    They were a different shade of color. The other was ck, while the left was hazel. goddess! She was a strikingly beautiful woman. I eyed her suspiciously as she leaned in closer to Zeke, her voice a seductive purr. Oh, she shouldn''t have done that. I didn''t expect her to be like that, but considering her sexy body and alluring way of talking, she got up thedder using her body and probably killed a few people in her way of taking the throne.


    "Alpha Zeke, I''m truly sorry for your loss. If there''s anything I can do to ease your pain, don''t hesitate to ask." Her intentions were far from pure, evident in the way she subtly ran her fingers along Zeke''s arm.


    Where was she when the Alpha died? It''s been months.


    "It''s been months." Zeke''s nostrils red with annoyance, but he remainedposed, aware of the underlying motives. "You even know my name, which means you had information that I became Alpha." He leaned closer to her too, so no one would hear much of what they were saying.


    "I do not need you to ease my pain." He gritted while I ced a reassuring hand on his thigh, subtly urging him to stay calm. I was staking my im, and I could care less it she saw it and chose to spread the word. Gone were those days when I would remove my hands and act like I didn''t like them. Although there are limitations, ''ll handle them properly.


    Kyle''s reaction to her words was less subtle. He grinned at the next approaching Alpha. "Alpha Damien." Next was Alpha Damien, a burly and imposing figure, offering his condolences with a hint of mockery in his voice. I thought he was getting to be real, considering the way Kyle beamed at him. Jeez. When I looked back at Kyle, his smile wasn''t there.


    "Well, well, Zeke, it seems like the Wolf Cove is in quite a predicament now, huh? Losing your Alpha like that,


    Damien shook his head as if he really cared. He never did.


    "What a shame. I asked your Alpha to form an alliance with me, and he said no. Look at who''s in charge now."


    "And who''s in charge?" I surprised myself by saying s**t! I wasn''t supposed to say a word, but I was too angry not to care.


    He turned to me with amusement. "Who are you?"


    His mate, bitche! I wanted to say it in my head, but I refrained myself before I made myself look like a fool. "A pack member? You don''t talk trash about my pack in my presence. Yours isn''t better."


    He seized me with herrge frame. "You aren''t an Alpha, nor are you their mate. Who the f**k are you to b**t in?"


    I swallowed hard, wondering if I could take this man.


    Honestly? I was too angry to care at this moment. "You have no right to talk to anyone like that, despite your status." Suddenly, his pheromones did nothing for me. He was about to step closer to me when Kyle blocked his path.


    "No." Kyle''s grip on the armrest of his chair tightened, his knuckles turning white. I ced my hand gently on his forearm, attempting to soothe his rising anger. "Kyle, it''s not worth it," I whispered


    "Oh, you are their slut." Alpha Damien grinned wickedly.


    Zeke finally lost his patience with Alpha Damien''s taunts.


    "Watch your words, Alpha Damien," he retorted sharply


    "I can say whatever I want. This isn''t your pack, and I won''t be trampled by a small boy with no home training." He spat angrily.


    "Walk away." Zeke interrupted darkly. There was no telling what he could do to the wolf if he spoke one more time. All eyes are on us now.


    "Til speak to youter." Alpha Damien promised, chuckling as he walked away, clearly enjoying the rise he had gotten out of Zeke.

 Chapter 103

    "That was unbelievable!" I fumed, trying to control the energy pulsating in me. It was as if someone in me disliked the way he talked to me. I felt like teaching him a lesson. A lesson he would never forget.


    "I am proud of you." Zeke said instead, giving me a small smile.


    "You stood up for our pack. We didn''t make a mistake by bringing you along." Kylepleted with an identical nod if his head.


    Suddenly, Zeke banged his hands int he table, drawing everyone''s attention. "I don''t need any one''s condolences!


    You use it to insult me and I don''t like it. I am the Alpha of the Wolf Cove pack. The f*****g biggest pack in our realm and where the elders reside too." He gave a sly smile.


    I grinned. He was such a show off.


    "And if anyone f***s with my brother, the Alpha, f***s with me. If you f**k with a member of our pack..." he gave me a smile too, "you f**k with me. If you f**k with the name of our pack, you f**k with all of us. I will f*****g kill you and leave the other mateless. Try me."


    There was so much tension in the air that you could cut it with a knife. Wow, that was an amazing speech, except he referred to me as a member of his pack. Jeez. I guess I started it first huh?


    "Then why are you here?" Someone asked. He seemed really small. "Your father never formed alliance with a pack. He usually gave his support but received none from us."


    "And we are here to f*****g change that. We wouldn''t havee here if we weren''t interested. Once upon a time, this meeting was held in our pack."


    Baron Diego raised his hands as he nced around with amusement. He was acting like whatever Zeke said was utter bullshit. "Whoa, stop there. Let''s not go into that discussion. You are just a kid, dreaming of being the Alpha of Alphas. Your father wanted to be one and failed.


    Now you want to go down his path? You''ll get killed. Leave it for those who can handle not being killed."


    A sharp gasp filled the air as everyone began to murmur their agreement.


    "The Alpha of Alphas has requirements. Baron Diego is one of those who has fulfilled..."


    "What are the requirements? Is that why the meeting was shifted to his house?"


    "He has defeated the strongest Alpha of all." Alpha Damien chuckled wickedly. "Who knows? Your father perhaps?"


    My jaws dropped at the audacity if this man to insult Alpha Storm just because he wasn''t among the living. "The f**k?" I queried, looking directly into his eyes. "All of you are fuckers and weaklings for not even admitting to defeat. You let this...


    "I gestured at Baron who was watching silently. "Thing, be the Alpha of Alphas? Have you forgotten the wolf cove has the elders? Tell me... who''s going to protect you when there is war? He could kill the rest of you if he wanted!"


    Frankly, I had no idea what I was saying, I just knew that I had to change their disgusting mind about Alpha storm and regain Zeke and Kyle''s glory. They were my boys even though we all have refused to say it openly. Minute by minute my anger was getting harder to control. I refuse to let them shame the Alphas of my pack.


    "I could kill you where you stand because this is a meeting for Alphas and you have butted in too much." Baron''s voice was lower now. He was pissed. Good.


    "I shouldn''t have trusted you, you fucker. I thought you were someone I could look up to, I even took you as my father." I spat bitterly but he didn''t even seem fazed.


    "You''d be surprised how urate that is." He simply shrugged.


    "What?" I whispered in shock.


    Baron Diego pped his hands and more than fifty monstrous wolves surrounded us. "Your kind is no longer needed here...


    I turned to Zeke hastily. "See why this was a bad idea?


    Have you confirmed what you came here to confirm?"


    Zeke cracked some parts of his body. "Even more.


    Kyle?"


    Kyle nodded. "I have, brother. This man is a murderer. We should take our time to kill him."


    Unless he kills us first. I swallowed in fear. These were the type of wolves that attacked me earlier. So this is why the Alphas choose to align with him so that they won''t get attacked by these things. They were faster, stronger and had more teeth than I could count. When they roared my ears tingled. s**t! I nced around but the Alphas had already shifted to the side to watch the disy.


    They all wanted to die. Does it mean it wasn''t just Baron Diego but he also had the support of others too? Alpha Damien, the dusty looking wolf, Alpha ra and those who spoke against us were in this too.


    Zeke growled under his breath. "We knew what we were getting into when we came here right?"


    Kyle flexed his muscles. "I did. Did you, Naya?" Huh? I didn''t! "Emm.."


    "Kyle, you protect the back, I protect the front. Naya stay in the middle. No harm wille to you." Zeke said, sighing and facing the monsterz. They were all waiting for their Alpha''smand to attack us. "It''s a pity to see the people that my father helped at a time turn against him for the protection of their pack. I get it that I am young, but that doesn''t mean our pack fell from glory. I came here to mingle and understand you all, maybe act desperate enough to make you recognise our pack again... It''s a shame, really." He folded his shirt slowly to his elbow. The veins under his neck were very red. me was about toe out.


    Or he was out already because Zekes voice dropped many octaves. It was me''s way of talking too.


    "You all have made a mistake by underestimating the youngest Alpha." me yawned loudly and my eyes widened at his nonchnt andzy attitude. "The only reason why I am taking this slowly is because of her." He pointed at me and I saw a sh of orange in his eyes.


    "I don''t want to change into my wolf form." Kyle whined, staring down at his suit. "It will ruin this suit."


    me gave Kyle a side look. "Let Shadow out."


    Kyle pouted. "Provided he doesn''t transform. ''ll punish him for days."


    "Is this a concert show? They have been running their mouths since! Take an arm or something!" Alpha Damien screamed like a woman.


    Baron Diego nodded. "At your service. Boys! Bring back a limb for the trophy. Nobody is going to miss you."


    Is he seriously going to kill us? I have never felt so useless as I am right now.


    Kyle immediately raised his hands. "After I kill these things, then I''ll kill. not you." He purposely didn''t include Baron Diego which made him raise an eyebrow. He pointed at Alpha Damien instead. "You."


    "Prove it. Let''s see what two teenage boys can do in the midst of experienced warriors. If you survive, then we can talk about a fight." He replied confidently.


    "You f****g slug!" I threw at him, ignoring the disgusted eye he gave me back.


    "Kill her first."


    "Oh no." me said after a while of watching. "Like I said earlier, you don''t touch her."


    "Tear her into pieces first, but get me her heart. I need it." Baron Diegos cold eyes were on me as if he knew what I was. Something told me he knew. What''s he going to use my heart for? Damn.


    "Take one step and you meet your demise." Shadow promised the growling monsters. Saliva slipped from the corner of their mouths and they drooles the more I shifted back. I guess they loved the thrill of a chase to kill. Sadistic shits! Baron couldn''t care less about Kyle''s threats. "Attack!"


    They came in twos scaring the s**t out of me. Four came for me at once while the other four gave Zeke and Kyle tough time by attacking in sync.


    me ripped something thick and body fluid sshed all over me, ruining my dress. "My dress!"


    "We will get you a new one!" Kyle yelled as he kicked another foot monster with force. Itnded a few feet away before getting back up. What? Don''t they die or some thing?


    "It will take more than a kick Kyle!" Baron''s maniacughter filled the air, along with other Alphas who I felt like they were watching a show.


    My energy began to throb under my skin again. If only I knew how to use my power to help my boys. I turned to the right just in time to see Zeke being attacked by four more wolves. He was desperately stopping them from getting to me. "Zeke!" I turned to the left to see seven monsters trying to take a chunk out of Kyle. If they wanted to change now, it would be toote. Their murderous eyes were still focused on me.

 Chapter 104

    I closed my eyes, feeling the energy of my powers throbbing under my skin. It wasn''t that heavy, but I could feel it. However little it was there, reminding me that it was something I could use to my advantage. I shouldn''t take it for granted.


    Using my powers might drain me. I didn''t even know how to use them. When Elder Rosalie offered a night to teach me, I chose to rely on my boys, Zeke and Kyle and to be honest, they were doing well, protecting me.


    Who was going to protect them? I could not be useless in all ramifications. Paradventure they take me in as mate, would I seat back and watch the wolves tear my mates in to pieces when I have the power to save them?


    "You can do it, Naya." My wolf encouraged me despite hating the fact I had some other power apart from her. "I can feel the purpledy too."


    I grinned, hearing a loud shing sound from the side, maybe it was Kyle or Zeke. It bought me more time to remember Elderly one'' voice in my head. Elders are born not created. If I was born with my powers, doesn''t it make me stronger than I actually think I was? Think, Naya, think!


    How do you summon your power? You can do it. A loud crash caught my attention and I opened my eyes to see Kyle almost being eaten by one of those things. He was fighting voraciously.


    "No!" Zeke yelled, throwing off his own opponent to get to Kyle. The monster raked its ws around Kyle''s stomach as Kyle tried to use all his strength to throw it off.


    It wasn''t working. In panic I turned to Baron Diego. "Stop this! Let them go!"


    He simply chuckled alongside others. "You know... it''s a shame how you stand there and let them protect you like you are incapable. I want to see what you can do... unless you are as useless as I thought earlier."


    "You freak!" I sighed when Zeke saved Kyle by ripping the neck of the wolf. Then he stretched out his hands.


    "You okay brother?"


    "Yea." Kyle got up with agility but blood poured down his stomach and it made mine twist and turn in anger.


    The monsters were stilling to me when I felt like I had had enough for their entertainment. "Enough!" I yelled, my powering out like I was an expert. I gasped in shock as all the monsters were suspended in the air. I thought of them bursting into pieces and they did just that, their body parts sttering onto the Alphas and even Alpha Damien''s new suit. They were all frozen in shock at the disy.


    Zeke refused to be frozen by my actions as he pulled me closer to him. "Let''s get out of here."


    "What... what did I just do?" I whispered to myself, still tasting the strong chemical scent that prated the air.


    Instead of blood, a strange stench filled the air. What has Baron Diego been doing with his wolves to make them into a killing machine? My leg hit something and I almost fell.


    "Easy."


    "Our car." I muttered incoherently. It won''t take hours before the Alphas have recovered and start to chase US.


    "What the." Kyle mumbled as the guards who drove us here offered to drive us out. Our car skidded to a halt in front of


    us. They were the drivers. "Can you trust them?"


    "Trust Naya." Zeke said instead and I wondered what I did to make them want to betray Baron Diego. They were beenpelled by me to set them free from the t*****e.


    "They are good to go." I patted one of them. So this was what it meant to be free. Besides, what other choice do we have? Kyle wasn''t in a good shape to drive and Zeke was busy trying to navigate the area with me. If any of them took the wheel, we would be lost. "We know the way better than the three of you. So hop in and let''s get going." The doors were open and we practically flew in.


    As we settled into the car, the guards exchanged nces, their expressions were one of relief as they started the car.


    Although Kyle seemed skeptical about their sudden change of allegiance. Despite the pain he felt, he still nced behind him and at the guards through the rear mirror.


    "What the f**k are you looking at?" He snapped at one of them who quickly faced the road. While Zeke chose to trust me. It made me feel giddy whenever I remembered his words: Trust Naya. He trusted in my powers too. I couldn''t help but feel a surge of gratitude toward these guards who had risked their lives to help us.


    1 turned to Zeke. "Seeing as these two are helping us escape, does it mean my powers did it? Like I can mind control things? I can also move out if my body too." Zeke''s eyes widened. "Then you just don''t have one, you have two. Why didn''t you tell us you can watch people?"


    Watch people? That''s elder Rosalie''s power right? Is that why she chose to take me under her wings? I can not only watch people but I can make them do as I want. Damn! I swallowed my conclusion, averting my gaze from Zeke''s prying ones. He was waiting for an answer. One I may never give him.


    "She apparently hid that information from us for a reason." Kyle covered for me.


    "You wanted to tell us this morning,


    right?"


    I blinked. That was not it but there was no need to argue with them. "Yea. And other stuff too."


    No one said anything and I wondered if they knew I watched them discussing mest night. Zeke opened his mouth and I thought that was what he wanted to ask. But then he closed it again. Maybe it wasn''t such a good idea to say such things in the presence of the guards or inspectors... whichever they were.


    "So," one of the guards said as he took a sharp turn. I was familiar with it. "That disy back there was pretty impressive. What was that?" He asked in awe.


    I nodded, still trying to process what I had just done. "I didn''t even know I could do that. It just... happened." My thoughts went to Renee and her family whether they would be branded traitors 100.


    "Should we check Renee?" I asked Zeke who sighed.


    "I know what you are thinking so no. You can''t simply ask them to follow you to your pack for their safety. They have a life here and never forget that her father is Beta."


    I narrowed my eyes. "Isn''t it strange that he wasnt at the meeting today?"


    Zeke seemed to think about that too. "Maybe he had other duties. Or was sent to trap us if we came back. Drive on." He ordered the guards.


    "What you did.


    ..." the other guard continued, oblivious as we


    were discussing other matters. But he managed to distract me though. "It''s not just about what you did, but why you did it. Baron Diego has been experimenting with his wolves, and it''s not for the better."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, clearly interested in this new information. "Experimenting? What kind of experiments?"


    The guard nced at his partner before continuing, "It''s hard to say for sure, but we''ve noticed changes in some of the pack members. They''ve be more aggressive, almost feral. It''s like Baron Diego is trying to create some kind of super pack, but it''s going horribly wrong. He''s turning them into monsters and some Alphas are with him."


    Like Alpha Damien. The road was pretty empty and smooth. If we weren''t escaping from death...


    Zeke leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "And you''re helping us because...?"


    The guard shot a look at me through the rearview mirror.


    "Because we believe in you, Naya. You made us see what we couldn''t see. We''ve seen the darkness within Baron Diego, and we want to be part of something better. You, with your power, might just be the key to changing things." He shrugged.


    I exchanged nces with Zeke and Kyle. So it wasn''t just my power that made them betray Baron Diego. It''s what they have seen. If my elder abilities could make a difference, I had to try. "But what can we do? Baron Diego is a powerful Alpha." The other guard spoke up, "There are others within the pack who are just as fed up with his methods. If we unite, we might have a chance."


    People like Renee were fed up too. It wasn''t my call to make them unite. It was Zeke and Kyle''s call. We have a lot of work to do. Kyle finally seemed to relent. "Alright. But we need a n."


    Speeding away from the blood moon pack territory, I couldn''t help but wonder about the extent of my powers.


    One thing was clear, though - the Blood Moon Pack was about to face war from Zeke and Kyle, and I was at the center of it.

 Chapter 105

    Baron Diego was strategizing with his pack how to finish the wolf cove off.


    Luckily for us the Wolf cove came to view. Surprisingly we weren''t chased at all. 1 could only think of the reason as pure fear. They saw the way I scattered the bodies of the monsters. What stopped them from thinking they could be any different. I could bet that I red at Zeke. "You ought to know this was going to happen when we stepped our legs into that ce."


    "I knew it was going to happen, yet I put you in danger." He didn''t seem like he was sorry, but his voice cracked at the end. It meant a lot to me.


    "She took care of herself, making me proud. She saved us and didn''t need saving."


    Urgh! I still needed saving you! What did you expect? I didn''t know my power was going to happen in that way. "I didn''t know I was going to use it in that horrible way." It was horrible... I was never that horrible.


    "It saved us and you directed the energy to those that wanted to hurt us." Zeke reassured with the look on his face telling him it was going to take a long time to tell me that truth.


    I wasn''t proud of myself for doing that. Elder Rosalie was right when she told me I still needed training. Imagine separating the Alphas just because I was offended with the way they saw me. I would never forgive myself for doing that.


    "What are you thinking about?" Kyle suddenly asked me and I stared at his injuries instead. They were taking some time to heal for some reason. I knew it was because of the chemicals from the ws of those things.


    "You need to heal and you aren''t healing fast." I whispered, whipping my head to the guards. "Aren''t we there


    Yet?"


    One of them whistled. "This car is epic. We wouldn''t have gotten here with our jeep back at the blood moon."


    I eyed Zeke who has been giving them directions to our pack. "Let them take the shortcut. Kyle''s going to bleed out here if we do nothing."


    Kyle rolled his eyes, but I could still see he was in great pains. "I will live, I am stronger than you think." He gritted, eyes rolling to the back a little.


    "Shit." I tapped at the guard frantically. "Stop the car. He''s going to die if I don''t do something." They wasted no time in stopping by the side of the road. Zeke quickly opened the door to let some fresh air in while I moved I er to Kyle''s side for inspection.


    Kyle chuckled weakly as he took in my disheveled appearance. "What are you going to do about it? Heal me?" His head rolled to the side and I immediately tapped him to keep him straight.


    "I have to try." I opened his shirt a little shocked to see how gore it was. "How did you hide this?" His stomach made some squishing noise as I peeled his clothesyer byyer.


    "What the f**k, Kyle? Why didn''t you say anything?"


    "Keep watching for those things. We are still out of our territory." Zeke ordered the guards as he leaned against the car door, watching us wearily. He must think I know what I was doing. I had no f*****g clue how to heal Kyle, but I knew I had to do something about


    it.


    There wasn''t clean water by the side or something I could use like Zeke''s period when he was injured. This was different and it made me really upset. I nced at the hem of my gown, the side which hasn''t been tainted and tore a better part of it. I ignored the sight


    of my skinny thighs as I used the piece to wipe at Kyle''s wound. He gritted his teeth in pain, other than that he was okay. I watched his expression, a bit impressed.


    "You hold in your pain well." Iplimented to make him focus on me while I did what I was good at. The years of cleaning up my bruise made me sort of an expert in this.


    Not only that, I also practiced with Zeke''srge injuries twice.


    "Do you even know what you are doing?" Kyle asked, lowering his head to see me dabbing at the dripping wound. Torn flesh dangled by the die, making me feel nauseous a little. You can do this, Naya.


    I have suddenly be mature. That''s right, keep talking to me so that I won''t abandon this project. "I am trying."


    "She has stitched me up too. I rewarded her for her hard work."


    I threw him a ''really'' re. I knew he was trying to lighten the mood by not looking at his brother''s injury. He knew that Kyle was stronger than he seemed and would survive his slow healing process. He was trying not to worry about him. "Hold this." I ced his hands over the pouring wound. It was still gushing out blood. What could I do to stop the bleeding. "Any ideas, Zeke?"


    "Done already?" He managed to look at the wound. His expression didn''t change.


    "Ionly cleaned it and put pressure on it."


    "Dumb boy." Zeke muttered. "Why didn''t you tell me it was this bad? They must have added poison or something seeing as he isn''t healing fast." His voice was getting more urgent at the sight of blood pouring from the wound.


    "Let me try asking the guards." I peeked out. "Guys, what can we do about this?"


    They both sighed. One of them observed Kyle''s wound


    "Nothing could ever heal him. It''s like wolfsbane in their ws."


    "Why would a baron do something dangerous to his species? It isn''t right." I shook my head in disappointment./


    "There is a reason. Perhaps you." Zeke tapped my head and I scowled.


    "Me?" The more we discussed, the more Kyle was losing blood. "What do I have to do with all of these?"


    "I think he figured who you are. In fact this was only a confirmation. Nobody chased after us. He wanted to know if it was true. Remember he asked them to get him your heart.""


    I nearly gagged, remembering the shivers that ran through my spine when he said that nonsense.


    "That''s sick of him


    to ask that like I was a doll he could uproot her heart out.


    How did he even know."


    Then I remembered the words of the elderly one and the moon goddess. They said my father knew about something - my powers. But he wasn''t my pa. He could never be my father. The thought alone scared me so I waved it out of my head before it formed a nest there, terrifying me out of my wits.


    "All originated from the spy in the pack. There could be more than one, but once I find them, I''ll kill them and hang their head on a spike." Zeke promised venomously.


    I swallowed at the thought of telling him about Marley''s betrayal. It may not end well for me as I was yet to earn their full trust. They were yet to tell me I was their real mate.


    I directed all that thought to Kyle''s injury. If I could imagine anything with my mind and it happened, it meant I could also think about him being okay. I stretched forth my hands to his wounds, willing to make it work out. Please, please let it work. "Naya, can you feel the purpledy?" I asked my wolf who was lying on the floor of my heart.


    "Hm. Not quite. Should we think of something scary?"


    I raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"


    "The thought of Zeke and Kyle rejecting you if you don''t heal them?"


    "That wouldn''t do the trick. It would only make me sad."


    "What if Kyle died, how would you feel?"


    "I would feel terrible and I will take my revenge on baron Diego. My life wasn''t going fine when he came, he only made it worse."


    "Good, continue... I can feel the purpledy." Naya hummed. She didn''t need to reassure me as I could feel the energy under my skin. "Just focus on healing Kyle. He will be alright after you do and then we can worry about the rejectionter." She may act like she didn''t care, but Naya was really worried about the rejection.


    It would break the both of us if they were to do that. If they wouldn''t tell me with their mouths, there was no use telling them myself. I could already feel the difort when they realized I was a watcher. What if I watched them and they wouldn''t know? One day, they would be afraid of my powers.


    "You are doing it, Naya." Zeke''s voice pulled me out of my depressing thoughts.


    What? I opened my eyes to see Kyle''s wound waspletely gone, only little scars littered his stomach. They were visible if you looked closer. Apart from that, he didn''t seem to be in danger of bleeding out. "I healed you."


    "Yes you did." Kyle said, pulling me into a warm hug. For a moment there, I forgot all about my worries.

 Chapter 106

    "It''s okay here." Zeke suddenly said and the guard stopped at some point. Kyle was still asleep. I guess my powers made his worries go away- enough for him to sleep off. "Why are we stopping here?" I peered outside in worry.


    What if something came to attack us? Zeke said we weren''t in our territory yet. We could be on some shape shifter''snd or something.


    "We are in the pack''s territory." Zeke was the first toe out of the car to scan the surroundings. He looked around carefully. As of finding what he wanted, he waved at us toe out. "Look." He pointed at some scrubs that looked ordinary from afar, but something was definitely wrong with it. "Should you ever find yourselves out here without help, go there. The Z patrol team keeps guard from there. Be careful so they don''t attack you."


    I gulped. This must be the side of the territory the Z patrol team guarded. They were the strongest set of the warriors in our pack and I could not contain my excitement. Were they as big as Zeke and Kyle?


    Or Alpha storm himself? Would they be muscr or skinny? I wouldugh if they looked skinny. "What are we supposed to do?" If I didn''t want to die, I better listen to Zeke who was reaching out in the car to tap Kyle2 patrol team awake.


    "Come on brother. We are in the territory." Kyle''s eyes fluttered open. "What? But... Beta."


    "Sh." Zeke out his index finger to keep him quiet. "I am sorry, 1 didn''t do as we discussed. Get ready to meet him."


    Kyle was wide awake this time around. "Was that why you took us on this silly journey? What if they followed us down here?"


    "It''s fine. I checked." Zeke said instead, putting his hands around him. Although the flesh may have healed on the surface, his body still needed time to heal his insides so he would be in pain for sometime.


    Kyle winced as he bnced himself around Zeke. Then he sniffed the air.


    "Something doesn''t smell right."


    I nced at him. "You noticed it too?"


    Zeke''s gaze was on me in an instant. "What is wrong?


    Everything here has been designed to deceive naive wolves like you. I wouldn''t be surprised if it seemed strange to you."


    I shook my head. That was not what I was thinking about.


    "I mean, it has been arranged to look like this, but doesn''t it look too perfect to you?"


    Zeke and Kyle seemed confused. "She may be right. It looks too perfect and something smells awful here." Kyle added softly.


    Zeke sniffed the air, shaking his head. "I think my sense of smell got damaged because I can''t smell s**1. Come on, let''s check it out." He led and we all followed


    My eyes never left the scrubs. We were wolves so there should be mistakes. We had just stepped into a clearing just to draw attention when it was eerie quiet instead. I was right. Something was wrong. "No one is attacking yet.." I muttered


    Zeke stopped me from talking further. "Get down!" He suddenly yelled and we all ducked in time to see darts hitting the soft soil opposite us. I gasped in shock.


    "What the f**k?"


    "s**t! We are all going to die!" One of the guards yelled like a female wolf and I frowned at him.


    "Get a grip of yourself. It''s just the patrol team and they will soon recognise their Alpha." I deadpanned. He was stupid enough to think we were barbarians like the Alpha of the blood moon pack who could easily sacrifice his own wolves to get his foolish desires. I hate him for doing just that alone- turning those wolves into something monstrous for power. It showed just how much of a weakling he was to me. Zeke, Kyle, and I remained crouched in the clearing as the darts embedded themselves into the soil around us. The guards who had driven us here seemed to be in a state of panic, but I knew that these were our own pack members. They wouldn''t harm us unless they had a good reason. Although their state of panic was funny.


    It didn''t take long before several figures emerged from the underbrush, surrounding us with an air of tension. Despite being asked to stay still, I couldn''t help but observe their approaching figures.


    My heart raced as I took in their appearance. They were just as I imagined. Impressive, muscr and expressionless faces. The fascinating part was they were neither Alphas or Betas. If they were in a fight, who would win? I couldn''t wait topare Zeke with a real Beta. I haven''t seen Beta Brooke yet.. so.


    "Stay down," Zeke whispered, his eyes fixed on the approaching figures. "Let me handle this!"


    As the members came closer, the tension in the air gradually eased, and they lowered their weapons of axes and spears. It was as if they recognised Zeke from first nce. I mean, who wouldn''t? Zeke was just as big as they were.


    It was only terrifying as he was still a teenager. Most of the time he acted like an adult which made him a full mate material. A man soon stepped out of the bundle. He was just as tall with scars of war littering his broad face. "Alpha Zeke," he greeted with a respectful nod. "Apologies for the precautions. We''ve been on high alert ever since the attack on Beta Brooke."


    And why was he talking like a robot? Urgh! He was going to make this conversation very boring. I straightened myself immediately, not liking the way I crouched low. I nearly broke my back!


    Wait a minute.. Beta Brooke? "Beta Brooke?" I asked in shock. They found him?


    150 Points


    < patrol team


    Zeke nced at me briefly before acknowledging the apology with a nod of his own. He helped Kyle up. The guards weren''tining like I was, but they subtly hid behind me like I could protect them from these big men! They were like Alpha males, except they trained really to get there. "Scar, no need to apologize. I am surprised you recognise me."


    I knew he was going to have some ridiculous war name as scar.


    Scar nodded. "You''ve grown, Zeke, Kyle. Your father taught you well, seeing as you dodged those darts."


    Hm. I could swear I saw me briefly before we ducked.


    me had a hand in this... didn''t he?


    Scar patted Zeke''s thick back with his thick fingers. "Come, we need to talk privately." We were about to follow him in when he stopped us.


    "You didn''t tell me your names." He growled, and instantly his ws were out and ready to take a swing at my throat.


    Jeez.


    Kyle ced his hands over me. "She is ours and those two are here because of her. They are loyal to her as well as us." loved the way he imed me. It sent delicious shivers down my spine.


    I couldn''t contain my excitement, leaning over to Zeke.


    "This is amazing. Just like I imagined in my head." Zeke chuckled softly. "You''ll get used to it, Naya."


    Scar sighed. He couldn''t investigate us without the Alphas consent. "Alright."


    Kyle scoffed at my enthusiasm, he was going to start teasing anytime from now. "You''ll get to know them better soon." It wasn''t promising better things. He gave a slightugh at my expression. "Why are you pouting?" "I have a feeling you are going to ask me to train with scar.


    Are you?" I asked, a bit terrified of sparring with Scar. He didn''t seem very nice unlike the rest. In fact, none of them were nice.


    "Don''t worry, a day would be enough to shut your snappy mouth shut forever." Kyle said. See? I knew he was up to something! It wasn''t always good.


    Scar guided us through a path then gestured to a cottage at the far end of the clearing. "We were attacked yesterday


    night."


    Zeke groaned in annoyance.


    "Why?"


    "You know why." Scar quickly said. "Doctor Alonsaid he already told you. Or rather, your brother forced the truth out of him. We were very specific about not letting it out."


    "It could not have been Ali. It''s the spy. There''s a spy in our pack." Kyle supplied angrily.


    "We heard of the Alpha''s death. We were preparing toe here when Beta Brooke came to us." He pointed at therge scar in his shoulders. "I got that trying to dodge a wolfsbane bullet."


    "You shouldn''t have hidden the truth from me, you know. I contemted using my powers tomand you, but I could never do that to one of my father''s loyal fighters." Zeke''s voice was low. Scar''s voice was even lower. Your father wouldn''t have died if Beta Brooke or we were there."


    Yeah, yeah, my mother would have had her way if she wanted. It wasn''t a matter of if they were there. The earlier they stopped feeling guilty, the better.

 Chapter 107

    We didn''t have to walk long before Scar guided us into the cottage, and at first nce, I knew it was Beta Brooke, Brooke''s father. My jaws nearly touched the ground in shock


    "I love the look on your face." Kyle teased mercilessly as he went around like it was his home. The cottage wasn''t exactly homely, but it was fine considering there were men living in the room. I looked around, expecting a female. No girl was there apart from me. What the heck? I subtly stepped behind Zeke. Unfortunately, my leg hit something hard instead. I turned slowly to find a hefty man ring at me. I swallowed "Cat got your tongue?"


    I closed my mouth, ready to give him a tip of my tongue.


    "Now hold on there, mister." I was about to say more when arge hand covered my mouth. Kyle''s cologne whiffed past.


    "Seriously, Naya." Kyle chuckled alongside the rest of them.


    "You could be squashed in a go." I wriggled so he could let me go. He was just acting cruel.


    "Let me go." My voice was muffled. Seriously! I needed to tell the man to s**k it up. Their pheromones were getting lite


    However, Kyle''s scent was able to calm me down a


    Kyle didn''t. Instead, he carried me over his shoulders like a leaf. It was disappointing to feel how weightless I was.


    "Shh!" was all he said before pushing through the men who snickered and smirked at me. I felt humiliated beyond imagination. Before I could say anymore, he dropped me down. "Listen


    folded my hands across my chest, puffing and trying to get my breathing under control. "I am listening."


    Kyle seemed more amused than annoyed, and it only infuriated me. What could I do to get this guy angry?


    Absolutely nothing. Ever since they realized I was their mate, they have been nothing short of affectionate. Urgh! I don''t know anymore. "He''s not your average warrior.


    "It was a mistake." I began to protest, shocked, when he ced his index finger on my mouth. This was the second time he had done this.


    "Shhh."


    Kyle leaned in closer, his warm breath brushing against my ear as he spoke softly. "Naya; you need to understand something about those men and Scar. He''s not just any warrior. He fought alongside my father, Alpha Storm. They are certainly not in a good mood right now.


    I raised an eyebrow, trying to grasp the significance of that statement. "So what? It doesn''t change the fact that he was disrespectful, and I won''t tolerate that" That was riching from me. When did I start considering what was disrespectful and what was not? Once upon a time, I was bullied by my own friends. Now what? Was I suddenly immune because I have some silly power?


    "Goddess, Naya!" Naya screamed into my mind, scaring me.


    "What the f**k?" I closed my eyes briefly to stop the headache she caused from screaming so loudly in my head. In order to listen to Naya, I have always had to zone out, missing half of a discussion.


    "What is wrong with you? You are ruining this moment!" Naya pranced like a mad wolf. Oh, she was certainly mad.


    What was her problem?


    "Why do you like feeling inferior?


    "I am not inferior; I am just.


    "That''s right. You have every right to say something. You made a mistake, but he shouldn''t have spoken to you like that. You didn''t just have a silly power; you were a f*****g elder who saved your mates, set free wolves, and healed. How could you call yourself ordinary? You know, with proper training, you could tear that man in half.


    I swallowed. "Okay, let''s not go there now, or else the purpledy will arrive. This is definitely the reason why Elder Rosalie said we have no manners. I just wish I knew I had this power ever since.


    "Don''t be sad. Once we get back to school, no one can bully you any way they want.


    I shook my head. "I don''t want them to burst into goo, Naya. I just want them to respect me.


    "And that respect wille. You don''t need to tell them Your mate will do it for you." Naya said reassuringly before disappearing into the dark. 1 blinked out of my haze to find Kyle staring at me. "Let me guess, you were talking to your wolf.


    I nodded. "Sorry, I spaced out.


    "At least I noticed on time. Care to let me know next time you want to speak with Naya?


    I sighed. "Sure." Although Naya reassured me that I would be fine, I couldn''t help being bothered about how people would perceive me now. "How do I do that?


    "You do it all the time; hell, we all do it all the time. But the trick is waiting until the person is done talking and doesn''t expect you to talk immediately.


    I tilted my head in confusion. "Really


    Kyle gestured toward a boulder. It looked like we weren''t going to end this talk soon. I followed him.


    "Yes. Do you know your eyes ze over when you speak with your wolf? At that time, your wolf watches your back, so you think you are acting, but it''s just your wolf reminding you where you should be until youe out of the haze. l''ohed''. So that''s how it works? "So the trick is to speak to my wolf when I am not required to say something immediately?" I sat down with him beside me. It wasfortable.


    "Right. You think we speak to our wolves normally, but that''s not the case. We actually speak faster than average.


    Haven''t you noticed that you and your wolf could talk for a long time, yet time hasn''t passed?" Kyle dusted his pants before sitting down. Dried blood was still glued to his shirt and some parts of his body. It didn''t irk me the slightest, because I knew he was alright now. Although he would need to take his bath and look decen


    I wasn''t better myself.


    As if Kyle noticed what I was thinking, he chose to continue with our earlier discussion. "They are not guards. They are warriors. Warriors are respected. They''ve faced countless battles, and their loyalty to the pack is unwavering. Scar lost many friends andrades in those battles. He carries the weight of those memories with him every day, and my father''s death has been added to it." He finished with a frown, and I wondered what was on his mind. "I think I understand why my father did all of this. He knew the mission he was going to send Beta Brooke on would be dangerous. I almost put them in danger" he trailed incoherently while I watched helplessly. "Sometimes I surprise myself too." I began to say, causing him to look at me. "I demand respect when I haven''t been respected all my life.


    Kyle looked like he was about to cry. "Naya, I am sorry for those terrible days. We weren''t supposed to


    I raised my hands. "It''s fine. You probably realized I was your mate and chose to be cool about it.


    It took a second for him to realize what I was saying. "So you know."


    Good §ä§Ñ§ä§Ü


    "I watched."


    Kyle exhaled. "Your powers. You weren''t lying


    1 shrugged. "You should practice that too." I would like it if I said it didn''t hurt. All these months of thinking they weren''t mine. It tore me apart knowing they weren''t mine and they''d hurt me more because of that. Only to realize they knew and still hurt me. Suddenly, I felt Kyle''s hand wiping the tears from my face. I didn''t know I was crying.


    "I am sorry." He murmured. His eyes held guilt and regret.


    "See what you are doing there? That''s what I''m talking about. Those men''s attitude is just a defensive mechanism. He has to know that his being there wouldn''t have changed anything for your father. Just as it would have not even if you weren''t there." Careful, Naya... Don''t spill in the heat of the moment. Gain Kyle''s trust first. He is the easiest one before Zeke.


    Kyle nodded his head, his eyes earnest. "That''s not true."


    "No matter how I look at it, both of you stood up for me more than I ever could for myself, so stop burdening yourself with guilt and thinking that I would reject my mates." My voice increased at the end. I wasn''t intending for that to happen. Without allowing him to continue, I crossed my arms, still not entirely convinced by the warrior''s attitude. "So, what do you suggest? Should I just let him insult me without standing up for myself?


    "No," Kyle replied firmly. "You should assert yourself, but it''s not about letting them disrespect you; it''s about finding a way to control your powers."


    I was about to defend myself again when hisst words sank into my head. Control my powers? "What do you mean?"


    Kyle gave me a reassuring smile. "I am worried about the warriors, but Zeke will take care of them. I am more worried about you. I know I haven''t been entirely trusting with you, but you healed me and saved our lives. It made me rethink.


    I stared wide eyed in shock. Who knew Kyle was like this?


    One thing I would always miss was his smile. It was amazing. "I should be calm, not out of respect but to master my powers?" It made sense to me.


    "That''s all I''m asking for, Brawn. Now, let''s go meet Beta Brooke and see what this is all about." Kyle stood, stretching out his hands for me to grab them.


    My insult name, ''Brawn'', has never felt so good to hear.

 Chapter 108

    I took Kyles hands, d that we got to have this little chat alone. I soon realized the reason he had been acting nonchntly towards me was because of how scared he was.


    I paused, causing him to look at me in a puzzled way.


    "Since we are all about the naked truth, why don''t you tell me what triggered your nightmare?"


    The reluctance was on his face. "We were in the enemy''s territory. No man would have a good nights sleep. Zeke didn''t sleep either, and you did? You were out of your body. Am I correct?"


    I sighed. "I guess you have figured out my powers, right?"


    Kyle nodded. "It''s simple knowledge, actually. Contrary to what you may think, I pay attention in ss. We just had to spend the rest of the night preparing your gown. You didn''t see us, did you?"


    I shook my head. "Do you have any idea what stopped the nightmares at some point, or didn''t you feel anything?" I was asking about that night when I held him and he almost raped me Could he be conscious at that time or something? Kyle squinted his eyes as if to remember. "No... I don''t remember anything. All I knew was that I opened my eyes with you below me." He leaned closer. "What did you do?"


    "Nothing." I shrugged, walking past him.


    "You tried tofort me, right? What if I hurt you or something?" Kyle stopped me. He didn''t look happy.


    "And watch you disturb my sleep all night? No. I had to do something. Don''t worry, you did not pour soda on me this time around." I said it y fully, but from the look on his face, he didn''t take the joke well. "Naya, that was a mistake."


    "What? Are we confessing our love for each other now?" giggled nervously, a bit bashful about his immediate apologies and shows of affection. Sometimes they made me nervous. "It''s the mating bond. You know that, right?"


    He seemed to snap out of his haze. "Yeah, it''s the mating bond."


    We didn''t say anything and entered the cottage together.


    Zeke was nowhere to be found, but Beta Brooke was shirtless and seated. He was just like the warriors -bulky and filled with rippling muscles. By the side of his shoulders was a nasty-looking wound. Fresh scars ran down both sides of his stomach.


    Jeez, what an attack! What happened to him? I raised my eyes to his face to see him already staring. His eyes were brown in color, just like Brooke''s. However, I doubt Brooke resembled her father. She must have taken after her mother. His nose was crooked, and his lips were pressed into fine lines. The aura that emitted from him was the type that emitted from Zeke and Kyle, except he was tamed.


    He was the beta, after all.


    "How are you here?" He suddenly asked, causing me to jump at the harshness of his voice. Then he raised his hands to stop me from panicking more. The twins were not here, so I was surrounded by warriors who were waiting for orders to eat me alive just for being scrawny and not the mate of the Alpha, so they thought.


    I swallowed, taking the seat closest to me, lest I fall. "I am with Alpha Zeke and Kyle."


    "Why?" He growled, and his muscles rippled to scare me.


    Urgh!


    Oh, he wanted details? I should give him the details. There were a lot of things I was sure he didn''t know about the pack. They all happened during his absence. "Marley Storm is my mother."


    If he was shocked, he hid it very well. What''s with all these high-ranking wolves? They always knew how to control their emotions better than me. I shook my left foot nervously. Someone should please save me from this conversation before I get drowned in the scent he''s giving away. "Your mother, huh? She''s a b***h. You know that?" Beta Brooke started.


    "Your daughter is a b***h too." I wanted to say something but held my tongue. There was no point in defending my bitchy mother and giving reference to his daughter. He could squash me in mere seconds. "I do not know what you are talking about." "She sent some guards to bring me home. It turns out there was a sh. I do not know the game she is ying, but she won''t win me over. There''s a reason for all of this." Beta Brooke rubbed his face with both hands.


    I closed my mouth still, not wanting to provoke him. Even if my mother or whomever was the reason for the attacks, there was nothing I would do about it. The wolf''s hatred for her was already passed down to me. Now I can''t even go out without being called a slut. "The same ss with my daughter?" He continued as if he did not just insult my mother.


    I wasn''t too happy to answer him. Did he think his daughter was a saint? "Yes!


    He was looking at me now, clearly not intimidated by my res. "Is she doing well?"


    Bully wise? Yes, academically wise? Yes... Brooklyn was perfect at everything. One thing she didn''t get was the Alpha. No, she is getting neither. They were both mine. The thought of that made me smile. "Brooke is okay." I settled for that. Praise for her in the presence of her father would be too much for me.


    Beta Brooke didn''t seem impressed. "Just okay?"


    I sped my sweaty hands together, feeling suffocated.


    "You do know that your daughter is dating Alpha Kyle, right? She has been looking for you all over. Something tells me she knows where to find you. This is why you shouldn''t be asking me about her." I finished, proud of myself that I didn''t faint.


    B Brooke still watched me. "That''s not the reason why."


    Huh? "What?" I was dumbfounded as to why he would think that


    He too sped his hands and ced them on the table.


    "Brooke isn''t a good girl. I have known that for a while now."


    1 blinked uncontrobly. "I didn''t say she''s a bad person."


    "You didn''t tell me she''s a good person either. If she was kind to you, you would go on and on about her without stopping. Let me guess, she bullied you."


    Tbit my lower lips. "I am not a child."


    Beta Brooke chuckled. "You are hiding that fact. The truth is, there''s no need to. Brooke has used my status to bully a lot of students. She may be looking for me as her only parent, but I know she does not want me toe home. If I get a hint that you have been bullied by her, I will punish her." He promised.


    Although his voice was not weing, what came out of his mouth was okay. So this was why the Alpha sent him on that mission. He wasn''t corrupt like the rest of them.


    When I think of it, he didn''t insult me or call me a slut.


    Maybe he knows something about my mother that I didn''t know. Should I trust him and tell him what she did? Kyle was first on my list. Then he was second.


    "Why don''t you like the Luna of the pack?" I asked.


    "You don''t call her mother?" He pointed it out instead. He was smart,


    It was the same old story again. Everyone knew about it; they were just turning a blind eye to the fact that I was the victim. "Because she abandoned me when I was young and left her mate at home to die. You already know this story, so why are you asking me?" Beta Brooke stretched, yawning loudly. "I am just wondering why she chose to bring you into the manor." "Alpha Storm''s orders." I deadpanned.


    He scoffed. "I doubt that."


    "What?"


    "You say ''what'' all the time."


    "What?" I asked again stupidly.


    "Look.


    . It was likely your mother who influenced his decision. She probably needs you close to her. That''s why." Beta Brooke stood up. The things he said, it was as if I wasn''t keeping up. They were too fast.


    "Where is Zeke?" I looked around.


    "Zeke?" Beta Brooke red at me like I had ten heads.


    "- mean, Alpha Zeke."


    Beta Brooke''s piercing gaze remained fixed on me for a moment before he finally spoke. "We do not refer to our Alphas as ''Zeke'' or Kyle here. It''s Alpha Zeke, Kyle, or simply Alpha." His tone was stern, emphasizing the Great! 1 tend to forget sometimes. Last time I checked, Zeke was just my ssmate, the son of Alpha. A bully.


    I bit my lower lip, feeling a flush of embarrassment wash over me. "H apologize. I didn''t mean to be disrespectful." This was the beta; I should have expected this at some point. Jeez, a lot would change now. I may not even see the twins as much as I do now.

 Chapter 109

    Naya Cod


    "Where''s Zeke?" I scanned the area carefully. Then he came out of a room I hadn''t seen earlier, looking better than when we arrived. I wasn''tining about the fact that they all left me here without offering me fresh clothes or food.


    "We are leaving now."


    My jaw dropped. "What about the warriors and Beta Brooke?"


    "We will leave some men behind, but the rest areing with us. This ce is not safe." He replied.


    I watched him prance around, arranging his things. "Who will guard the territory then?"


    "It''s time for the elders to do their f*****g jobs!" Zeke yowled before walking out. He wasn''t even looking at me as he spoke. He knew he had just insulted me.


    I followed him out. "Zeke, wait." I held his hands. "What is wrong?"


    Zeke rubbed a hand through his head. "I neglected my duties to..." he pinched the bridge of his nose, and I felt the waves of frustrationing out of him. "Look, Naya. I am going back to the pack to take charge. This has to end." He was about to leave again when I stopped him. I knew he had always been like this, but what changed?


    "Wait, you need to think about this." I wanted to stop him, but his hands gently removed mine from his.


    "Naya, I am thinking straight. I need to return my father''s honor. It may take some time, but things will be alright again. Okay?" With that, he stormed off, leaving me to my thoughts.


    True to his words, the next hour had the men packing their bags, and it was then that I knew that the love I had for the Alphas was a far-fetched dream that I may never get to experience. So what? So what if I told him he was mine and I was his? Now that Kyle was aware, I knew things would change. Zeke needed to know that I was aware and that he was hurting me by pushing me away.


    "Zeke!" I turned to find him. Despite my doubts, I needed to tell him that I was aware of our destiny. I ignored the shocked looks everyone who heard me gave. They wouldn''t understand just how far we have gone.


    I wouldn''t care if Beta Brooke punished me for not calling him just Alpha Zeke. That should be after he is aware of my knowledge. On a normal day, I would have known they were my friends on my eighteenth birthday. It only meant I would have been in the dark for two years. It would ruin me. I couldn''t let that happen.


    I flew out of the cottage to find him already in a heated discussion with Beta Brooke. "Zeke!"


    Beta Brooke raised an eyebrow. "Are you still doing that?


    Just as stubborn is it?"


    I scoffed. "Don''t lecture me about what you have no single idea about."


    "Naya!" Zeke scolded. He was getting colder by the minute, and I couldn''t let him prey on my ignorance as he wanted.


    It had to end


    "I need to speak with you." I quickly injected.


    "If she''s just a friend, you can''t have her talk to you like that." Scar growled from the other side. "You have to show him respect."


    "Maybe we should teach her a lesson." Someone added from the side.


    I smirked wickedly, not afraid to use my power if I wanted.


    One of the things Zeke and Kyle needed to change was their eagerness to bully those of weaker blood. Especially omegas. "I may look fragile and easy to prey on, but I should have a right. You can''t just tell me to shut up whenever you want. I am a wolf, just as we all are."


    They began to snicker again, causing me to feel the purpledy underneath my skin. I wasn''t supposed to get this worked up, but my emotions were getting the best of me, and I didn''t like it. They loved bullying the weaker wolves, and it was getting to me sooner than I imagined. "Grab her, Finn." Scar ordered.


    "Leave her alone." Zeke started with a sigh. He was looking at me with hooded eyes now, contemting going back to his ways just to conform with the warrior''s stance.


    "Alpha, you need to understand that there are certain consequences for disrespecting the Alpha throne. She has missed a lot of lessons along the way, and we just want to remind her. It won''t hurt much." Scar said. "Is that alright with you too? Beta Brooke?" Beta Brooke folded his hands around. "I do not know your rtionship with the Alpha, but it''s not clearly above average. You know him from schoel, right? Then I think you should know that his status has changed. You have to respect the rest of the warriors here. They fought alongside Alpha Storm before you were born. If you cannot obey, then." He finished


    "What?" I took a step backward. "Take one more step toward me, and I will destroy you." I spat bitterly, feeling betrayed at Zeke, who looked like he wasn''t going to defend me any time soon.


    Scar stepped closer, ignoring my threat. He turned to whisper to Beta Brooke. "We respect the Alpha''s authority, but if she steps back again, we will remind her of her ce."


    My ce? My ce is beside the Alphas! Were they that ashamed of me? Even if I were an omega, it shouldn''t make them talk to me this way. Before I could react, Kyle moved swiftly, stepping between Scar and me. I had been wondering where he was all this time. His scent calmed me down a little. They were fresh, and I knew he had gone to take his bath. I still stinked, yet no one asked me to take a bath or eat. Great! All they did was act like I didn''t exist. "You won''t touch her. I know you''re loyal to my father''s memory, but she doesn''t need this right now." He turned to me. "You haven''t taken your bath? We will be leaving in minutes."


    I sighed. "No one offered me anything Not after I spent almost an hour being lectured by Beta Brooke." I didn''t look at him. He was scary.


    Scar red at Kyle. "Alpha Kyle, you may be the Alpha''s brother, but you''re not the Alpha. We''re just teaching her respect, not hurting her."


    Kyle seemed offended by his words, but he smiled instead.


    "Teaching her respect? She''s already seen the ceremony.


    She knows her ce. Let her be." He pulled me closer, and I stayed glued to his sides.


    Although it wasn''t Zeke''s fault, These men served his father, and he was a bit inexperienced. They were the only ones capable of putting him through. So there was no reason to get on their wrong side. But I also knew Zeke wouldn''t tolerate their bullshit. His nose red for the third time today. He was getting angry.


    Beta Brooke chose that moment to speak. His voice was measured but firm. "Alpha Kyle, Alpha Zeke''s authority is absolute here. His word is final."


    "What bullshit is this? I can give orders if I want. I am not just in the mood." Kyle rolled his eyes. Then he looked at Zeke, amusement etched in his features. "Zeke, you''re really going to let them do this?"


    Zeke remained silent for a moment, his gaze steady on Kyle, then turned to me. "Naya, keep your distance. This is not the time."


    I was torn between obeying Zeke and supporting Kyle, who was trying to protect me from harm. But before I could decide, Scar and the other warriors moved closer to me


    "Last warning," Scar said coldly


    Kyle turned to Zeke, his voice tinged with tiredness. "Zeke, she already knows. Why pretend like she doesn''t?"


    He was talking about my knowledge of our destiny. I knew we were friends. Zeke''s eyes widened a bit in shock before they went back to their normal size.


    Suddenly, he raised his hand. "Enough!" he finally shouted, his voice echoing through the forest. "Naya, step back."


    Oh. So nothing changed with his knowledge. I swallowed, stepping away from Kyle, who seemed too shocked to stop me. I took a few steps away from Scar and the others, not wanting to provoke them further. The tension was heavy, and I could feel the power struggle between Zeke and Kyle.


    Kyle didn''t back down. "She doesn''t deserve this. We''re not in the old days anymore. Zeke, you need to stand up for what''s right. You do not want to be that man."


    Baron Diego? Please no.


    "Respect your brother''s authority, Alpha Kyle. It is his decision to make" Beta Brooke said: They were right about Beta Brooke. This man would be able to hold the pack alongside Zeke, but he wasn''t watching either. They would need someone like me with emotions to make them see.


    Zeke turned to Kyle, his expression as hard as stone. I wondered why he was acting this way toward Kyle. Didthey have a misunderstanding or something about me? "I appreciate your concer, but this is my pack now.


    "It''s my pack too." Kyle clenched his fists. "Tam only concerned about her. Even if it means hurting her, Zeke, we shouldn''t let them hurt her


    Scar and the other warriors took another step closer to me, their intentions clear. They were not even listening to what Kyle was saying.

 Chapter 110

    Just take one f*****g step closer." I threatened. I couldn''t wait to use them as a scapegoat. Zeke was going to exin to me why he was allowing these people to say his mind. Was this how he was going to f*****g rule? Under the men who served his father? His father "Wait.. can you see that?" Someone asked from behind


    wasn''t a nice. person in the first ce.


    I closed my eyes, feeling everything in a million fold. They were a bit overwhelming and rushed out of me at once. When I opened them, everything was in a purple hue.


    "Naya, calm down." Kyle was by my side in an instant. "I don''t think we should let them know in their manner."


    I grinded my jaws together. "Don''t you think I have taken enough s**t, Kyle? From you? From everyone else in this pack?"


    "It''s alright. No harm wille to you. The more time we waste here, the more Baron Diego and his men prepare for attack." Zeke said. He raised his hands in surrender. "Naya, I am sorry." His voice was filled with genuineness. One that I thought I imagined. I blinked, shocked at how quick he apologized. Zeke was never one to apologize to me. He always had a way to maneuver his apologies to me. He rather shows me little affectionate gestures that throw me off guard most of the time. "It''s okay, Naya. Let go." Naya sadly whispered in my ears.


    "He just apologized. Look at him." She points at Kyle and Zeke whose face held a bit of desperation. I knew they did not need me to expose who I was to the pack now, else I''d be in danger.


    I nced around and my eyes widened at the frozen state of everyone. It was much like Blood Moon Pack again.


    "Everyone is looking at me strangely. They do not know why I am turning purple right?"


    "They do not know. I think we should keep it to ourselves." Naya figured by just looking at Kyle and Zeke. Was shemunicating with Shadow and me? I would never know. There was some sort of telepathy going on. I''d have to ask her myselfter on. "If we keep it to ourselves this men will never fear me." I whispered back, feeling grateful and pathetic for having my powers. Once upon a time...


    "No. Don''t do that. I have told you to stop doing that s**t.


    You are affecting my mind by doing that."


    "It''s fine." Kyle said again, bringing me back to reality.


    Purpledy disappeared in an instant and my hair returned back to normal.


    "What type of sorcery is that?" A man asked from the side.


    "Only the f*****g elders that do that s**t. She ain''t no Elder!"


    "Unless she is a witch." Scar did not move an inch as he scrutinized me carefully.


    "So, you weren''t bluffing when you said you were going to destroy us huh?" Beta Brooke grinned, looking from Kyle to Zeke.


    "Now I see her rtionship between the both of you."


    The grin slipped from his face as he eyed me.


    "We need to


    talk."


    I trembled as Zeke and Kyle followed him and I walked timidly behind. Curious chattering filled my ears and I cringed at everyone. "What if she''s really a witch?"


    "Seriously? Witches are extinct."


    "Or she has the powers of the goddess?"


    "Warriors!" Scar''s voice made me flinch and I briefly nced behind me.


    "We need to keep what we just saw to


    ourselves!"


    "Why should we? We all saw it didn''t we? We saw her hair change into a different color."


    "Emm... can I say something?" A timid voice asked. His voice was low and I stopped to hear what he had to say.


    "Hair colors are only attributed to Elders. Only Elders have the power to...."


    s**t! They were going to figure out my power in no time!


    Just how clever were these men? I mean, they were the best in the f*****g pack, so... What do I do now?


    "Elder Freya''s hair changes too. Elder Rosalie? Wine and many of them. Their hair isn''t like us." he finished with a trail. He must be really timid right?


    I sighed. They were allowed to figure it out, weren''t they?


    "Aren''t youing?" Beta Brooke''s voice reached my ears and I had to continue on the path to our discussion.


    Scar nodded at the man. It seemed like he was in agreement with what she was saying. "She''s an elder, boys. We just have to keep these f*****g revtion to ourselves.


    No spill!" He yelled


    "No spill!" They all yelled back


    "The Alpha already knows of this situation. If there''s anyone who should let us know, it should be the Alpha. She''s a great asset and we will treat her that way, is that clear?"


    "Yes!" They all echoed after him.


    "They consider you an asset now. That''s great." Beta Brooke chuckled. He was one of the mature men here. I was the only child here- scrawny and not fit for war.


    Great!


    "Asset or not, you don''t treat people like an a*****e. Being asked to shut up isn''t kind." I said slowly, not eager to anger Zeke and Kyle. "I didn''t want to show everyone that I could defend myself. I only made things ufortable. I didn''t mean to."


    "It''s alright. I knew you were hiding something the moment we met." Beta Brooke folded his hand across chest in amusement. "You don''t believe me?" His eyes held experiences that I would never measure to no matter what.


    Even if I was made Beta at this moment, I still had a long way to go.


    It was at this point I began to notice his hair. There were light sprinkles of white, here and there. Whenever I saw him, he reminded me of Bentley. "You remind me of your daughter."


    "But I am not her." He quickly injected, causing me to scoff.


    "Tell me... why did you leave her all alone? If you hadn''t left her all alone, she wouldn''t have been a bully. You im you are righteous, not everyone ims you are righteous, yet you were not righteous enough to stop your daughter from bing who she is now. A bully." I spat on the side, remembering the times Brooke was rude to me. "She called me a slut."


    "Because I thought she hated Luna. Luna and I have not been at peace with each other. Although I may admit that she needs me at the pack."


    I shook my head. This wasn''t the direction of the discussion I was hoping to have. "If you had not left, your daughter would not have turned into a bully" I could tell that Brooke loved her father. Her eyes would lose their usual disgust only to be reced by sadness. "I can''t be perfect all the way around Naya. I left for an important mission that wasn''t supposed tost more than three days. I left and... It''s been three months!" He turned to the twins. "How do you even manage with her? She''s tiring!"


    To be honest, if anyone told me, Beta Brooke was going to be this way after a few hours of chatting with me, I would have gone berserk and told that person is a liar. He was cool. Frankly, I had noeback afterwards. This was the man who served Alpha Storm. Alpha''s Storm trusted him to take care of his overseas business but he was attacked along the way. I should stick to Kyles side if I wanted to hear the full story. "I am sorry." 1 muttered, not bothering to look at their faces. "Back to the topic at hand. Zeke, Kyle, how long have you know she was a f*****g elder?" Beta Brooke was pretty pissed at them for not telling him the truth. I wondered why. Shouldn''t he be like the only one they could trust?


    Kyle was the first to speak. Just like him, I didn''t see the need to lie to. Beta Brooke. "Not quite long ago. She was the first person to get close to the elders like they were her big brothers and sisters or some s**t like that. Naya is special. She is not just an elder, but she was born with her powers."


    Beta Brooke scratched his jaws in contemtion. "This means, the Elderly one made a mistake."


    Zeke frowned.


    "The elderly one?"


    "Who and who is making a mistake here? Kyle asked me.


    Beta Brooke shook his head. "My young Alphas. I still have a long way to go in training the both of you." He was talking about the Alpha throne. The thought of them taking extra sses just to meet up with the standard made me anxious. Or fighting more wolves to feel on top of the world.


    It was an illusion. "I just want to know what to expect at Wolf Cove. I don''t need surprises."

 Chapter 111

    "And we are telling you what to expect. Naya Cod is a f*****g elder-born, not created. Baron Diego killed the Aloha storm and is up our asses every day. Not to mention, there is a spy in the pack. We know it can''t be you, seeing how badly you have been mauled. It''s someone close to Alpha." Kyle heaved in anger. "I feel we are so close, but I lost the clue. There''s no hint whatsoever."


    I opened my mouth, wanting to say something, but then I closed it. Beta Brooke caught the movement immediately. "You know something?" He started. s**t, I have managed to


    ? nt the seed of suspicion in him already.


    I shook my head. "I know nothing."


    "You know, I still don''t trust you. I wonder how you have managed to win the Alphas over... I don''t think it''s because you are an elder. It''s more intimate than that." Beta Brooke frowned. I wouldn''t put it past him to figure it out sooner than I imagined. Like I said, he was older and had worked for the Alpha for many years before his untimely death. I was no match against such a smart man.


    All of it was going too fast. He leaned closer to me, well aware that Zeke and Kyle could still hear me. "Once I figure it out, ''ll trust you. But if I notice your affiliation with the spy, you are going to be punished." I swallowed. "Sure."


    Zeke sighed. "That being said. You have a job to do, Beta Brooke. And that''s to help me set the pack in order. I need to know our boundaries, territories, market routes, and so many other things. I also need to know how to use the elders. They seem f*****g useless to me."


    Beta Brooke scoffed. "Or you haven''t figured them out. You know, your father had simr issues, but he figured it out."


    Zeke was attentive. "How?"


    "His wolf." He simply replied. "Do you know that the wolf has the capability to converse with an elder? Your wolf knows how to make them answer you. He''s just being smug if he has been hiding that information from you all this time." Zeke''s calmness told us he was aware. Jeez, me was an a*****e, wasn''t he? "me knows how to do that. He hasn''t told me yet because I am withholding something precious from him." He was looking at me now.


    What could he be talking about? Was it about the fact that we were mate? I nced at Kyle, and he seemed to be aware of that too. Was I the only one who didn''t know? I wouldn''t have known if this discussion hadn''t taken ce in the first ce.


    Beta Brooke eyed our interaction. "Then give it to him. Both of you need to work together. There is no point in locking him out. He''s only going to make more deals and put you in a tight spot. Trust me, I know that feeling." Beta Brooke chuckled lightly. "The Alphained a dozen times before he got the hang of it. I can tell you that Storm wasn''t an easy wolf. It was hard to ask him to ept Volt as his wolf."


    I nodded as if he were talking to me. There was so much to learn from him, too. "Did he ept to work with Volt? How did he pick you as his beta?"


    "Hard work." Beta Brooke nced at Kyle. "You have to be there."


    Kyle grinned. "I am always here."


    "No." Beta Brooke wasn''t smiling. "I am talking about actually being here. To be responsible."


    Kyle wasn''t hearing any of it. "You know I am not cut out <for stuff="" like="" that.="" i="" love="" my="" life="" right="" now."<="" p=""></for>


    "Yet, you dragged your a*s all the way to the Blood Moon Pack to find your father''s murderer?" Oh, he knew. s**t.


    Zeke ced both hands in his pockets. "We were going to tell you."


    "Did it even ur to you that leaving the pack was a bad idea? And you left it in the hands of a f*****g woman! Not to discriminate, but she''s not to be trusted." Beta Brooke pinched the bridge of his nose. "You should only leave the pack in the hands of people you trust." "Reid is also in charge." Zeke reminded him.


    "Reid? And who the f**k is Reid? Who has the power over the pack? Reid or Marley?"


    "s**t! Marley isn''t as bad as you paint her to be, okay?


    She''s just a woman who you need wisdom to follow." Zeke was defending her again. I was tempted to tell him otherwise what I thought of her. She was a b***h to me and to her mate, that''s what.


    "Yeah, no shit." Kyle mocked as he stood akimbo.


    "I can tell you right now that Reid doesn''t run things; Marley does. The attack didn''t juste from thin air, like I told you." He looked at me for reference, to which I nodded Despite our differences, he hasn''t directly insulted me. I still respected him for being the beta of the pack, even though he was under Zeke and Kyle.


    A loyal wolf. *


    "Marley just needs me there to check on everything, okay? ept it was a mistake, going to the Blood moon pack and all that, but I just need you to focus on your job. In the next full moon, I''ll allow Vilt to talk to me so that we can settle this out about the elders. I have already gotten an original one by my side, so if they can''t answer to me, then they have to look for somewhere else to call their home." Zeke seemed angry now.


    "It isn''t up for negotiation. Although they can''t just leave and walk right into the arms of Baron Diego. They can eliminate this pack if they want to." Beta Brooke sighed. He wasn''t all in for Zeke''s idea. It was as if he were a child.


    That was what we were to Beta Brooke-children.


    "I am sorry, I was not thinking straight." Zeke admitted.


    "That''s why we need you. To guide us through." Kyle spoke slowly. These were the f*****g alphas of the pack, yet they were humble enough to ask for guidance from their father''s most trusted wolf


    My respect for them increased. "I am on their side. You don''t even know what I am capable of doing. If only you knew."I smirked


    Beta Brooke shook his head, amused. "Alright. We have work to do, wolves. You see Scar and the others right there?" He asked, pointing at Scar, who was busy arranging heavy bags into arge truck. I wondered when that got here. Was I so engrossed in the conversation that I never heard of the engine?


    "When did that get here?" Kyle asked in wonder. I thought I, was the only shocked one.


    . Jeez.


    "A few minutes ago. We have always had one for an emergency." Zeke replied. He was truly prepped for this Alpha thing, huh? Who knew what I was getting myself into?


    "Exactly. So Kyle. I need you to tell me if you know anything about a certain spy."


    Kyle squinted. "I don''t think I know anything about the spy, although I do suspect someone."


    My ears perked up as to who that person would be. "Who is that?" He was staring intensely at me. He knew. He f*****g knew about Marley''s act. Maybe not entirely the part about plunging a knife into the Alpha''s rins and hiding that fact.


    She has been so meticulous that nobody is even asking for the autopsy results. Everyone just assumed he was killed by the rival pack. Now she has requested to create the Alpha to bury other evidence. Dr. Ali''s hands are so tied that he can''t do anything to upset Luna.


    Anyone who says otherwise would be putting themselves in jeopardy. Kyle and I were vulnerable. The only ones who could point a hand at Marley and go scott free were Beta Brooke and Zeke. In order for Beta Brooke to do that sessfully, Zeke has to be aware of her cunning activities.


    It was soplicated that I''d rather hit my head on the wall than expose her without a concrete n. What if that went haywire and Zeke learned to distrust me instead? She could pin all of this on me and say that since the monsters were after me, it meant I was in league with them or something! I don''t know.


    After a long pause, Zeke rolled his eyes.


    "I already know


    what you are talking about. Jeez, Kyle, leave her alone."


    Kyle raised his hands in surrender. "I know, I know, I am just saying." Wow, he was just in the same spot as I was.


    Without a concrete n, we couldn''t use the Luna of anything.


    What if she had been backed up by the elders who could wipe us out? It was terrifying. At least, I''ll be safe. I was an elder.. right?


    An elder without f*****g training or control of her power over five elders with centuries of training. They were as cunning as a squirrel and powerful as well. Great. What made me so special anyway? I guess when I tell them about the event at the blood moon, ''ll find


    out.

 Chapter 112

    "So. what''s next?" I attempted to ask since everyone was just looking around with no f*****g clue.


    "Exactly what we have discussed so far" Beta Brooke sighed. "Do you have a problem with it?"


    I stood akimbo. "No, I do not have a problem with that.


    What I have a problem with is that we haven''t reached a conclusion. How do we fight against the blood moon pack? All we have got so far is conflicts."


    Beta Brooke seemed to be having a hard time agreeing with me. A scowl marred his handsome features. "I am sorry, who invited you to this meeting?"


    "You did." I was baffled. How dare he ask me that when a few minutes ago, we were doing just fine? Was he f*****g bipr or what? What was with the change of character?


    "And this meeting is f*****g over. How about that?"


    I was speechless. "What?"


    Zeke was by my side in an instant. I have missed his scent a lot. "What he is trying to say is that those things shouldn''t concern you at all, Naya. Alright?"


    How does the pack matter not concern me? "How? I am an elder."


    The pointy looks they all gave me were enough to tell me what they thought about me. Great. They all think I am just as unmanned. "I might as well make Elder Freya my mentor, so she would teach me how to put the three of you in your ces." Beta Brooke frowned. "What is she talking about?"


    Kyle rolled his eyes. "I may have threatened the elders.


    They aren''t in our good books now. Why do you think we were asking all those questions? Jeez, we are just going back and forth, aren''t we?"


    "We are because both of you need to act like Alphas of the pack. We need to leave so thatmunication will be effective." Beta Brooke sarcastically said this before, heading towards the Warriors, who were almost done packing. "Way to go, Naya." Kyle started.


    "Don''t give me that look. I have basically been looking after myself since I learned that both of you are my mates, which is supposed to be the f*****g opposite. It''s just clear to me why you allowed me to tag along to my own death." I was attacking Kyle now for no


    reason.


    I was so angry that I could burst! Being angry for no reason only made it worse.


    "I didn''t do s**t. It was all Zeke." Kyle said sadly.


    "ll ept the me. However, this is not the right ce for all this s**t. Let''s get out of here. We will talk well when we are in our f*****g territory." Zeke said, walking out on the conversation. He didn''t look exactly happy with me. I wasn''t happy with him either, because he was an a*****e.


    Just when I thought it was getting better, he just had to remind me that I was the one whipped for him and not the other way around.


    It also meant he could reject me.


    If Kyle wouldn''t, I could


    spend my entire life trying to fill the gap in his missing bond. It could never be filled up, and he knew that.


    He was a jerk too.


    1 huffed; staying with my guards seemed like the best idea.


    "Come on!" Kyle pulled me back


    "What? Don''t try to cover up for him. You were just as much of an a*****e as he was." I didn''t bat an eysh,


    wanting it to hurt him as much as he hurt me.


    "Slow down, kitten." Kyle wiped the tears from my face. hadn''t realized I was crying. s**t, look what I am reduced to. A crying mess. "He''s Alpha. It will be hard to get him to change that stony heart, bond or not."


    "At least you are not asplicated as he is. One moment, he is fine with everything, telling me it would be alright and promising me how he would solve the problem of our bond, and the next moment, he is shutting the door."


    "I do that sometimes." Kyle chuckled, pulling me closer to his side.''


    "This isn''t a one-sided romance story. It''s for three


    of us."


    I scoffed. "It doesn''t look like it at the moment, don''t you agree?"


    "I agree." Kyle grinned again.


    I sighed, getting irritated with his charming smile.


    "Don''t


    you ever frown? I swear, you evenugh in pain or something."


    Kyle leaned closer. "But you have seen me angry, haven''t you? It turns you on, doesn''t it? It''s rare to see me angry.."


    I bit my lower lips at the thought of Kyle getting hot. He was always f*****g hot. The yful side of him made the situation lessplicated than it was. I liked it in a way. I allowed myself to smile. "Alright, big boy. Do you know that I get confused with Zeke''s disy of emotions?


    Sometimes I wonder if it''s the bond making him do this or just that he feels guilty and treats me like a f*****g egg."


    "You are an egg, Naya. A fragile egg. Have you seen + yourself in the mirror? A twig even."


    Oh boy, he even insults me, but I couldn''t seem to get angry. This was Kyle''s way. He was avoiding the question.. honestly, I didn''t want to mind. Maybe the one I needed to be with was Kyle. Why didn''t I realize it till now? I cackled, at his joke, not an insult. ''I will talk to Zeke. In fact, we wille to an arrangement since none of this is going his way."


    I knew they both had an arrangement of some sort. Maybe Zeke wasn''t ying his part because Beta Brooke just came into the picture. Or maybe he doesn''t know how to.


    What makes me think Kyle, the f**k y boy, wasn''t just ying me too?


    "Okay." I nodded. "What about Brooke?"


    Kyle shrugged. "Now that her father is back, she can stay away from me. The reason she''s with me in the first ce is to find her father. Contrary to what you know, Brooke is a selfish b***h. I''ll have to get information from the person who told her about her father''s whereabouts. I''ll do her a favor by keeping it hidden."


    I frowned. "Why didn''t you tell her about her father''s whereabouts?"


    "Are you guysing or what?" Zeke called from the front.


    He was already seated and waiting.


    "I didn''t shower. I did not eat."


    "How about youy on my shoulder throughout the ride? I know how good that makes you feel. Especially if it''s your


    ''mate." Kyle gave me a suggestive wink. Jeez, he always had a way with words, didn''t he?


    As we walked to the truck, heid a hand on my shoulders.


    "For the record, I didn''t tell her about her father''s whereabouts because it was a pack matter."


    His excuse was fine. Sometimes he was romantically involved with Brooke; other times, he was nonchnt. This made me grateful for the mating bond. No matter what, it made him feel bad about me. It shouldn''t be forceful if it is already there. "Wow, packing matters. I hope both of you won''t reject me because of pack matters." I was scared too. "Doesn''t it seem strange to you? That the both of you are my mates? Mates to an omega? A weak omega?"


    "It did matter before, which was why I agreed to make a deal with Zeke. Now? Not so much. I think we are all made


    for each other. Although I do not promiseplete public affection, once everything dies down, I will be with you. We will all be together. I don''t know about Zeke, but I will never reject you."


    I let out a nervousugh. "That was a long speech. Have you considered the fact that I was talking about myself?"


    "The rejection part?" He paused. "You want to reject


    us?"


    I shrugged.


    . "Maybe reject one of you and see where that


    takes me."


    Kyle clicked the roof of his tongue. "Absolutely not."


    *raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"


    "You are fragile. It will break you more than it does to us.


    How many months will you have after the rejection? Two months? We have years, Naya. And we may even meet a second chance mate in the long run."


    I smiled. He was trying too hard. "I guess I am f****d up either way, right? Why do I get the feeling that you are trying to convince me and yourself not to let go?"


    "Because I don''t want you to die. I don''t want you to me the moon goddess."


    "We are moving!!" The third warning rang out.


    I and Kyle got into the truck. I needed him to continue the discussion. We have gone too far to stop now. "I have actually spoken to the moon goddess. And I lied when I said I knew how tomunicate with the elders. They came to me instead.* Kyle did a double take. "What the f**k?"


    I nodded sadly. "I didn''t tell you because you wouldn''t take it well."


    "I sure hell wouldnit"


    Now that we were in the truck, the conversation shouldn''t be continued.

 Chapter 113

    e ride back to the pack was smooth but ufortable.


    Every now and then, I would nce at Zeke, expecting him to look at me.


    He didn''t. I couldn''t tell Kyle anything because there were ears in the truck. I turned to find Scar''s re on me instead


    "You''re the Luna''s daughter, huh?"


    I clicked the roof of my tongue in irritation. It was obvious my mother wasn''t their role model, Luna. I was at the receiving end. A not-so-desirable end. "And you are scar. The leader of the Z patrol team."


    He blinked. "So?"


    I chuckled, loving how the conversation was going the way I wanted. "Okay, let''spromise. I won''t insult you if you don''t insult me. Deal?"


    Scar exchanged serious nces with the men before they all burst out into mockingughs. "No deal. You, on the other hand, will learn how to bridle your tongue with time." "Do you know who I am?" Naya fumed from inside of me.


    "We have the purpledy to back us up. Let''s give him another scar on the side of his face."


    I shook my head while narrowing my eyes on Scar''s smirking face. He knew what he was doing. He wanted me to be worked up so Zeke and Kyle would have no option but to punish me. My status wasn''t yet known to the pack, so they could do anything to me. ******g cowards.


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea, Naya. I can''t feel the purpledy, which means she''s not in support of your thoughts."


    "You are just across Zeke might actually allow them to punish you."


    "He is a jerk." Naya muttered.


    . "I will speak to me when


    the timees. This night, preferably, to remind him what a jerk his host is."


    "I snorted to the annoyance of Scar. He didn''t look pleased at my outburst. "Oops, he may think I was talking to him."


    Naya rolled her eyes to the heavens. "Let him think whatever he wants. I just want my peace. Zeke is depriving us of a good night''s sleep. You think he is sexually frustrated or something?"


    tilted my head. "You could be right, my dear. Unless he is just bothered about his pack. Let''s face the truth: we acted rashly by venturing into a rival pack. We didn''t even ask questions as to why we would be invited in the first ce." "What''s her name?" Scar''s voice filtered into my conversation with Naya.


    "Huh?"


    "He''s asking about me. Tell him my name." Naya was ready toe out and punch him herself. "Let me take over. It''s been a while."


    I shrugged. "What could go wrong?" I took a deep breath, allowing Naya to take over my system


    "Woah, your eyes have changed. Are you that pissed?" Scar mocked


    1 facepalmed at his choice of words. What is his problem with me? I have asked a lot of times, and I can''t even get an answer. "My name is Naya."


    Scar paused for a while. "You are her wolf?"


    Naya bobbed her head up and down. "Now mister. What''s the name of your wolf?"


    "Scar." Scar grunted. "We bear the same name, so you can''t tell us apart."


    Naya smiled. "Alright, Scar. What is your problem with me?"


    Scar scoffed. "I don''t have a problem with you,dy. You didn''t have to show yourself. I was speaking with the other Naya."


    Naya shook her head. She wasn''t taking his insults anymore. "I think we need to tell him what he needs to hear."


    I frowned, worried she would go overboard. "And what does he need to hear? Wait, are you nning to ckmail him emotionally?"


    "Don''t be ridiculous. You know I am good at those things."


    Naya yawned to show how bored she was.


    "Are you yawning right now?" Scar asked, baffled beyond myprehension. He must have a problem with me.


    Naya was done with his s**t, and her body posture said so.


    "Okay. I will ignore all this bullshit and attribute it to your failure of duty. You know what? You are the beginning of my pain. The moment you decided to let the Alpha fight all alone. That was it."


    If a pin dropped, I would have heard it. "Naya! What''s your problem? I told you not to emotionally ckmail him. We have to control our anger and have manners."


    "That''s the lie everyone has been telling you. We both know that we aren''t that kind." Naya sighed.


    "What did you just say to me?" Scar''s eyes shed ck, back and forth. He was getting angry. "What do you know about me?"


    Naya raised an eyebrow. "What do you know about me?" She said it like a gangster, her heat nearly beating out of our chests. She was brave in the front, but just as cowardly as I was. Jeez... Naya. "What makes you think you can judge me because of my mother?" I asked, looking at everyone intensely. "Do you know that I haven''t seen her in over five years of my life? The day I saw her was the day after my father''s burial. She came to tell me that I was part of the manor. I didn''t want to go, but she said the Alpha wouldn''t want to hear that."


    There was still silence. I loved it. They should all listen to Naya speak. She was just as free as they were. "I know the reason why you are acting like this. Trust me, I have had it tough. I am an omega. You know what that means, right?"


    No one acknowledged my question, and I nodded. It was the perfect reaction. "So, you don''t know anything about me, you don''t have what it takes to survive in amunity where you are an omega; you have had it nice all your life. The simple fact you weren''t there for the Alpha was no one''s fault, so quit acting like a baby and behave like the leader you are."


    I didn''t know when Naya left, leaving me to fill the void. The darkness enveloped her, and I knew I wouldn''t be seeing her for a long time. She would be somewhere, nursing her wounds. The wounds Scar chose to open again because of *his stupid act. I expected more from the warriors in the pack. They were just as miserable as we all were.


    "I am sorry." Scar began after a while. He was expecting to see Naya when he raised his head. I was just there, looking at him. Guilt was written all over his face, and his eyes dimmed. "I wasn''t teasing you because you were an omega or any of that s**t. I just wanted to tease you." He gave me a pointed look. "You remind me of my sister. I lost her in a fire ident."


    I frowned. "Would you want to punish your sister?" I hate to sound insensitive, but that was how I felt. Would he want to punish his sister for asking him questions or defending herself? "You have always had it out for me since I came here, and frankly, the rest of you just follow his lead. I expected better."


    Kyles hand was on mine instantly. It wasn''t visible to the public, but I felt hisfort. They made me rx.


    "We weren''t nning to punish you, Naya Cod. You''re the Luna''s daughter. You escorted the Alpha. Clearly, you are his guest." His chuckles rang out, and the rest of them joined him. Suddenly, they did not look harmless. "You speak like a leader. We were just shocked, that''s all." Thepliment didn''t go past my head. I speak like a leader. Elder Rosalie told me I was without manners. I waved it off. If she said I needed to learn, maybe I needed to learn. "I don''t think I speak like a leader. I only try to defend myself with my mouth whenever I feel threatened.


    My first impression of you guys was fear, so I had no option but to act mannerless. I respect you a lot, so I am going to apologize first." Scar frowned.


    "What for? Naya is right. I ruined everyone''s


    life."


    "Oh, please stop with the emotions. It''s making some people act like fools." Beta Brooke interrupted. "Scar, Naya is sorry for saying bullshit about you. Naya, Scar is a warrior; you should respect him. He wouldn''t disrespect me for no reason. Are we cool?" I nodded. "Yes, I am cool." It took a while for Scar to respond.


    "Scar?" Beta Brooke called to check why he was yelling his understanding


    "Yes, Beta."


    "Good."


    I turned to find Zeke and Kyle''s eyes closed. Their heads rested on the arm''s seat. They were both asleep. It was fast I raised my dress to my body to sniff. I stinked.


    "We are almost home, so you will bathe soon." Kyle muttered as if he knew what he was worried about. I looked like a princess from a wolf apocalypse.

 Chapter 114

    Kyle''s


    POV


    I could sense Naya''s worry pouring out of her in waves.


    She was always thinking and worried about Zeke and I. It was nothing new, yet I ignored her for many months. I opened an eye to find her ncing at Zeke.


    , Zeke, you fool. Once upon a time, I thought I was a fool, but now? I think he''s just taking it farther than it ought to be. We both agreed he would be the one to im her as his mate first. I created the opportunity for him only for him to change his mind just by looking at Beta Brooke. Beta Brooke... I thought he was going to be worse than this.


    I was a bit d he wasn''t a stuck up, pathetic fool who. med himself for not being by the Alpha''s side. It wasn''t his fault and we would only be official jerks if we pointed that out to him. Scar on the other hand. He was making it worse too.


    Technically, they took matters Into their own hands, so I wouldn''t stop him if he wanted to me himself for not being there. They all should me themselves.


    I should me myself too. My father died in battle. He died right in front of me and I was doing nothing about it. I was sure that by the time we got home, Marley would have cremated him. She must have realized by now that my threats were just bluffs and held nothing against her.


    Immediately I found out Naya knew about our bond, I was left to tell her the truth. Nothing but the truth. She was a smart girl, so there was no use lying to her. We wouldn''t reject her anyway, but I was not so sure about Zeke. He was just as impulsive. He might reject her for the progress of our pack. If he was ignoring her because of the warriors, what would he do when he was in seat? Not that he was making it obvious, I also have noticed a shift in his character. It was breaking Naya''s heart.


    It was fascinating how she would be able to share her love for the both of us and even more bizarre how I was in it too without feeling much jealousy.


    Id admit I was jealous of my brother, after all he was the one to gain her attention while I was messing with her and pouring pop soda on her. Jeez..


    After my discussion with Naya, I went to find Zeke. I found him discussing it with Scar. They were speaking in hushed tones that I couldn''t hear. As soon as I came closer, Zeke backed off and Scar went about his duty. That was when I, knew we weren''t going to stay long in this ce.


    "What''s going on? What were the two of you discussing?" I asked, contemting telling him about Naya''s thoughts on the mating bond.


    Zeke shrugged. He hasn''t smiled since we got here. If anything he has been colder and I didn''t like it. What changed? The pack''s responsibilities or his duty as Alpha. I ept we messed up by leaving the pack to attend to our personal matters... Scar wanted to know my ns to renovate the pack. I have been busy with other irrelevant things. s**t!" He kicked an innocent piece of stic on the floor.


    He was frustrated just like I was. Only that it was for different reasons. Mine was because of the mating bond and the fact that I was yet to catch my father''s murderer.


    Baron Diego walks free. He even had the audacity to attack us. If father was alive, he would have torn him down into shreds. It reminded me that his death wasn''t ordinary. It was meticulously nned. Perhaps he was weakened before the fight. Such a bulky and rippled Alpha wasn''t supposed to die just like that. If he died fairly then there was a problem.


    I was surprised Naya used her power to defend us. It also meant her power was reckless and could erupt in no time. I


    *also couldn''t help but wonder how Baron Diego already knew about Naya. She may not know it, but if you needed the power of an elder, you''d need to eat their heart.


    It was a tricky process that could either kill you or make you half an elder. I frowned. Could it be the reason why Baron Diego was making those monsters? To kill the elders that protected our pack?


    "You need to calm down. I was thinking of something." I started. This could help him.


    Zeke sighed. "What is it?"


    "Could it be that Baron Diego is creating those monsters to kill our elders? The very elders you want under your authority?"


    Zeke stared at me, his brow furrowed in thought. "Baron Diego going after our elders? That''s quite a stretch, Kyle." I knew it would be hard to believe me, since our elders were basically untouchable. Who would dare go after the elders.


    But the truth was that if they had the guts to go after Alpha storm, it meant they could go after our elders too. But I would understand if he was skeptical. It did sound far-fetched


    "I know it''s a wild theory, but think about it. Those monsters are dangerous, and they seem to target our kind, the werewolves. I mean why would he create those things?


    Why were they attracted to Naya? So? Why not take it further and go after our strongest protectors, the elders?"


    I watched as Zeke paced a few steps back and forth, deep in contemtion.


    "It''s possible, but it''s also a big risk for


    *Baron Diego. Attacking the elders could provoke a full-scale war within the supernatural world, and it''s not something he''d take lightly." He was considering the fact too. He may have been because I knew my brother was no fool. "True," I agreed. "But maybe he believes he can control these monsters and use them to eliminate the elders discreetly. It''s a cunning strategy. Take Naya for instance.


    You could eat the heart of an elder if you know how to do it. He asked them to bring her heart without batting an eysh. He knew what she was...


    "There''s another possibility we shouldn''t overlook. What if there''s another yer in this game, someone manipting Baron Diego and pushing him to create these monsters? It might exin his audacity. Especially his audacity to attack the pack and kill its Alpha." Scar, who had been lingering nearby, chimed in before going about his duties again. Just how much has Zeke told this man? Something told me he doesn''t know about Naya''s abilities.


    I frowned. "You already told him?"


    Zeke nodded. "Yes, I did. I had no option. He is the leader of our warriors. Ftill Beta Brooketer." He paused. "We need to gather more information, figure out who else might be involved in this."


    It all boiled down to finding the spy. There was one more thing at y too, I needed to let Zeke know. I should not keep it from him. "I have a feeling Naya has a part to y in this. We can''t underestimate the potential significance of her abilities. It''s possible she might hold some key to this puzzle." I also wanted him to feel our mating bond. This, was my strategy to make him get closer to her.


    Zeke sighed. For a moment I thought he was going to adhere to my warnings and bring Naya closer. He dare not reject her. Not while I wanted her. I was sure he wanted her too. "You''re right."


    "Exactly," I said, shifting closer to him. "That''s why I think it''s time we tell Naya about the mating bond and all that it entails. She deserves to know, and she might provide valuable insights into what''s happening."


    Zeke looked hesitant. "But Kyle, what if it''s too much for her to handle? We don''t want to overwhelm her."


    I understood his concern. However, knowing Naya''s feelings, it was irrelevant. All she needed was for him to tell her that he loved her. It was hard for me too, but I was going to open up sooner orter. "I agree, but keeping her in the dark isn''t helping either. We need her on our side, Zeke.


    She''s part of this pack now. It''s time to trust her and let her in."


    Zeke nodded, finally relenting. "You''re right. We''ll talk to Naya about the mating bond and the situation with Baron Diego. She deserves the truth."


    And that was what I thought was going to happen until the drama with Beta Brooke happened. Who knew what beta Brooke told Naya to make her so on edge. Not only that, I


    < didn''t anticipate the feud between her and Scar.


    A part of me was d Beta Brooke butted in to end the trouble that was brewing. The power in Naya was gradually making her snappy and always angry. Although she was still weak, she was getting stronger these days, and it made me happy a bit. Brooke wouldn''t touch her again. In fact, no one would touch Naya again.

 Chapter 115

    Zeke''s POV


    s**t. I messed up." I muttered under my breath, forgetting that Beta Brooke was with me and could hear me. "You will be fine." Beta Brooke chuckled. I nced at him with a frown on my face.


    "How are you not bothered?"


    He shrugged.


    I. "I have always been bothered."


    I raised an eyebrow. "Really? You don''t seem like it."


    Hisughter caught me off guard. I turned to find Kyle snoring away and Naya''s head resting on his shoulders.


    When I thought she would look at me, I averted my gaze.


    "When I was appointed Beta officially, your mother was with the both of you." Beta Brooke revealed, much to my shock.


    "You have always been beta for that long?" It was amazing. That should be over twenty years or more. He must be packed with experience of war.


    "Don''t you find it bizarre that the Alpha died?" I asked, wondering all the time. I could never get answers to


    "Zeke." Beta Brooke called gently. "You have to stop bothering about that or else it''s going to limit you. You will keep on thinking about your death even when the time has note."


    "I mean, my father was considered the strongest pack Alpha in all eight realms and realms toe. I studied to be like him. He was always cold and distant, yet I wanted to be like him. He fought gantly." I chuckled in pride. "You need to see him that day as he fought. He threw off fifteen monsters alone. Marley was there... we were all there."


    Beta Brooke''s surprised voice took me aback. "You mean you watched him die? Was that why you were so sure it was the Blood moon pack?"


    I licked my moist lips. "That was probably the most stupid thing an Alpha has ever done. I made realm history."


    "Goodness, Zeke. You and Kyle were not supposed to see that. Who else saw it?"


    I didn''t need to tell him as he figured it out immediately.


    "Naya.


    "He scoffed. "So that''s why the three of you are together. One of the reasons I must say."


    I nodded in agreement. "That''s it. That''s one of the reasons why she is with us. Sometimes I think it is fate."


    "Fate indeed." Beta Brooke paused. "Your father died like an Alpha. Contrary to what people think or other Alphas think, he wasn''t weak. He just didn''t have the people he needed the most by his side. Not that he couldn''t call us. He chose not to involve us. He didn''t even involve the guards, I guess."


    How did he know? "How do you know all these?"


    "Like I said, I served your father for a long time. It was as of he knew this was going to happen and made preparations to send me away."


    That reminded me. "What was the mission?"


    "To monitor the Blood moon pack." His reply was abrupt and simple. I was shocked to hear him say it so easily without hesitation. "I can tell you that he knew I was there and sent those monsters after me. They almost killed me, you see. I have been receiving treatment for months."


    "Who found you?"


    "I found this ce myself. I know a lot of things, "Zeke."


    "Who healed you?" I asked. I needed to know. Kyle was injured by those things and if not for Naya, he would have lost a lot of blood. Anyone injured by those things with uld spend days losing blood without an elder help. "Did an elder help you?" "What?" He frowned. "An elder? What makes you think an elder would have time for me?"


    I scanned his abdomen where I knew his injury would be. It was clean. Definitely an Elder''s job. "It wasn''t an elder? I heard you were badly mauled by those things. Dr. Ali said you nearly lost your life. Why are you covering that fact up?" An idea entered my head instantly. "You know what? I think I know the elder who might have helped you."


    Beta Brooke narrowed his eyes on me. "Who?" He was replying to me monotonously. He was trying to avoid the conversation. I knew I was on the right track


    "A lousy elder. Someone who would do anything to get what she wants."


    "How did this conversation turn out to be about me?" Beta Brooke shook his head as the Truck avoided a gallop. The road would soon be in view. Behind us was my car, driven by Naya''s new guards. I had a feeling they were obligated to stay with her because she gave them freedom. Freedom


    1 trom Baron''s rule.


    "Because I want to know more about you. You already know everything about me. Why should yours be any different?" I shrugged. He was doing it again. Answering my question with a question.


    *"Alright. If I tell you, can you drop it? Jeez" He puffed. "It''s Elder freya. She asked the green haired Elder to heal me or something. They knew where I was all along. What are you going to do with this information?"


    "Keep it to myself. However I am disappointed. If my brother wasn''t smart enough, I wouldn''t have known you were alive." I shook my head. Howe the Alpha was kept in the dark while the rest of his subjects knew about the Beta''s predicament? "Don''t overthink it. Nothing good would havee out of it should they have told you."


    I scoffed. "It shows the amount of respect you all show me.


    None at all. Which is why I need to go back and regain that respect. Everyone sees me as a child."


    Beta Brooke frowned. "What are you talking about? You were facing a challenge at that time." "Even if." I sighed


    "You need to calm down, Zeke. He''s going to serve you."


    me chipped in.


    "This was no mistake. They all take me for a f*****g kid! I will be eighteen soon. I lost my father and saddled with a pack of responsibilities without proper training." It broke my heart that the Alpha storm would leave me this way. me yawned. "I will help you."


    My ears perked in excitement. "What?"


    "I am not saying it again. If you didn''t hear me the first time, then there is nothing I can do about it." me grunted before slipping into the darkness. I won''t be hearing from him for a long time.


    My heart soared at the thought of me epting me without strings attached. He didn''t even ask for Naya.


    Which reminded me of how stupid I have been. Imagine my shock when Kyle told me of her awareness. She knew we were mates.


    Yet I refused to acknowledge that. It would break the three of us if care wasn''t taken.


    "I''ll appreciate if you won''t me in in every matter. I don''t need secrets in my pack. You already told me you will help me to get the elders. Don''t go back on your word"


    Beta Brooke''s eyebrows knitted together in contemtion.


    "Look, this is not about age, Zeke. You were facing the challenge of winning your ce as the Alpha. I only agreed to work with you because you are hard working. I should be retired."


    My jaws dropped. "Retired?"


    "Yes, retired. You are the recent Alpha, you should have a young beta ready to take my ce. But I won''t allow that for now. You have your brother. Although he won''t take the ce of a Beta, I feel the both of you can run the Pack well after training." I sighed, grateful for the support but still anxious. "My brother is doing a fine job. He just has.. issues."


    Beta Brooke nced at me. "You can handle it. You''ve got great allies in your corner."


    I nearlyughed at his words. "Allies? They all worship Baron Diego! I have no one."


    Beta Brooke didn''t seem to be convinced. "You have the loyal ones your father helped. They haven''t forgotten about his help. You just don''t know where they are."


    "Do you know where they are?" I asked.


    Beta Brooke shook his head. "Nope."


    It was quiet for a while.


    I wondered for a moment if anyone


    was listening in on our conversation. In a way, this trip had already revealed valuable information and shown me that I had more support than I realized. me''s offer to help me regain the respect of the elders and pack was encouraging.


    Suddenly, Naya stirred and yawned beside Kyle. Her eyes met mine. We both knew that we were meant to be together, but I had responsibilities. My talk with Beta Brooke just opened my eyes to the possibilities of getting married to someone who was more politically inclined.


    Brooke?


    "How was my daughter during my absence?"


    "Huh? Brooklyn? She was good for Kyle."


    "Was?" Beta Brooke knew what I was talking about, yet he chose to ask. Jeez.


    "I don''t think she will be the one for Kyle. Her behaviour hasn''t been encouraging."


    Beta Brooke clicked the roof of his tongue in what I suppose was irritation. "I know. Naya told me."


    I sighed. I was d I wasn''t the one to tell him he

 Chapter 116

    Zekes POV


    "You knew about Brooke?" I whistled in surprise.


    . "But you


    never said anything."


    Beta Brooke nodded in agreement. "My mistake. You know, after she lost her mother, I thought it was her own way of coping with the loss. It was worse than I expected."


    I rolled my eyes. "But you should have done something at least. She bullied Naya almost all semester."


    Beta Brooke raised an eyebrow. "From what I heard, you didn''t try to stop it. You were all in it. Don''t act so saintly.


    "You are the Alpha of the pack, so if you want to change things, you can set forth a new rule or something."


    I sighed. He was right. There were a lot of things I needed to change. "The wolves fear me, and I like it. However, my mates are scared of me too."


    Beta Brooke patted my back. "They should be scared. They have the protector of the pack in their midst. It makes me wonder why that girl isn''t afraid of you. Merely sitting in your presence or Kyle''s presence should make her nervous, shouldn''t it?" He jerked his head toward where Naya still rested her head on Kyle''s shoulders peacefully. "She seems to findfort in both of you." He shook his head. "I will wait for you when you are ready to tell me what''s going on."


    I averted my gaze from him. He already knew too much about him. I didn''t want to bring him into the fight for a mate. The elders may be aware that Naya is my mate, and they will be pressuring me. Some of them might oppose Naya, while others, like Elder Rosalie, would wish for the both of us to be together.


    "We are close. Prepare yourself for the wee." I muttered < to Beta Brooke, who cleared his throat and adjusted himself.


    "Warriors! Get ready for the wee." Beta Brooke yelled to the back, where the men sat upright. He was in charge of the warriors while he took orders from me. That was the job of the beta. Where the Alpha''s power wouldn''t reach, the Beta would take care of that. The truck roared into the first territory. I didn''t expect the elders to be there waiting for me.


    .They were the only ones


    who knew I would be here today because of their powers.


    This would act as a surprise visit to the other members of the pack. Elder Rosalie and Elder Roy stood with grim looks on their faces. They weren''t pleased, of course.


    "Alpha Zeke!" Elder Rosalie greeted immediately after the truck came to a stop. Her eyes widened a bit as she saw Beta Brooke by my side.


    . "Beta Brooke?"


    Beta Brooke chuckled. "Elder! It''s been a while!" He engulfed her in a big hug, causing her to gasp a bit. "I have missed your warm nature." Then he began searching for others. "Elder Roy! It is such an honor to have you wee me."


    Elder Roy nodded. He wasn''t that talkative, or maybe I just haven''t seen him say anything. He should be the territory or nature elder. I had no f*****g idea. I only had knowledge about the rational elder and the most unreasonable elder, Elder Rosalie and Elder Freya. "Elder Roy. You knew we wereing?"


    Elder Roy nodded.


    "I was alerted."


    "We came here because of Naya." Elder Rosalie started


    She didn''t like to beat around the bush, I see.


    . "Elder


    Rosalie..


    "Elder Rosalie, you are here." Naya chipped behind me. Her


    ?voice was soft, and she seemed smaller than before. She was pretty. She has always been pretty to me. She frowned. "Why are you here?" It was as if they both knew something she wasn''t supposed to know.


    "Remember our deal at the room?"


    I narrowed my eyes at their discussion. I knew what they were talking about. Naya was in the room with us. It meant she eventually summoned the elders without letting me know. I turned to her. "What does she mean by in the room?" Naya refused to meet my gaze. "I am not supposed to talk about this here. After all, you have been ignoring me."


    "What?" I was baffled beyond imagination. "I have never ignored you. Not for once. Why didn''t you tell me about such an important aspect?"


    Naya scoffed. "Are we really going to do this here, Alpha?


    With everyone watching?" She gestured toward the entire crowd of warriors who were watching our exchange. I could even spot Beta Brooke smirking. I was sure everyone figured I was mates with this omega.


    It made me see how she talked down to me. There were two elders and over thirty wolves watching me with skepticism. They wanted to know if I was going to allow her to talk to me this way. They knew nothing of our rtionship. Scar had his hands folded on his chest. His eyes were also narrowed as he was trying to navigate our rtionship.


    Everyone was watching. They wanted to know why I was being kind to an omega and allowing her to talk down to


    ''me. It made me fume.


    "Don''t do what you will regret, Zeke." me interrupted my thoughts.


    "I need to put Naya in her ce. She has disrespected me for too long."


    "She hasn''t disrespected us. She''s weak; don''t make her feel weaker." me grunted


    "You heard her yourself. She didn''t think of my reputation before yapping about whatnot." I roared in anger.


    me simply yawned. "We have pride. She''s your mate and probably hasn''t realized what she did. Look at her, Zeke. Don''t do that."


    I scoffed. "Do what?"


    "Bully her upfront and go behind her back to protect her.


    Besides, I feel Kyle has a change of heart. He won''t let you do that to his mate."


    "I do not care." I drawled. "I just need to disy anger and put her in her ce. Once I reveal who she is to the pack, I can exin that I didn''t know as of now. me does not stop me."


    me had no intention of stopping me. He was sadistic and knew he would enjoy my sorrow after this. After all, I woulde running for help after, right? "When I get to that bridge, I''ll cross it."


    "Were you talking to me?" me asked haughtily.


    Jerk. "Yes. We have to protect our reputation."


    "You are not going to change the rules if you do this to Naya. She is an innocent soul."


    "Why do you spend so much time defending her?"


    "Why do you spend so much time denying the fact that she is our mate?" me countered in annoyance. "You were the one who wanted her all this time. She was afraid and denied her feelings for a long time. Eventually, you pursued her until she gave herself to you. To us. Now you want to push her away? Just reject her."


    "I won''t reject her. Just watch me." I hissed, turning to Naya.


    "Naya, you are disrespecting me, and I don''t like it. The next time you say something to undermine my authority, you will be punished."


    "We will both be punished, you fool. When you hurt her, you hurt both of us." me desperately exined. It was funny how he put so much energy into defending our mate when,


    in reality, he was just azy wolf who got really angry and dangerous when things did not go his way.


    Naya shrank back from my gaze. I expected anothereback, but she didn''t give me the benefit of hearing one of her snappy replies. One I look forward to sometimes, so that I can feign having a good conversation with her. "Yes, Alpha."


    She was calling me Alpha again. Not Zeke.


    I turned my


    back on her, facing Scar. "Go about your duties. Meeting at twenty." With that, I walked into the manor, and some wolves followed along, including Elder Roy. From the corner of my eyes, I saw how slumped her shoulders were.


    "He is just tensed. He will be fine. Just go and freshen up." Kyle muttered his deepest apologies before following behind me. I saw Naya nod in gratitude.


    Elder Rosalie stood at the spot, staring at her. I took a sharp corner as they both went out of my sight.


    "That was harsh." Beta Brooke started with a smile. "You were against it before. Tell me, What did she do to make you so angry?"


    I rubbed my hair in frustration. I could already feel the pain in my heart for making her feel so downcast. Kyle may have nightmares because of my stupidity. "Beta Brooke, can we drop the topic of her? Whenever you are with me, I don''t want to hear anything about her. Are we clear?" I seeped my Alpha voice to tell him this was no joke.


    He frowned deeper. "Yes, Alpha."


    The big brown doors opened. The elders were already


    seated. It was meeting time.

 Chapter 117

    Zeke''s


    POV


    Then the big door opened to reveal the elders already seated. I narrowed my eyes on Marley in my seat, giving a speech. It seemed to me like this was the reason why they were all here. ,"You all are here.


    "I muttered in surprise. Frankly, I wasn''t


    expecting anyone here. What was going on?


    Marley stood immediately. Shock was written on her face too. "Alpha Zeke, you are here." She nced around before moving to her usual spot. "I was just briefing everyone here, about the situation. There had been an attack. Twice."


    I ced both hands in my pocket as I demanded more exnation. I needed her to borate as to why I wasn''t informed about it in the first ce.


    "You weren''t informed because you were preupied with pack matters. Right?" Marley asked, and I didn''t miss the sly smile she gave me. I guess she found out where I went. Some things would never stay hidden, huh?


    "An attack? Twice?" I scoffed. "Where is Reid? I put him in charge for a reason."


    Marley shook her head. "You overlooked me and put a mere driver in charge? I sent him home!"


    Reid was a f*****g coward! There was a reason why I didn''t put Marley in charge. Not because she wasn''tpetent or would start anything, but because of her nature. She was a very bossy woman who would do anything to get what she wanted. She may cause strife between me and the elders before I am back. Although I don''t doubt her ability to handle Elder Freya, it wouldn''t be calm unless I was here. I scanned the entire room. True to my words, Elder Freya was not here for the so-called meeting.


    "Not everyone is here." I sighed, walking around the table. I could smell their nervousness in the air. The only calmness I could sense was from the elders present. They were not agitated because of my presence, but because of what could happen if I got angry. No one wanted to see me get


    ? angry.


    I won''t be as lenient as Kyle. And Kyle was just as deadly as I was when angry.


    Marley frowned. "Everyone is here for the meeting. We needed to know how to protect ourselves against the attack while you were on a vacation spree." I snapped my head toward her. "Vacation spree?"


    Marley rolled her eyes beforeing to stand beside me. "I allowed you because you are just a kid. You needed your freedom onest time. Is that not right, everyone? Beta Brooke..." she turned to Beta Brooke, who had been calm since. Beta Brooke wasn''t in his best mood as he watched the event unfold with hooded eyes. "What?"


    "You and the Alpha once neglected your duties, right? You did so too. Even now."


    "You are ridiculous." Beta Brooke scoffed, shaking his head. "Did you allow this to happen?" He turned to Elder Roy. "You should have stopped this nonsense from happening!"


    "You will not speak to an elder in that manner!" Elder Freya warmed darkly from the door. She was dressed in her usual white robe. It was blinding and obnoxious with her in


    1 It.


    "Elder Freya. You have decided to show yourself." I smirked wickedly. "Were you waiting for me?"


    She shook her head immediately. "I was not waiting for you; I was waiting for some drama, and when I heard youe back, I knew I was going to find it. Who put a kid in charge anyway?" Herughter echoed across the room, and I scoffed.


    My anger was threatening to burst. Soon, me would make himself known, and I wouldn''t be able to control myself. "Care to exin what the hell is going on? I didn''t tell anyone where I went, so why is everyone assuming I went on a vacation? A f*****g vacat to where? Fairiesnd or something?" My voice was higher than I intended.


    Elder Freya''s eyes were on Marley, and they went off in a staring contest. "I told you not to sit in the Alpha''s seat; didn''t I tell you that?"


    "Why? What''s wrong with that?"


    "I am so angry, me... I don''t know why." I reached out to my wolf, who was beginning to reveal himself in the darkness.


    His face and body weren''t visible, but I could hear his voice.


    "She sat on our seat."


    "No one is respecting me, despite being Alpha. I''m so angry." I folded my fist immediately to control myself. The anger rumbled in my stomach, threatening to destroy everyone in the room.


    "You know what? Let''s just stop all this. Marley apologize to Alpha Zeke. If you don''t, he will destroy you." Beta Brooke was the first to notice how ufortable I was


    getting with the whole ruckus.


    Elder Freya chuckled in amusement. "He feels threatened with you in his seat. I suggest you get the f**k away, or you may not live to see tomorrow. Hell, we may not live to see


    "tomorrow Elder Freya pretended to be in thought, whereas I knew she was just taunting Marley. I didn''t intend for this to happen to Marley. I respected her, but it was as if she was no longer the caring woman I left in the pack three days ago. "In fact, the elders may escape. Beta Brooke, who I am d is back, may earn his life, but you? It will be snuffed out in a second."


    The more Marley remained close to my chair, the more I fumed. "It''s alright."


    "It''s not alright." Beta Brooke sighed.


    . "It happened once with


    the Alpha storm. You will keep on getting angry until you realize this is the source of your anger. The older you get, Alpha Zeke, the stronger the feeling."


    I blinked. Does this mean that I was going to experience such anger when I felt someone wasn''t respecting my ce as an alpha? Would I kill everyone just like that?


    "Then tell me how it can be averted because I feel so angry I want to break your neck!" I gritted in frustration.


    I was trying to suppress it but it wasn''t working out.


    Beta Brooke nodded immediately. Everyone! Get ready to pay your respects to the Alpha. You should get ready to be submissive."


    "Don''t fight it, Zeke. Let go." me seemed to be getting ready for his part. "You are emotionally stressed, and I want to take over. Allow me."


    "You might kill someone." I growled in displeasure. Scents of fear filled the air as some of the warriors who had followed me into the room oozed fear. They were cowards.


    "It''s customary. I need it. I haven''t been home in days! I need to know that my people saw me as Alpha again."


    "The people here consist of the pack''s most loyal members. The elders... we can''t kill them." A searing pain coursed through my skin. It could also be because I was ignoring Naya.


    "It''s possible. Like I said, we have been emotionally stressed. Let go." me warned again. Despite his control, I could hear he was at his wit. Gosh! He was such a strong wolf. We were both stingy enough to hold our anger.


    I watched wide-eyed as everyone began to crawl on their knees with their heads tilted to the side. They were all being submissive to me. I growled at Elder Freya, who was taking her time. It was as if she were taking a wild cat. It made me see red. "Elder Freya, you are taunting me."


    She simply rolled her eyes. "You are making this such a big deal. Nothing is going to happen."


    I took a deep breath as I felt a sudden calmness. There was no pain whatsoever. It took me minutes to realize me had taken over my body. No wonder I felt nothing.


    That sly wolf! He would kill her! At least she tried to tell Marley not to sit on my seat. She was the leader of the elders. Who would lead them if I killed her?


    ''patience. But I guess the rules of submission also apply to elders, huh?


    me slowly leaned close to her. I couldn''t feel his emotions; I could only feel his darkness. He was pissed beyond emotion.


    "Elder Freya, your powers make you arrogant." His voice was darker than I had ever heard. They sounded so deep, which worried me.


    Elder Freya remained where she was. It was as if she was frozen. me followed her every movement, waiting for a slip. He was waiting for her to look him in the eyes or shift her head a little. He wanted her to say something. Anything!


    me tsked in amusement. "You may be an elder, but you are not above the rules, and you know that." He stood upright, ring at everyone. They too were frozen,


    including Beta Brooke. His eyes were dark and orange. He was waiting for a single movement.


    "Alpha Zeke?"


    1 heard Naya''s voice call me out of my subconscious just as me turned his murderous eyes on her.


    Oh s**t!

 Chapter 118

    Naya''s POV


    He has done it again. Zeke has sessfully humiliated me in the presence of the most respected people in his pack.


    The annoying part was that no one said anything, despite knowing how close we were. It felt funny and angry to be betrayed by those you love.


    Kyle asked me to understand, and I am trying. I seriously am! It was frustrating to see Zeke go back to the man he promised me he wouldn''t go back to. Did he really promise me? I exhaled. He didn''t exactly promise me. I was a fool to have trusted him. You know what? If he wanted to behave this way or act like I was a nuisance, maybe I should let him.


    "Don''t do that, Naya." Naya whispered from behind. "He is our mate. It would only hurt us if we got away from him. As much as he is trying to deny it, the both of you are meant to be with each other."


    I shook my head. "He is not making it any easier."


    Naya sighed. "For now, you can just findfort in Kyle.


    He is willing, right?"


    I closed my eyes, remembering the time I dozed off on his shoulders. When we were asked to alight, he didn''t say anything about that. Was I going too fast?


    "I don''t think so. You had s* with them. The thing I wonder is why it''s so hard to get in bed with them again."


    I scoffed. "Is that all you can think about? Getting f*vcked by a jerk?"


    Naya shrugged, not in the least offended by my tone.


    "Nope. Now that I think about it, its actually not hard.


    There''s so many emotions that need to be out of ce for it to walk again. It was easier because Zeke didn''t have many responsibilities."


    She wasn''t listening to me. Urgh! I turned to find Elder Rosalie already staring at me. Sometimes I forget that the way I converse with my wolf is different from the way I converse with a host. Time moves faster in my head.


    "Elder Rosalie..." I bowed a little, preparing myself mentally for a scolding. We met at the blood moon pack. It meant she was aware of where I went. After all, she was the watcher.


    Her facial expression was unreadable, and it made me nervous.


    I pointed to the doors, wishing I was with Kyle at the moment. He still needed to work on his possessive skills, but I knew it would take effect once they were eighteen years old. Then they wouldn''t even let me out of sight. And when I turned eighteen, we would be able to feel each other''s emotions.


    "Are you sure?" Naya asked skeptically.


    I shrugged. "I have a feeling that''s how it works. Let''s just wait and see. For now, this woman is making me nervous.


    Remember, I skipped training for my mates. She must have been furious."


    Naya nodded before slipping into the darkness. Coward!


    She left me all alone to face Elder Rosalie.


    Elder Rosalie was still watching me with sternness. Her hands were folded tightly in front of her, and her feet were bare. Although I wondered where she got these clean white gowns from, The gowns the elders wore were usually spotless.


    It made me feel unworthy of their presence sometimes.


    Like I was filthy. "I should leave." My legs pushed the rest of my body towards the doors.


    "I felt your power twice. They were so far away, so I knew it had to be you." Her hard voice made me freeze. Her voice has always been raspy and unforgiving, but her smile is sometimes warm. Unlike the rest of them, There was one elder I would prefer to stay with, apart from Elder Rosalie.


    He was the one who healed me. Elder Derek? Elder Archer? I frowned. One belonged to war, the other belonged to nature. His name, Archer, should make him the one I wanted to stay with. He has never said more than two words. Goodness, I have never been so confused about Elder before.


    "Are you listening to me?" Elder Rosalie frowned.


    "Huh?" g**t! I wasn''t listening at all. I just wanted to wash the stink off my body and change into a cleaner dress.


    Everyone was giving me the look. Soon, questions would begin to pour in. I nced around. I have never missed the trees and grasses as much as now.


    The blood moon pack was more deste than I thought.


    They had strange equipment that made life better for them.


    I could care less about those things. We all lived healthy lives here.


    I blinked. Enough of my thinking. I needed to focus. "I am listening."


    Elder Rosalie scoffed. "You took a lot of time to reply to that question. I should leave you to rest."


    I shook my head vehemently. Leave me to rest. No. She probably had something urgent to tell me. "Elder Rosalie, I am sure you have something to tell me. What is it?"


    "You used your powers more than twice. I felt it, and if I can feel it, it means the elders did too."


    My jaws dropped as shock coursed through me. "You felt my powers all the way from the blood moon pack?"


    "I told you, we are all connected. The first time was when we all came to see for ourselves. Although they couldn''t see where you were exactly, somehow you blocked them from seeing Zeke and Kyle."


    I frowned. "Did you tell them where we went?"


    Elder Rosalie shook her head. "If any of them is aware, it is because of their wisdom. We know things you don''t want us to know. It''s in our nature."


    My heart began to pound. "If Zeke finds out that it''s because of me, Elder Freya was aware of where we went...


    You have to hide it until..."


    Elder Rosalie folded her hands across her chest. "Until when? Do you think he doesn''t know that you float out of your body?"


    Damn it! She was right. Zeke and Kyle already knew. They were no fools either.


    "I don''t even know what I am capable of doing. I can watch, heal, invade people''s minds, and block. What else can I do?" I asked in exasperation. No, I was not really excited that I could do everything. It only meant training. More training from the look of things. Elder Rosalie didn''t seem surprised at my mention of different powers. It was as if she expected it. After all, she was ancient. Or so I thought. "In all my years in this realm, I have never seen a born elder."


    I was wrong. She just hid her shock well, unlike me, whose mouth went gaping all the time something new happened, like a fish. "Am I the first of my kind?" I asked foolishly.


    Elder Rosalie nodded. She didn''t see my question as stupid, even though we both knew the answer. "You are the first of your kind. You may have inherited all our powers and more from the elderly."


    I paused. "Does that mean I am a direct descendant of the elderly one?"


    Her sharp gaze made me shut up. Don''t act naive, Naya.


    You know this already. When we were created, she gave us useful power. Now you have her blood and spirit flowing through you. You may just be what we need, Naya Cod."


    She wasn''t acting like I was needed at all. None of them were. Maybe I should let everyone know how useful I am in the pack. "Everyone considers me a lower-than-average omega. Shouldn''t I let everyone know how useful I am?"


    "And risk a war? We had attacks in two days. If we weren''t here to stop thest attack, the pack wouldn''t be here.


    Those monsters were crawling all over the ce. Tell me, what happened?"


    Baron Diego must have felt Zeke left the pack unprotected or in the hands of ipetent people for him to attack. He attacked behind our backs while nning for our deaths too. Could it be that the elders came to our rescue? "He requested my heart and nearly killed Zkee and Kyle in the process. I guess that was when you felt my power. I had to stop him."


    "You couldn''t kill everyone just for those things, right? Did you imagine them dead?"


    I shook my head. If only it was that simple. "No. I wanted them to be torn into pieces. That''s what they did. From the inside out, they destroyed themselves. That''s why I stink." I sniffed my dress.


    "You need more training. Elder Roy will And what was it you said again?" She squinted her beady eyes. "Yes! Invade minds. Did you do that to someone?"


    I chewed my lower lips. "I wasn''t feeling too well at that time. They are here, though. If you want, you can talk to them." I frankly could not exin what I did to them. After all, I was unconscious for some time. "I was unconscious for some time."


    "That should be when the work began." Elder Rosalie muttered to herself. She was taking all of it better than I was. It amazed me. I knew that when I entered my room and reyed the events, I was surely going to freak out.

 Chapter 119

    Naya''s


    POV


    Elder Rosalie gave me a stern gaze. "I am needed for the meeting. You should clean yourself up." She was about to leave when I noticed I was panting more than usual.


    I swallowed, feeling my throat constrict painfully. "I don''t feel too good. I can''t breathe."


    She paused. "What do you mean by you can''t breathe? What''s the problem? Did you take anything?"


    I shook my head. "Actually, I haven''t eaten for over a day now. No one bothered to feed me." The pain coursed through my skin. It wasn''t the purpledy that made me feel this way. It was something else. "I can''t breathe fine, and I am in pain... Ow." My legs wobbled as I crumpled to the floor.


    Elder Rosalie seemed more concerned than me, as she rushed to my side immediately. There was fear in her voice as she examined me. "Thank goodness you didn''t take anything from that ce. I don''t think it is rted to food, but we need to get you something to eat."


    "I don''t think you are famished, Naya. me is calling out to me, and you are subconsciously resisting me. We need to transform Naya." My wolf appeared. She was no longer hiding in the darkness. Updated by


    "What?" Beads of sweat formed on my forehead. "What is going on? Are they in danger?"


    "We just need to be close to him. He is emotionally hurt.


    You know what that means, right?"


    I nodded weakly. "He could go on a rage."


    "Someone pissed him off, Naya. It doesn''t just happen all the time to Alphas."


    Elder Rosalie tapped my shoulders in panic. Her face was etched with worry. "Naya! Can you hear me? Are you talking to your wolf? What did she say? What''s wrong?"


    "Help me up. We need to get to Zeke. He will soon go on a rage rampage. Everyone in there could die. Even the elders."


    Elder Rosalie froze. "Elder Freya!" She began to stand when I held her back.


    "I am his mate. Just take me closer to him. I have to stop him."


    Elder Rosalie was against it immediately. "No, I won''t allow you to go in there. Your mating bond isn''t that strong. They still hurt you, and that''s not okay. He needs magic to hold him down. If we couldbine our magic...


    I shook my head immediately. It would only make Zeke worse. He would consider himself incapable. "Has any Alpha gone through this before?"


    "Alpha Storm. We calmed him down with our power. Zeke needs the same... or else he would transfer it to his brother, and chaos would break out. You need to let me go, Naya."


    held onto her tighter. I wasn''t going to let her go in there without me. I could not even walk properly because his emotions crippled me. He needed me to keep him in check. "No. Help me up. I can reach out to him."


    "Naya?" Elder Rosalie eyed my hands.


    "He will get worse!" I yelled in shock. "What?"


    "I know you are ancient, but I know my mate. He will get worse. Something ticked him off. You haven''t had twin Alphas in years, right?"


    "I have seen, which is why I know how to control him. I am sure the elders there are trying to control him now. Let go, or I will have to push you off." Elder Rosalie looked around. I was sure she was looking for people to carry me off.


    "Hey!"


    Two average wolves turned to me. They were quick to answer. I bet they heard half of our discussion. It doesn''t matter anyway. All I wanted was to save Zeke and Kyle. "You called us, Elder?" The first one spoke for the two. He looked really excited to be spoken to by an elder.


    "Take her to the pack doctor. She needs to be checked. If he doesn''t find symptoms of any disease, tell him it''s a mating problem that doesn''t require her mate. He will understand." "Yes, Elder," One of them replied before they started pulling.


    I held on tighter. "Don''t do this, Elder Rosalie. He needs me.


    If I don''t get closer to him, I''ll die!" I screamed as another pain pierced my chest.


    "I can''t risk our elderly blood being destroyed by Alphas who don''t have control. If you were trained, I would have allowed you in there, but this could end badly for either of you wolves. You could kill them, or they could kill you. We can''t have that. The elders will control him." With that, she rushed into the manor.


    I reached out to her as I was dragged away. "No!"


    My pleas fell on deaf ears as the wolves dragged me further away from the impending chaos within the manor.


    "Let me go!" I thrashed as tears welled up in my eyes. I was weak against their strong grips. Zeke and Kyle-my heart ached for them. Zeke would never recover if the Elders used magic on him. His rage was a necessary thing, and I was sure of it. He wouldn''t just get angry for nothing. I knew he was unpredictable, but at the same time, he was one of the most logical people I have ever met. "Why won''t she let me help Zeke?" I muttered to myself.


    "Elder Rosalie''s concern is valid, Naya. Two Alphas in a frenzied state could be catastrophic." Naya echoed her thoughts sadly. She was sad too, and her emotions got to me too. It was too much to bear.


    "Who is thisdy to the Elder? I have seen her around the Alphas a couple times." One of the wolves started.


    "She''s Luna Marley''s weak daughter. She goes to the same school as the Alphas. Elder Rosalie sent us an errand, and I couldn''t be more happy. Let''s obey her order and make sure we take her to the pack doctor. She''s weak already." The wolf who carried me muttered to his friend.


    "Oh." The second wolf nodded as if he understood.


    My heart ached as I was taken further from the manor. I could sense the turmoil within Zeke and Kyle. They were not okay. I knew my presence could make a difference. It was a painful separation, my bond with Zeke tugging at my soul.


    Suddenly, Naya tapped into my senses. "Naya, we can''t stay here. We have to find a way back to Zeke." Her desperation was growing by the minute.


    I scoffed. My body was still weak. I could even see the doctor''s hill. It''s toote to go back now. Damn my weak legs! However, I could try to persuade these two. Naya was giving me a headache. "Please, I need to go back. I can''t leave the Alphas like this. You don''t understand."


    The wolves exchanged nces but continued to move forward. They were following orders, and nothing Naya said seemed to sway their determination.


    "Who are you to the Alpha? Their mate?"


    I couldn''t reveal such information to them. Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized how powerless I was in this situation. I nced back at the manor, watching as it grew smaller in the distance.


    #


    Zeke''s POV


    It''s getting worse.


    Whats happening to me? Why did Elder Freya have to test my patience? me wouldn''t be easily appeased.


    "Alpha, you have to be calm, or else you will kill everyone here." Elder Freya warned. Her head was still in the same position, so I had no reason to kill her.


    "Shut the f**k up!" Kyle shouted, causing everyone to flinch.


    The dark look in his eyes, the rage...


    He too felt disrespected, and the darkness from our wolves was fueling the rage in us. Jeez..


    "You need to be calm, me. If you are calm, Shadow will be too." I tried to persuade him, but he wasn''t listening. His eyes went here and there as he waited for one to slip up.


    Just one. However, they were all frozen in shock. Not even Marley moved as me leaned closer and sniffed her fear.


    "Where is your courage?" me taunted. "How could you take my ce in my absence?"


    Suddenly, my phone began to ring. me''s cold hand pulled the phone from my pocket. "Yes?"


    "Alpha me?" It was Reid, and from the sound of his voice, he was panicking.


    "Reid, Reid, Reid... I put you in charge, didn''t I?" me sang in a high-pitched tone. His smile didn''t reach his eyes. "Why did Ie back to find Luna on my seat?"


    Reid''s gulp was heard audibly. "I was sent home. I didn''t have a choice."


    "You should have called him!" Kyle yelled from the other side. "You have to bear the consequences, Reid!"


    me shook his head slowly. "You took me for a child."


    "No, Alpha... please." Reid, who was usually calm, began to beg like his life depended on it. I guessed he knew what was making me this way. I wish I could ask myself, but me has taken over, refusing to let me converse with him. He was purposely ignoring me.

 Chapter 120

    Zeke''s


    Pov


    ... before I heard Naya''s voice.


    "You need to calm down, me." I pleaded desperately. Our rage was escting as I tried to stop it. It slipped through my fingers like sand.


    "Alpha, she is no longer in your seat. How long are we going to be here?" Elder Freya gritted out in anger. "Could this be because of another reason?"


    "What can we do to appease your anger?" Marley''s soft voice caught me off guard. "It was a mistake, Zeke. This is one of the reasons why I said that you need a mate. She would be able to calm you down." Damn Marley! She knew I wasn''t going to kill her easily.


    The elders won''t let me. That was what they were here for, right? A part of me could feel their energy in the air, ready to suppress me. Elder Rosalie was doing this. It only infuriated me. If she was going to confront me, let her do it in my presence. I would tear her to shreds.


    "Tears her to shreds? That''s sick, me." His thoughts were my thoughts, and they were beginning to get to me. I could no longer separate his thoughts from mine, and it scared me. What if Naya walked through those doors? Would she kill me, or would I kill her? I could feel the elders trying to enter my mind. It was to hold me back.


    "Tell them to stop, or I will make an example of them." me growled in rage.


    "You will do no such thing, Alpha Zeke." Elder Rosalie appeared in the room. She too had her head down in submission. I was d she knew the rules well enough not to break them.


    "You are in my head, and I don''t like it. Get out!" me roared my desires and soon I no longer felt her energy around me. "Don''t ever do that again without my permission." I had no intention to fight her. me turned to Shadow. "Don''t let her get into your head." Shadow perched on a desk with a cruel smile on his face.


    "Never. Now, I need an honest answer from everyone."


    me narrowed his eyes while I wondered what my brother was up to.


    "Who is a spy?" He dropped the question, and it felt as if the air in the room slipped out.


    "What?" They all began to murmur. I was sure everyone was going to have a sore neck after this.


    "What are you talking about, Alpha Kyle?" Someone dared to ask.


    Before he could answer, Reid burst into the room, and everyone froze. He was not fast enough.


    "You are here." me smirked, jumping to his side and breaking his neck. It made a sick, cracking sound.


    "Alpha!" Marley shouted, powerless. There she was kneeling with her head to the side, bowed and stiff. She dared not move.


    "He disrespected you." I mumbled to me, looking at the lifeless body of the man who sparred with me and Kyle until we became Alpha. I was also looking at one of my father''s confidants, whom he trusted. me killed him and felt no guilt. Even the elders couldn''t say a word.


    "Do you want to join him?" I asked Marley darkly.


    "Remember, you caused this."


    "Something else caused this, Alpha Zeke. Alpha Kyle, you should know this." Beta Brooke suddenly spoke, causing me to swallow.


    "You aren''t my beta, so you wouldn''t know." I dismissed his words. I was trying to get him to shut up. me was listening to me for some reason. I knew that the source of our solution was nearby.


    "You see?" He continued. This is why I said that both of you still need to be trained. When you make harsh decisions like this..."


    "He''s a child." Elder Freya chuckled, standing up from her position. She cracked her neck left and right. "I am tired of kneeling, so I stood up. Bite me."


    I thought I was getting better. but it felt as though an invisible force was pulling me deeper into the hole of my anger. My wolf was furious, and I couldn''t control the next thing I imagined. Or at least I thought I imagined it.


    I killed Reid, I insulted the Luna of my pack, no one respects me, and Baron Diego dared to attack my mate in front of me. It felt as if our realm was done with me.


    Tlost it.


    "Elder Freya... Are you trying to disrespect me?" | eyed her standing frame, which gave me a challenge. She was testing my patience. "You are standing without submission."


    Elder Freya gave an exasperated sigh. "It''s enough, Alpha Zeke." She nced at Kyle. "And that''s enough too. We need to have a meeting and see how we can progress.


    Proof yourself as an Alpha and stop being bothered about who called you a child."


    She was smirking now. She knew that my ego was one of my biggest ws. She was a s**t-eating b***h. I scoffed.


    "You bitch." My anger coursed through me, although this time it was more controlled. "Should we test out that theory?"


    Elder Freya seemed confused as she nervously smiled.


    "What theory?"


    "The bitching theory." me said before I fully transformed into me. I was no longer a wolf man but fully a wolf as I leaped over to tear her to shreds. Unfortunately, Elder Freya seemed prepared for this moment as she raised her hands to the heavens. She looked so serious, and I thought she was going to have her way to kill me or something.


    "Don''t kill him!" Elder Rosalie screamed as she floated in the air. "If you do that, she will kill you."


    Elder Freya''s hands were still in the air, while I was frozen and stuck. "Who?"


    Then Naya came in.


    "Alpha Zeke? Kyle?" I heard her soft voice. It sucked me in, leaving me helpless. I turned my murderous eyes on her.


    She better leave, or I wouldn''t know what to do with her.


    Back at school, Kyle sometimes shared in my inexplicable anger. Even though we were praised for being the Alphas'' sons, we both felt disrespected by the people of the pack.


    One time, I heard someone call me weak, hence the reason that big bully would try to challenge me for my position.


    These thoughts only fueled the fury burning within me.


    I closed my eyes, trying to block out the energy around me.


    "He is breaking out!" Elder Rosalie screamed to Elder Freya, who pped her hands like thunder and wrapped them around her body. Her forehead suddenly shone with bright lights, and the symbol of a weather elder was disyed on her head. It was the symbol of a stormy cloud. She had been distracted by the fact that Naya hade into the room.


    I chuckled wickedly. "You shouldn''t have done that!" With that, I broke out of her hold.


    The remaining elders stood up. "Let''s stop him!"


    me shook his head. "There is no stopping this. All I need is respect!"


    Beta Brooke stood up. "You need to be disciplined, Alpha."


    "Shut up!" I thundered, not realizing that I used my Alpha''s voice. It shut him up immediately, and he kneeled down like a robot in fear.


    I nced at Shadow. "I need to teach her a lesson. Take Naya away."


    Shadow pointed at Elder Freya, who had been fueling this fight all along. She was one of the major reasons I was so angry. I wasn''t exactly angry at Marley. Although seeing her on my seat infuriated me. Her words made me feel guilty for leaving the pack alone too, but she tried her best to help me.


    However, Elder Freya has done nothing but taunt me day and night, all because she is powerful.


    "You are making a mistake, Alpha. You cannot touch me, and you know it." She backed away slowly as I kepting to her.


    "You may be untouchable, but your skin isn''t. You can still bleed."


    "I didn''t allow the pack to be ravaged by the rogues and the rival packs. I protected the pack."


    I scoffed at her ridiculous words. "Is that why you hid the fact that Beta Brooke was alive? Are you a spy?"


    Beta Brooke sighed. "I did not tell you that for all of these."


    "This is all wrong. Something is wrong!" Elder Rosalie began to plead. She has managed to keep her head on the floor no matter what she does. The same was true of the elders except for Elder Freya, whose head was still up. She was looking at me intently, and it only made me furious by the minute.


    "Nothing is wrong, Elder Rosalie. We need to respect each other for me to rule. I can''t have her go against me. She has to go." I sniffed the air. Naya was still here, watching me with fear. "Shadow, why is Naya still here?"


    "I can''t leave you." She suddenly said.


    I paused. "What?" What does she mean by saying she can''t leave me?


    As a mate, perhaps.

 Chapter 121

    Before I found me and Kyle frozen in the air.


    The pack hospital was better than I expected. There was no one outside save for the bustling people I was sure to find inside.


    I was lucky to see Dr. Ali outside already.


    The wolves carried me to Dr. Ali. He was washing his hands, and his eyes widened as soon as he saw me. Of course, he wasn''t expecting to see me on the back of two manor staff. "Naya.?"


    I sighed. "My legs-I can''t walk."


    He dried his hands on a towel before squatting to examine my legs. "Why.?" He nced at both wolves, who nodded in agreement.


    One of the wolves chose to speak. "Elder Rosalie asked us to bring her here. She said her problem is rted to mating."


    Dr. Ali frowned in thought. Then he gestured into the room.


    "Alright, drop her on the first bed by your right. I will be with her shortly."


    They carried me inside. Slowly, they guided me to the bed, on which I sat. It was as if a burden had left me. As they were about to leave, I grabbed the talkative one out of the bunch. "Don''t tell anyone what you guys heard."


    The other one huffed. "Why should we keep our mouths shut? We work in the manor anyway."


    I closed my weak eyes. "You work in the manor, so you should know the rules. I may just be an omega to you, but that was why you were allowed to work there in the first ce-your ability to hold your tongues or have them jutted out for you by the Elders. What happens in the manor stays in the manor." Seeing their confused expression, I cleared my throat. "Elder Rosalie trusts the both of you to do that much for her."


    She didn''t trust them. I doubt Elder Rosalie will remember them after this. But I managed to avoid major crises by using her name. Why? They were so proud to tell Dr. Ali that Elder Rosalie sent me to him.


    They would probably tell their friends about it too. How splendid! Neither I nor Elder Rosalie would like that sort of attention.


    "Fine, we won''t tell anyone about you. But we can boast about Elder Rosalie, can''t we?"


    I nodded. There was no point in telling them not to. It would only end up confusing them and making them even more curious. "One more thing. Don''t go back to the manor."


    If Zeke and Kyle have truly gone on a rage rampage, then...


    Everyone around the manor was in danger. The servants would not be left out. It was easy to picture everyone on their knees around the mansion. If Zeke and Kyle sensed any movement, they would be vengeful.


    "Argh!" One of the wolves screamed as he dropped to the floor, his neck turned to the side.


    I blinked uncontrobly as the second wolf did the same.


    What the f*vck was going on? "What is happening to you?" I tapped on the first, who was frozen to the spot.


    "I am sorry; I can''t move my neck. It''s stuck."


    A loud howl reached my ears, and fear gripped me. "Dr. Ali!" The doctor''s hill was not left as chaos broke out in the next room. There was pandemonium as some wolves began toin about how they wanted to kneel and never get up. Baby pups were beginning to prepare for their storm of tears. I red at my weak legs. How could they be this weak? Zeke and Kyle''s power was trying to weaken me. I was already an omega, so doing this would just weaken my knees.


    It was lifeless.


    Dr. Ali came running into the room. "This isn''t just a mating problem, is it?" He eyed the wolves on the floor, writhing in pain. They were simply submissive when it wasn''t needed. I was sure Zeke and Kyle didn''t know that their Alpha powers were affecting everyone else. They need to be stopped.


    "Aren''t you going to submit?" I panicked, fearing for his life.


    "What if they get here? I am sure the whole pack was on their knees." I peeked outside to see if my ims were true.


    They were.


    All hospital staff were on the floor. It was unusual to see them now with their heads in submission or bared necks. It was wrong on many levels. It made everyone vulnerable to attack. "I can avert this, Doctor, if you can take me to the manor."


    Dr. Ali was sweating profusely as he shook his head. "No will do. You cannot move. If the order came from an elder, I cannot do anything about it. It''s obvious you were paralyzed because you refused to obey the Alpha''smand."


    I scoffed at his conclusion. That was an easy way to put my mate, who irritated me all through the journey, in the pack. They only gave me breathing space in the blood moon pack. They bought me dresses and treated me like ady. Now? I wasn''t so sure. "I am sure you have something somewhere that could put life into my legs." There was no way for me to use my powers. It would only reveal who I was to the pack.


    He was fighting the pull just like the rest of the male wolves with rankings in our pack. They weren''t made the head of a group for fancy.


    "Don''t fight it. Just tell me what to do."


    "I''ll need more information, and I don''t want to make you spill whatever you have been hiding in front of these wolves." He grated out in pain. A loud howl escaped his lips, and others howled from the distance.


    "G**t!" I whispered to myself. Just when I needed the purpledy, she wasn''t here.


    "Naya, can you help me?"


    Naya was in a corner, whimpering. "I can''t move my legs either."


    My eyes widened in exasperation. "What? I thought you would be okay!"


    "I thought so myself." Naya whined. Then she stopped


    "Should we try it? I want to see both of them with all my heart. I am not sure they are aware of the ruckus they were causing."


    "Please, do take over my body." I wentx just as Naya took over my body. "One step at a time, okay? I do not want to fall and embarrass myself."


    "You won''t." Naya promised before taking over. I knew her eyes were a strange blue color. She gripped the side of the bed as three wolves watched her with suspicion. "I have to get to Zeke and Kyle. They need me by their side."


    "Are you going to be okay?" I asked Naya, who was still trembling. Then she shot up in full force and almost tripped.


    "Why did you do that?" I yelled. "We could have gotten tired again and asked to rest."


    "It won''t be happening anytime soon." She took one painful step after another. We were usingbined energy, so it made her worse than me. There was no better time than now for the purpledy. I want her toe out when I need her. Dr. Ali scoffed. "At this rate, you will never reach the manor."


    I eyed the wolves on the floor. "What are your names?"


    "Jesse and Jed." They both replied simultaneously.


    "Twins?" Their names piqued my interest.


    One of them said, "No, Brothers."


    I nodded. "Alright, Jed and Jesse, I will save you from that awful position. What do you say?"


    They both nodded furiously. "Can you do that?" Beads of sweat were already spreading all over their faces.


    I sighed. Could I really do that? "Yes. All you have to do is tell me what you know about the rage rampage."


    Dr. Ali tsked. "You should have asked me."


    Ask my foot! "I remember all you wanted to do was follow the elders orders. You do not know who I am, if you knew..."


    "Do you have a grudge against me?"


    I narrowed my eyes on his long face. Do I have a grudge against him? Yes, I do. He was one of the people who badmouthed me to Kyle. I thought he was kind, but he is actually a cunning fellow. "You told Kyle that I was asking too many questions about..." I paused, remembering there were other wolves.


    "I knew it." Dr. Ali eximed. "I will tell you what the rage rampage entails and how you can stop it." His face was filled with guilt.


    I gasped in appreciation. "You know that much?"


    "I am kneeling on the floor with movement restrictions. Do you think I would not know what''s happening to me? Thest time, it was like this." He muttered.


    That made me curious to know more. "Thest time, what?"


    "Alpha Storm went through this. Do you want to know how many wolves lost their lives that night?"


    I shook my head. "It can''t be more than ten, right?"


    "150 wolves. Thirty unmated, and the rest mated." Dr. Ali sighed. Then his eyes widened. "Wait, is that what is happening now?"


    I refused to say anything else about it. Unfortunately, I have already nted the seed of doubt in his head. "Nothing of that sort is happening. My leg doesn''t have to do with mating "Why did you say that?" I scolded Naya.

 Chapter 122

    "Nothing of that sort is happening. My legs have to do with mating." Naya replied. "Why did you say that?" I scolded Naya.


    Naya sighed. "Because I don''t want Dr. Ali to be suspicious of me." She nced at Dr. Ali, who was still staring at us, trying to figure us out. Naya was good at hiding how she truly felt, so he would never find out about the truth. For now.


    "Anyway, what stopped him from destroying everything?" Naya continued her questions. To me, she requested to be one, and I allowed her. This time I was no longer at the back, but with her. We were one. Dr. Ali heaved in frustration. "This is getting out of hand.


    Trust me, I do not know myself. All I know is that Luna Ingrid calmed him down."


    I frowned. Luna Ingrid? That should be Zeke and Kyle''s birth mother. "But... What about the elders? Did they not y a role in stopping the rage rampage?"


    Painful groans and moans filled the entire room as everyone began to sweat profusely.


    "I hate this!" Jessemented bitterly. "Who could have provoked Alpha Zeke? He has always been calm! Both of them are!"


    He was talking about Zeke and Kyle. I wonder what made him go on a rage rampage. Something at the meeting ticked him off. Or could it be our mating bond? "Did Alpha Storm tell you what ticked him off?"


    Dr. Ali groaned in pain. "No! As we checked on him that day, he only mentioned how Luna Ingrid saved his life. The elders may have had a hand in it. The truth is that those ancient wolves are all-knowing. If they don''t want to share the truth with you, you could be kept in the dark for centuries."


    I nodded. He was right. "Then I will have to bring the truth out of them." My mission right now was to stop Zeke and Kyle, bring them to their normal senses, and I must do this without revealing our mating bond so that things wouldn''t getplicated at the manor. "Dr. Ali, can you give me something for energy?"


    "Glucose. On my desk. Are you sure you can stop this? I hope I am not making a mistake." Dr. Ali gagged.


    I red at him before pointing at my legs. "Do I look like I cannot do it?"


    This position makes all the wolves vulnerable to attack. If a wolf dares to fight it, the Alpha will get angry and destroy everything. Don''t disobey him. Just be careful. I don''t know what else to say." He finished, and I whispered my thanks.


    I could not exactly trust Dr. Ali, those wolves, Jesse, or his brother. They could be Marley''s pawns, for all I cared Besides, Dr. Ali has perfectly hidden the autopsy results, iming the Alpha wanted to be cremated and Marley wanted the same thing. It was weird because Zeke and Kyle had no say in the matter.


    It was a matter between mates anyway. This was one of the reasons why I chose to enter headfirst into the lion''s den. It was a matter between mates, and nobody shoulde between us.


    I searched Dr. Ali''s table and found what he was talking about. A sachet of glucosey on his desk. I snatched it, tearing it open.


    "Do you feel good, Naya?"


    Naya''s eyes twirled with excitement. "Why ask? I feel pumped! Let''s go get our mate!"


    I rolled my eyes. "A few minutes ago, you were acting the hero. We need to be careful, or he could actually snap our necks, mates or not."


    "That is supposed to be my line. How are you getting along with the whole situation? It should be hard for us to grasp."


    "We may be omegas, Naya, but we are not dumb. Do you know why?"


    Naya squinted as if she could get the answer. "Why?"


    "Because people ignore us often. They think, as omegas, we do not know anything. They underestimate our size, so they subconsciously underestimate everything too. Do you know that the best wolf for a spy is the omega?" Naya blinked rapidly as confusion clouded her voice. "What are you talking about? Howe I do not know this?"


    "You are ancient, Naya, but I live in the modern world.


    That''s what makes us one. When webine our information together, we will make a great team." trailed thest part, remembering something crucial. "Could that be the discord between me and Zeke?"


    "We need to go." Naya reminded me, and I took off to thepound. I was shocked to see a lot of patients on their knees and in pain. This has to end!


    "I walked out of thepound with precision. "Lead the way, Naya," I said while thinking of the situation at the manor. "Naya, if Zeke and me aren''t on the same terms, what do you think could be the cause of their disagreement?" "The same with Kyle and Shadow. I think I know what''s happening." Naya said thoughtfully.


    "What?" I asked, breathing heavily. We are gaining speed now. Soon we should get to the manor. I picked up the pace-a light jog, now a race to the manor.


    "It''s because of us, Naya. However, someone at the manor is fueling me''s anger. They are angry for different reasons, and it''s shing."


    Chuckled despite myself. "We will make a good detective."


    Naya shook her head. "Not really. We are weak, and they are often strong. Let''s just stick to the powers that give us strength."


    I nodded in agreement. "What do you think Zeke is angry about?"


    "About his reputation, me must be angry with Zeke about you. That''s the only conclusion I coulde up with."


    "I hate this." The manor was in sight now. "Why do I have toe in between everything? And this is not a guarantee that he will like me after this."


    "Come on! We had s*x with him! He likes us, but something is holding him back."


    "I thought I had more problems. I mean, won''t people call me a slut like my mother? We both know that mother isn''t Alpha Storm''s second chance mate. He took her in for politics. Marley must have done something to earn his respect." Naya nodded. "I guess so. I wonder, what''s that? What about your powers? What if she promised him your power or something?"


    I shook my head. "Don''t be ridiculous. I don''t think she is aware of my powers. She would have figured it out when I came to ask for Elder Rosalie''s number."


    Then I paused. "Do you think she figured it out?"


    "We will only know when we get to the pack, Naya." My wolf chided us as we entered the manor. It was awfully silent, and it dreaded me.


    What would I find? Dead bodies are lying about, or are Zeke and Kyle the reason?


    "Whatever you see, Naya, do not panic. The Alpha would smell your fear ande for you. He will tear your limb from limb as the cause of his problems."


    "Jeez, Naya!" I almost yelled. "I am calm. Can''t you see that? He is my mate. They both are, so why should I be afraid?"


    Naya shook her head at my silly question. "You should be afraid, Naya. I don''t think we have seen an alpha on a rage rampage. But they are two."


    And they were deadly, too.


    As we entered the manor and the hallway, silence surrounded me. I knew we had to proceed with caution, as any misstep could further fuel the situation.


    The usual chatter that filled the manor has been reced by silence. I could hear a whimper in the distance. What happened here?


    Naya and I moved forward with our senses on high alert.


    Broken furniture, shattered ss, and scorch marks marred the doors. That should have been the work of those who wanted to escape his rage. They were paralyzed, of course.


    I sighed. This was going to be harder than I thought.


    I spotted figures crumpled on the floor, clutching their heads in pain. The scent of their fear, as well as that of others, hung heavy in the air. These were the wolves of our pack, and they were suffering


    "What could make them turn this way?" I asked no one in particr.


    "Stay calm, Naya," I whispered, my voice trembling. "We have to find Zeke and me and put an end to this."


    I nodded. We followed the trail deeper into the manor until we reached those big brown doors. The door was slightly ajar. It was still silent.


    I gulped before pushing the door. The sight that greeted me sent shivers down my spine. Zeke and me were locked mid-air. Their growls and roars echoed through the room. I thought I saw the walls shake in defiance.


    What the f**k? I scanned the room to see Elder Freya''s thin arms suspended in the air. She was the one stopping them from causing more harm. However... I couldn''t help but wonder if she was the one fueling their anger. The look on me''s face... I traced it back to Elder Freya.


    "You fool! You will be shredded to pieces by the time I break free from this!" me''s voice was inhumane as he swore at Elder Freya.


    "You are wrong. In fact, you will be punished for causing all this ruckus."


    "Elder Freya!" Elder Rosalie suddenly called. "He deserves your respect. Stop doing this."


    "Elder Rosalie, you should know your ce! Don''t think I have forgiven you for summoning everyone behind my back! Are you trying to take my ce?"

 Chapter 123

    Naya Cod


    For a long time, I stood there trying to understand what Elder Freya and Elder Rosalie were talking about.


    Summoning? Could that be at the time we went to the Blood Moon Pack?


    "You have done far worse things than me, Elder Freya! How about the time you went to the border? You didn''t let me know. We are elders! We should leave by example."


    "If this happens every day?" One of the inspectors from the Blood Moon Pack asked the other. They too were trembling in fright. They nced at me with desperation. It was as if they were begging for their release.


    "Come on,e on!" I pleaded with the purpledy. I needed my powers to release some people. Most of them weren''t submissive wolves like me. It could put a strain on their forms. "You can do this, Naya." I encouraged myself. This has to stop.


    "Don''t speak to me like you know me!" Elder Freya suddenly yelled. Meanwhile, I could see Zeke and Kyle breaking out of their hold. Elder Freya was getting weaker the more she let her emotions get to her.


    I gasped in realization. My emotions controlled me.


    "I knew that all along!" Naya snapped at me in anger. She wasn''t getting my excitement at the realization that I was going to summon my powers with my greatest anger.


    "That was what you did the first time; don''t you remember how you saved Kyle and Zeke''s lives?"


    I blinked. She was right. All I had to do was remember the horrors at...


    "No, you have to remember the good times." Naya said instead. She was staring at Zeke and Kyle, who looked just as confused as they tried to break out of the hold. They were doing it fast. "This time you are focused on your mate, and you don''t want to hurt them. They are the key to your control and your training."


    I turned my head to the side. I thought I caught Elder Rosalie winking at me. Was she giving me the go-ahead?


    Wait a minute. Did she do all these things to distract Elder Freya? That was genius!


    "What good memories do I have of Zeke and Kyle? I have none except the times they bullied me." My voice was sad.


    If that was all I could remember about them, then something was wrong with me.


    Actually, nothing was wrong with me. What were the moon goddess and the elderly one thinking when they chose me to be the mate of two strong-headed alphas and thedy with all the power? What would my ssmate say as we would be resuming school soon? It all made me weary.


    "Start with the ones you can remember. The rest wille naturally to you." Naya''s voice made me calm.


    For some reason, I felt elder Rosalie was talking through her. The purpledy was beginning to resurface. Her energy buzzed under my skin while goosebumps covered the surface of my skin.


    I thought of my papa. His cheerful smile disappeared when Marley left one night. The evidence of her abandonment was a letter on his study table. Nothing was left for me, if you must know. It was that awful. Then I thought of the times we would go on field trips. It wasn''t exactly a field trip, but it was literally a field trip. We went to see the grass at my favorite spot. Zeke ruined a spot for me because we could not control our feelings.


    "Concentrate, Naya." My wolf snapped in irritation.


    I cleared my throat, thinking of how I was a safe haven for Papa. He depended on me for everything. Then he began to slow down. His body refused to function because his selfish mate left him for someone else. Energy buzzed under my skin as I lifted my hands. It was an urge I couldn''t stop.


    I continued, refusing to be distracted by the angry growls at my left. What happened to Papa won''t happen to me, I vowed. I won''t leave my mates just because I am scared.


    The bad times? f*vck that! There were also good times. They never hurt me, no matter what. Zeke would force me into the car to take him to school because he knew how hard it was to take the bus.


    Kyle would let Shadow out whenever I was sad. Shadow would have enough time with me without saying a word.


    Sometimes I would wake up in the morning and find breakfast at my doorstep. I don''t even do much housework.


    At night, I sneak into the kitchen for ate night snack. Ever since I was caught by both of them, my favorite snacks were always stacked alongside each other. I mean, who would care enough to stack the fridge with an omegas favorite? Yes, you are right. No one. What about the times Kyle protected me from the monster? You could see the fear in his eyes when they came close to me.


    Even though he couldn''t trust me. It was then that I decided to reveal the truth about Marley. Once this was over, I would tell them who was the evil in the pack.


    I opened my eyes. I was no longer in the meeting room, but in a stranger room. It was a bit cloudy with purplish fog.


    "Where am I?" I felt a soft nudge and a furry body at my ankle. I knew that it was Naya. It was just like when I was unconscious. This was the purpledy''s realm. I only needed to be calm. I brushed Naya''s twitching ears, to which she whimpered in approval. "Rx. It''s just the both of us."


    As if waiting for me, the fog suddenly cleared to reveal Zeke looking about in shock. I narrowed my eyes on Zekes form. His eyes were red, and as they crossed to my side, I docked behind a table. "Jeez, what was that?"


    me didn''t look pleased. He looked murderous. I almost didn''t recognize him except for those familiar cold eyes that softened when they saw me.


    Reverse was the case. Naya and I exchanged nces. We needed to bring our friends back from their rage rampage.


    But we had to do it carefully, without provoking them further. I leaned closer to Naya''s ears. "Where''s shadow?


    Why do I keep seeing Zeke?" A part of me didn''t want to confront Zeke. I wanted the both of them back, but Zeke was a bit too much for me to handle now.


    I didn''t want to ask Naya to do that because now she''s just a wolf, and I would be the bigger a*****e here.


    Naya jerked herrge head towards Kyle, who was huddled on the floor with a deep frown on his face. I bet he was surprised to see himself here.


    "Naya, we have to calm them down," I whispered. "But we must be cautious. I''ll try to reason with Zeke, and you focus on me."


    Naya was against it immediately. He began to venture towards Kyle when I dragged her back.


    "No! me first!" I tried to reason with her.


    Naya nodded and sauntered off while I prepared to approach Kyle. We were the only ones here, so there would be no Elder Freya to disturb us. I raised my eyes, expecting Naya to move in the direction of Zeke, when she suddenly went to Kyles spot. That b*itch! | sighed in frustration. She would get an earful when we got back to our realm.


    Step by step, we moved closer to our mates, our hearts pounding with fear and love. I loved them, so I would never allow them to get consumed by rage. My mission was to find that rage and direct it toward myself. Easy peasy, right?


    I took a deep breath and called out to Zeke, my voice steady butced with worry. "Zeke?"


    "Naya, I told you to leave. What are you still doing here?" I chuckled. "You are not Zeke. You are just here to protect him, me."


    His eyes widened, but they went back to their usual cold quicker than I could reckon. "Leave, Naya. I know this is your doing, but I could kill you here. He trailed, and I swallowed. This was my most vulnerable ce.


    My happy emotions brought me here. It meant that if he killed me here, I would die for real. "Please,e back to me."


    me scoffed. He was staring at me through the hood of his eyes. It waszy and hot as f*vck. "Why don''t you want to leave? Are you that desperate for my c*ck?" His face held mockery, and his eyes were filled with contempt. I blinked. Ouch. That hurt really bad. I decided to humor c***s."


    him. "You are right. I am desperate for not one but two." Updated by


    He seemed taken aback.


    "What are you going to do about it?" It was an opening I was willing to take. A dangerous opening that could go wrong. Right now, me is unpredictable. His breath alone was hot on my neck.


    This wasn''t the time to think seductive thoughts. However, the purpledy had other ns for me.

 Chapter 124

    Any more steps, and I would not control myself. I let out a sigh of relief as me turned away from me.


    "I made a deal with Zeke. I wanted him to ept you. I have never been against you, Naya. At first, I was worried something like this would happen. Maybe that''s why we resulted in violence."


    "I have forgiven you, me. I have. You don''t have to carry that guilt. I am the one you hurt, but I am telling you to let go. The pack is in pain. You are their Alpha."


    "Stop talking to me about that!" me thundered, causing me to flinch and take a step back. He wasn''t himselfpletely.


    "Why are you so angry?" I asked again. "I don''t like to see you this way. In fact, this is my first time seeing you this angry. Please calm down and talk to me."


    me seemed to be caught in the midst of the struggle as he turned his fiery gaze toward me. I knew my question made him confused. He hasn''t said the reason why he was so angry.


    I was trying my best here. I turned to find Naya rubbing herself all over Kyle. She was trying to make him listen with her scent, but all Kyle did was look away. What the f*vck was going on? I sighed. Maybe this wasn''t the way to get to them. Do I need to use my powers? Do I need to remind them why we were mate in the first ce? I was there to heal them.


    "Why are you crying? You are not at fault here."


    I shook my head. I didn''t realize I was crying. "You post about your parents at such a young age. You have every right to be angry, me. You and Zeke both deserve happiness. Instead, you came back and met ridicule. You had to fight over twenty wolves to get to this point, and there was no ounce of respect. But what about me?"


    Purple energy began to emanate from my very being surrounding me in a gentle, calming aura. The room was bathed in a soft, soothing light as I subconsciously channeled my love and the power of our bond to reach both of them. "I have been an omega all my life. I have heard many insults since the first day I entered Wolf Cove Academy. I have had it rough and tough all my life, but I am still here trying to win your love, aren''t I?"


    me red at me. "That''s pathetic."


    "Exactly. Now ask yourself why the moon goddess paired the three of us together. I met her, and she had no clue."


    His eyes dimmed. "You met the moon goddess?"


    I nodded. "And the elderly one. I told Kyle at the border. You were too bothered to have time for me."


    His eyes trailed my being. "You are still wearing that dress.


    Have you even eaten?"


    I waved it aside. He wasing back to his senses. At least to ask if I have eaten. "We are mates, and nothing can break that connection. Please let go of this anger." "You don''t understand, Naya. It''s overwhelming."


    "You have Kyle."


    "Yes, but I need someone who is experienced in pack matters."


    I nodded. "You have Beta Brooke."


    "I need my host."


    "You have Zeke. He is a part of you. I mean, didn''t you agree to help him? I didn''t know you were also clueless, me."


    He shook his head. "No... I know these things. Do I have to spell it out for you? I need them, but I have them already.


    There is one that isn''t mine yet. I am so consumed with jealousy that I feel you might turn out like your mother.


    Marley is amazing, but I am scared. I am scared you may leave me like everyone else. That''s my anger."


    I let out a rush of breath. Finally, this was his fear and anger. "I said I can''t leave. Have you forgotten? I know Zeke is listening to me right now. Both of you may be angry for different reasons, but me, we are bonded, and that bond is stronger than any rage. We can heal together if you allow me."


    I nced at Kyle, who was listening. He was just influenced by his brothers anger. Shadow must have had reasons to follow in the rage, and this must have shed in their personalities. "I am sorry." I vowed my head to Kyle, who got up with Naya following him. She has done a good job of keeping him in ce with her scent.


    Slowly, the turmoil within Zeke and me began to subside. Their eyes lost their rage, and their growls softened into deep sighs. It was a weak victory, but it was a victory nheless.


    We were all broken, but with time, we would heal. I grabbed me''s hands, and just then Zeke came back to me. His eyes returned to their normal shade, and I was engulfed in a warm hug. Before I could protest, Zeke captured my lips in a fiery kiss. Without asking, he slipped his tongue into my mouth, and I moaned in pleasure.


    Not long after, I felt Kyle''s hands on my backside. From the corner of my eyes, Naya was nowhere to be found.


    "I am here." She suddenly said it in my head. I sighed in relief, relishing in their attention.


    "Do you want to f*vck them here? You have to break out, or everyone will suffer while you are busy f**vcking your mates." If I didn''t stop this, it would go the other way around. The whole pack may end up sleeping with each other. It was now that I realized that whatever strong emotions affected the alpha, they affected the whole pack. Knowing my thoughts, Zeke pulled away, and we stayed there for a while. I closed my eyes, willing everything to return to normal.


    The purpledy receded back into my skin, and the purple hue faded away to reveal the manor. It no longer shook with their rage, and the cries of pain from our pack members began to fade. They all stood up, grunting and whining about how rigid their joints were. I opened my eyes to find myself in the same position.


    Fatigue washed over me, and my legs wobbled. Kyle was with me instantly. His strong hand grabbed my waist.


    "Easy there." His milky voice made me turn to look at him. I preferred this shade over the other scary Kyle, who broke and destroyed things in rage. What if they killed someone?


    Zeke already killed Reid, rendering his mate mateless. Zeke would never forgive himself for this mistake. I observed everyone who recovered from their position.


    Elder Freya shook her head in shock. Her eyes were on me immediately. Then she turned to Elder Rosalie to ask if I was the one who did this. Once Elder Rosalie nodded, she gasped. In defeat, she stormed out of the meeting room.


    The rest of the elders followed her.


    I turned to the other side to see Zeke sitting down. Beta Brooke and Scar were around him, probably trying to reason with him instead of scolding him.


    "Get the staff; let them clean up this mess!" Kyle yelled at a group of people, looking like they were lost.


    The cleaning began. It may look like I got the victory, but the fact remains that Zeke and me didn''t acknowledge I was their mate. He did not say he was going to treat me better. I guess I''ll just have to be with Kyle for now. I grabbed his hands in gratitude. But there would be a void to be filled in my heart. Zeke was the only one who could fill that void.


    "Let''s get you to bed. Do you think you can stand?"


    I nodded. "I am weak. Take me to my room." The pain was back in my legs. If he doesn''t carry me, I won''t be able to go upstairs myself.


    "I will be there until you have freshened up and taken care of yourself. This time, I won''t leave you too." I leaned on him, a bit too tired to say anything.


    Was it that tiring to date two wolves? A lot of people might now even be aware that I had two mates. I should ask Elder Rosalie her thoughts about it.


    "Is Marley alright?" I tilted my head to the side. I wanted to see her facial expression when she was out two and two together. She should find out that I am the one who made the twins return. I want her to see my triumphant face.


    "She is hanging on. It''s the first time I am seeing this myself, so we are all trying to recover quickly. I am sorry, Naya."


    He picked me up bridal style, ignoring the shocked look anyone gave us. Why do they seem to forget that I was his stepsister? Although we haven''t done anything that suggests that. I lightly tapped his chest.


    "I know."

 Chapter 125

    Kyle opened the door to my room. He went straight to the bathroom. From there, I could hear the footsteps of the staff trying to clean up the mess the both of them had made. They had done that within a twinkle of an eye. He dropped me into the bathroom. "Will you do it?" Kyle shrugged as if what I was asking was the most normal thing. He knew what I was asking him to do, yet he was acting nonchnt. Well, it wasn''t the first time he saw me naked. "If you want me to, I don''t mind."


    I bit my lower lips. Do I really want him to? I only wanted him to bathe me so that I could sleep. I was too tired to do it myself. It wasn''t the time for s*xual desires. I needed to trust him to just bathe me and put me to bed. "Are you sure? We shouldn''t do the other thing." trailed off, hoping he would get the message. He should get the message.


    "I won''t, I promise." Kyle assured. His facial expression seemed genuine enough. I sighed, giving him the go-ahead to do whatever he wanted. The end point was to bathe me and put me to sleep. "What should we do after you bathe me?"


    Kyle chuckled. "I am smelly, so I will go and take my bath. If you want me toe back here, I will do that for you." He was being considerate despite going through all that. I could see the fatigue around his eyes. I guess the rage rampage took its toll on him too. "I am sorry, Kyle. It may look like I saved you guys, but it''s me who needs saving. What did you do to be saddled with a troublesome mate like me?" | exhaled in exasperation. "I am Omega; I have trust issues; my mother, the Luna abandoned me when I was little; I always manage to attract bullies into my life; suddenly, I have powers! And I am the descendant of the elderly one? lean, how is that possible?" I paused to take a deep breath. I pointed at my legs. "Look, I can''t even walk."


    Kyle only cackled. "This is the first time I have seen you say what you actually feel. You always s**k up to us, so I thought you didn''t have a mind of your own. Maybe that''s why I try to infuriate you so that I can hear your snarky tone. That way, I get to hear your true feelings about a particr thing."


    I blinked unbelievably. They always teased me for this.


    "You don''t find my words annoying?"


    Kyle flicked my forehead. Ouch! "Have you met yourself, Naya Cod?"


    "No Brawn this time?"


    "I will choose when to call you that." Kyle grinned at me. I knew I was pouting at the moment. It was strange to hear him call me Naya Cod when all he had done was call me Brawn. "You are a gentle soul. You stammer when you don''t understand something; you are always thinking, and when you do that, you bite your lower lips. It makes the shadow want to ravish you all the time."


    Well, the people at my school didn''t think it was that cute.


    The way it was portrayed was a bit refreshing. I was d he found me pleasant to be with, unlike the rest, who think of me as a nuisance. "Thank you."


    Kyle shrugged again. "Its fine. I am d I do not have to think twice before telling you these things. Zeke may find it hard, but not me. You may think I have otherdies, but that''s not true. You are the only one I have eyes for."


    "Jeez..." Naya revealed herself. He had been resting. I blink fast so that the drowsiness won''t overtake me. "Why is he so direct? I love it, though. I love this new Kyle."


    He wasn''t new. Kyle has always been like that. He is a gentleman. I should probably expect infidelity for the first few weeks we are together. I already resigned about my fate. Kyle hasn''t told me if he and Brooke will be together or not. He hasn''t said anything about her at all.


    I wondered what was going on between the two of them.


    With Beta Brooke back, he may try to pair the two of them together. I should not ask them when I will officially be their mate on their eighteenth birthday.


    They could also decide that our time together didn''t matter and reject me. "Stop doing that."


    I raised an eyebrow. "Doing what?"


    "Biting your lower lips" His heated gaze followed the movement of my lips briefly before dropping to my shabby dress. "We spend good money on this. Those damn monsters." His hands tightened around the tub. Without thinking, I mmed my lips on his. Kyle was pissed off. He could go into another rage rampage, and since his body has not recovered from thest one, it could deteriorate. I was keeping him here for selfish reasons. I couldn''t let him go into another rage because of me, so I did what I could to make his brain shut down for a second. As we pulled away, he shook his head, dazzled. "If we are like this when we aren''t official mates, how would it be when we both turn eighteen?"


    I wonder too. It would be intense, as I would not be able to live without seeing them, even for a day. "This is proof that we are meant for each other. Right?"


    Kyle merely smiled. "Let''s clean you up."


    He, too, didn''t say anything like that. I wanted to hear both of them say those words. I''m tired of the Merry Go Round.


    Just say it already! I, Kyle Storm, will ept you as my mate. That''s all I needed to hear from the both of them. "Are you changing the topic now?"


    Kyle sighed in exasperation. "I forgot to add something."


    I frowned. "What?"


    "You are persistent." Kyle stood up, taking off his own shirt and shorts. "Do you have something manly I can fit into?"


    For a second, I thought of my papa''s t-shirt and shorts I brought with me after the burial. But those clothes were too precious to me. No. I am just lending them to the love of my life. Papa would understand. He always did.


    "Yeah, sure." Don''t be offended by Mr. Papa. He just needed to be clothed when he walked out of my room. No one should see an.. an idea shed through my head. "Why don''t you ask the bed chamber staff to bring in your clothes? They are more private than anyone. It means they know how to keep a secret."


    "What makes you think what I am doing to you is a secret?"


    I shrugged. How was I to know? The staff didn''t exactly favor meing into the manor however I wanted.


    Sometimes, they would hand me a tray of food with venom in their eyes. They all wanted me to work instead of ordering them around. When I told the head chef I wasn''t ordering him around for my food or asking them to snack in the fridge, he med up. I wish me was there. "I don''t know." That was the reply I coulde up with.


    "How about we both freshen up, and I stay with you until everything dies down?"


    I rolled my eyes. We were just looking for silly excuses to see ourselves. Or at least to stay longer than he usually has. "They already saw using in here, Kyle. Damn!" I eximed, waiting for my reply.


    We bothughed out loud. I chuckled before we stopped.


    Kyle sniffed, proceeding to remove my dress. "Are you going to be fine with me seeing everything?"


    "You have seen everything about me, haven''t you?" I asked slyly. Why was he acting all shy? I was supposed to be the shy one. "Just clean me up and promise that you won''t touch me sexually."


    Kyle pouted. "Why did you add thest part? I am not like that. Do you know that?"


    I shook my head. "Only you can tell yourself that. I only told you my desires." I could see his own desire as he gazed down at my body. Self-control, Kyle. for both of us.


    "Alright." He started with the front. He tore it with his bare hands like a pro. I gasped at the suddenness and agility.


    The cold air hit my open breasts. "Next." He pointed at the lower parts of my body.


    I nodded, trusting him.


    "You should not trust any man to do this to you, Naya. No man would be able to resist those juices." Kyle muttered with a small smile as he eyed my b****t. He was controlling himself, and I liked it. It made him hotter. If it was Zeke, we would have f**vcked by now.

 Chapter 126

    Kyle washed me gently. He respected my privacy by asking me questions. Should I do this? Should I do that? "There you go. All clean." His voice was kind, too. I have never heard him speak to Brooke in this soft manner. It made me feel giddy. I relished that emotion for a long time until he asked to carry me into the room. I did not feel like I was naked. I only felt safe in his strong arms.


    "What are we going to do about Zeke?" My eyes were getting heavier by the minute.


    Kyle paused. "I need to freshen up. Can you wait a minute?


    I need to get food and take my bath. You cannot sleep until you have eaten."


    I couldn''t promise him that I would be awake. "I haven''t slept or eaten for a whole day."


    "Hold on." Kyle muttered, bringing out his phone. He dialed a number. "Can you bring a simple dinner upstairs? Yes, I''ll receive it. Make sure there is enough meat." He paused.


    "Three carrots and five broli. Add a bottle of milk too."


    He nced at me. "She will need it."


    I sighed. "Who is going to eat all of that?"


    "You." He mouthed before thanking the staff.


    Kyle was in the middle of removing his clothes when he heard footsteps. He opened the door immediately to find the maid passing by. "Hey, bring it here."


    The maid looked shocked. "Huh?" She eyed his shirtless body in appreciation. "But this is Naya''s room."


    "She is too weak to eat." Kyle said awkwardly. Then he collected the tray and closed the door. I rolled my eyes at their encounter.


    "She must have been surprised at your kind behavior since you treated me badly throughout my stay here. I wonder what has changed, though." I ended sarcastically.


    It didn''t get to Kyle as much as I wanted it to. "I know I was a jerk. But think of it: I gave you the scentless spray; do you remember? I was kind to you sometimes."


    I chuckled. "Yeah, sometimes." Then I remembered what he did the other day. "Why did you share my n**e?"


    Kyle dropped the tray on the desk close to me, after which he went straight to my closet. He was acting like I was dating him. In fact, he made himself at home in my room. It was often off-limits to people like him. The mating bond couldn''t allow him to stay away, huh?


    "Is it the mating bond or is it just you?" Naya asked with a small smile on her face. She didn''t wait for my reply before disappearing into the shadows.


    "I am not sure." I replied. I also wonder why. I have always liked the twins, before I knew about the mating bond or my mating age. I havee of mating age, so I could feel the pull without pinpointing their location. But it was different for them. They got to the mating age and hid it from me.


    "Because I wanted to tease you? And that wasn''t you anyway. If you thought I nted someone or put a camera in your room just to get those pictures, it is a lie."


    I nodded in agreement. Kyle was too busy for that rubbish.


    "You have to let the school know."


    Kyle removed the rest of his clothes while I closed my eyes.


    "Goddess! Kyle, couldn''t you be at least decent?" I was sted with embarrassment. Instead, I was met with silence. Whats happening? I nced back to see Kyle fully naked and staring at me. He wasn''t ashamed to show me his thick c*Ock. They were thick, even though he was still soft. For now. "What-what are you doing?"


    "You should see your face, Naya." Kyle shrugged, walking towards the bathroom. He stopped to re at me. "One would think you didn''t sit in this c*Ock a week ago!"


    Red passed through my body and stopped at the tip of my ears. "What? How dare you say that?" I looked down at my body. I was still naked. That made me realize how foolish I had sounded.


    "You did not sound foolish. He just loves to tease you." Naya beamed. "I love getting attention from him because I know he cares about us. Stop ming him for everything and out on some clothes! He was just following your lead; you didn''t have to make him feel embarrassed."


    My eyes widened at Naya''s usations. "I am the one who should feel embarrassed." Strength came to my legs as I found myself reaching out to my already-opened closet. He didn''t even have the time to select good clothes for me. I dragged a crop top and pajama bottoms. After putting them on, I threw my nket over my body so that I wouldn''t have to look at him.


    The showers in the bathroom kept me awake. It was baffling how we went from sworn enemies to kind mam and omega. I was a little scared. Were we in a hurry?


    "s**t the f**k up, Naya. Yes, I know how long you have waited for this. Why don''t you enjoy it?"


    "It''s been a drama here and there. Do you think I deserve it?


    I mean, what have I done for him since I came here? What can I offer him?"


    "You have a lot of things to bring to the table. You are no longer that fragile girl without the ability to fight. Well, you are still that fragile girl, but you get my point."


    I rolled my eyes to the heavens, hoping the goddess would see me and my impending frustration. "I don''t see your point, my wolf, so get to your freaking point!"


    "Fine. All I am saying is to give Kyle a chance. His wolf must be criticizing him for everything now. You have a lot to offer, which is why I am asking you to give him a second chance. Isn''t he trying?"


    I tilted my head to remember how hard Kyle was trying. He was just acting naturally. No, he was actingfortable.


    There were no forced smiles or unnecessaryughter to hide his pain and anger. He was justfortable. "He is trying. He is trying to show me his real self."


    "I am d you are seeing this too." Naya agreed.


    "But we are resuming school by tomorrow. What if he goes back to his old ways?"


    "Then I know it doesn''t have to be your fault." She always had an answer for everything, right? She was never wrong in my eyes. If Naya did not know an answer, she would leave it that way. She never assumed foolishly, unlike I did. Speaking of faults, "When do we get to cremate the Alpha?"


    "Maybe by the end of this weeks end. Marley must have been shocked by this, so she might put it off for now until the weekend."


    I frowned. "Zeke may refuse."


    "He is in no position to refuse. Aloha Storm was her mate; her word is final. What if she said it was his final wish?


    Would you know anything about it? She doesn''t want an autopsy, so why stretch it? It should be good for us."


    I shook my head. It was wrong. "We should not keep the news away from Kyle."


    +50 Points


    "He may do something bad."


    The sheets rolled off me. "What?" I turned to Kyle, who was dressed properly. How long had I been conversing with Naya? "I want to sleep."


    Kyle''s face held disapproval. "Didn''t you hear what I said earlier? Then why did I go through the stress of getting you food? You know everyone is trying to put things in order.


    That maid left everything to prepare food for you." I eyed him suspiciously. "No, she prepared the food." I pointed at the well-garnished meal. It was even dressed to meet royal demands. "..for you. She would never go through the stress for me." Kyle was by my side in an instant. "They don''t treat you well."


    I puffed my cheeks. It was too early to tell him my woes. He knew them already. "I thought you knew about it since you joined them to bully me all the time."


    Kyle stares into space. "I should make it a rule that only Zeke and I are allowed to bully you and no other person."


    "Where would that get me?" I asked curiously.


    Kyle smiled. "A lot of ces."


    It got me flustered. "What do you mean, only you and Zeke?


    I hope it''s not what I think and won''t take me away from my friends."


    The look he gave me was enough to send me six feet under. I just wanted the ground to swallow me up. "What?"


    ''You don''t have friends, Brawn."


    "There you go with me again."


    "It fits you in this situation."


    "What about Ren¨¦e?" I will puff like a peacock. "She''s my friend too."


    Kyle looked away immediately. "About that..."


    He was not looking at me at all. It meant he was hiding something. Wait, don''t tell me... "Did you ban her froming into the pack?"


    Kyle shrugged. "I have always known she is not a pack member due to her scent. I''m sure you noticed it too, but your tiny mind didn''t tell you that shes from the rival pack and can use scentless spray on herself." What? That''s not it at all. "You are seeing it the wrong way.


    I have exined this to you, and I am sure she has. A lot of people use scentless spray to hide from their boyfriends or even mates. What makes her strange to you?"


    "You see? You are too innocent. Funny, she approached the most bullied in school and made you her friend. Didn''t you notice?"


    I have always noticed her and asked her why she tried so hard to be my friend. If I knew she needed to be respected as a member of her pack, I would have opened up to her.


    But how could I open up to her when I wasn''t respected in my pack?


    We were a mess.

 Chapter 127

    I noticed. Everything he said, I noticed about Ren¨¦e. I just chose not to heed it. What was I going to do? There was no way I would send Renee out of my life.


    "We can''t let her into our pack again, and the pack borders will be strengthened from now on. There will be a lot of reforms. I need you to be prepared for that." Kyle replied. He pointed at the food. "Eat."


    There was no point in dragging out the situation. Kyle was in no mood to listen to me. I watch him take a bite out of my meat. He was hungry too. I shifted my tray away from his reach. "Get your own food." I didn''t know how hungry! was until I took a mighty bite. "Jeez, Naya, slow down." There was a yful twinkle in his eyes.


    "What about Brooke?" I asked again. I knew this wasn''t the first time I had asked about her in my mind. I just never summoned the courage to ask him face-to-face.


    Kyle paused, throwing some grapes into his mouth. He slowly munched. "Brooke is just a friend. With her father back, she may try to start something with me for real. She isn''t my beta. She can''t be my mate."


    I nodded, a bit satisfied with his reply. Naya wasn''t, of course. "Rx, Naya. There is no need to get worked up about it. Let''s just see how Kyle reacts to her hugs on Monday."


    "I am so d she does not live in this ce. We have both of them to ourselves."


    I chewed my meat slowly. "I am d too. Very d." Thest time she came to the manor, I never had a moment of rest. His statement reassured me. "Should I trust your words, Kyle?"


    That had him freezing. "Wow, Naya... You always find a way to ruin the mood. I thought you were okay with what I said."


    "I was, but then I remembered the other times."


    Kyle''s frown went deeper. "What other times? Are you still having a difficult time trusting me?"


    I scoffed. "I should ask you the same question, Kyle. Do you trust Kyle? Do you think I have no hand in your father''s death? Do you think mying here was just a coincidence or was it nned?"


    "I think youring here was the mating bond that brought us together. This is no coincidence, Naya. There are so many mysteries to be solved."


    It was time to tell him. I took thest bite, washing it down with the juice by the side. Then I dropped the tray. "I have something to tell you, but promise me you will take this in good faith and not let anyone else know about it until we are sure." "Okay."


    "I am telling you this because I feel I can trust you. I want to hear you say that you trust me." I stared at him expectantly.


    "Don''t tell me if you aren''t sure. Tell me the truth."


    Kyle locked his gaze on me. I could feel the intensity behind his words. "You can trust me, Naya. Although we are still in the process of healing, I would never allow anything to happen to you. I trust you."


    I let out the breath I had been holding. "What do you think, Naya?" I turned to my wolf. "Is he genuine?"


    "Oh, he looks genuine to me." Naya nodded.


    "Marley killed the Alpha."


    Kyle didn''t look surprised. "How do you know?"


    "It''s simple. I found her knife deep into the Alpha''s side." Seeing his facial expression, I hurried to clear up the misconception. "I may have seen something wrong... I am sorry." I began to panic because he wasn''t saying anything. His face was expressionless and unforgiving.


    He shook his head. "There is no need to apologize. It must have taken you a lot of effort to tell me this. I am sorry; it looked like I didn''t take you seriously."


    I was scared he was going to think of me as a liar or someone who wanted attention. His reaction right now was puzzling. "Er, it is fine. I really don''t mind."


    "No, I would never allow you to think that way." He paused to think. "Now I see that she is bent on cremating him."


    "Why don''t you look surprised?" I asked.


    "Because I have had my suspicions about her. You see, this is a dangerous game. Naya and Marley have connections to the pack more than I do. I am just lucky to be the son of the Alpha. I need to tread with caution, and so do you. I mustmend your bravery to expose your mother, but leave it to me to break the news and find out more, alright?"


    I shook my head in disapproval. "No. I want to be involved."


    "You might get hurt."


    "I have been hurt countless times. I can protect myself now.


    Besides, it won''t be nice to find out something and keep the information all to myself."


    "Let''s do it this way. Why don''t you discreetly find out all about it, and whatever you get, I will rte it to Zeke? How about that?"


    That was better. Zeke was still in a phase and would need his brother for now. "I am fine with that. Can I sleep now?"


    "Sure, you can. Even if you hear anything, don''t get up.


    Sleep tight."


    I beamed at his kind words. This was the love I had never seen before. "Will you be here with me?"


    "Until you fall asleep."


    I chuckled, lying on my side. Naya went to sleep immediately, as we were both exhausted. It has been a long day.


    #


    Kyle''s POV


    F**vcking hell! That b**itch had the audacity to touch my father. Zeke needed to hear about this. But what was the evidence? It must have been eating Naya up in her system.


    I reached out to brush the strands of hair that covered her face. Her hair was turning purple all the time.


    It did seem strange that Naya had a mother like Marley.


    Marley was no elder, yet Naya had the blood of the elderly one flowing in her veins. We all had our issues, and Naya''s birth origin was about to be one of them.


    Marley must have gotten rid of the knife she used to pierce the alpha''s side. No wonder Naya was quiet. How was I supposed to break the news to Zeke, who respected the woman? Besides, Marley was a seductive and very persuasive woman.


    If only Zeke would publicly pronounce Naya as our mate, everything would be solved.


    Would it be solved, or would it be the beginning of our troubles? Never in history has there been three mates or an omega Luna. Marley was the first of her kind, which convinced some people in the pack that she was a slut and had yed dirty to get to the position of the Alpha''s mate.


    I was sure Brooke was going to do that. Unfortunately, my mate just asked about her. I needed to be careful around Brooke or risk a war between her and an elder. Naya''s anger these days is no joke.


    The way she destroyed those monsters in a second was surprising. Whereas it took Zeke and I minutes to finish those things. Every Alpha who had a hand in that event at the Blood Moon Pack will pay terribly.


    As for Marley, I would pretend like I knew nothing and secretly investigate who she was talking to that night. Now that I know that she''s the spy, I will make sure her life is a living hell. How could she kill the man who got married to her and took her in as a mate?


    She enjoyed the privileges that came with being his mate, yet sought out to kill him at the end. For what reason? She was only greedy. I wonder what punishment Zeke will give her for sitting on his seat at the meeting. How dare she?


    Now she caused Zeke to kill Reid out of rage. She has to pay for what she has done.


    I stood up after arranging the nket on Naya''s body well.


    "I am sorry, Kyle."


    A part of me desperately hopes it wasn''t Marley that was the spy, but it turned out she was the one, and Naya just confirmed it. It was messed up.


    Immediately after the door shut, I went to look for Zeke. He needed to get himself together. I found him giving orders to the staff.


    "On no ount should anyone ess the manor without a permit. You must either work for the manor or outside the manor. Bring out your permit."


    Some of them began to fumble with their ID cards. Zeke turned to find me staring. He looked much better than before. His eyebrows were raised to ask me about Naya.


    I gave him a single nod. She was doing okay. For now.

 Chapter 128

    Zeke''s


    POV


    "Let me see what you have in your hands" I asked one of the maids who was shivering for no reason.


    She stretched out her hands to reveal an ID card. "I''m sorry, Alpha. I''m sorry."


    I collected the card, wondering why she was shivering and apologizing. If she was doing that because I had juste out of a rage rampage, I wouldn''t mind. But I knew this was different. She was hiding something that set me off.


    I could still feel Naya''s warm hands wrapped around me, calming me down earlier. She had said so many things and asked a lot of questions. There were some I could not answer, while some of them, I had answered.


    "She''s not overreacting, Zeke. You are pushing her away,"


    me grunted. He was still tired from the exertion of powers earlier, lying down and grooming his fur.


    "I agree with you," I simply said, not in the mood to enter into another argument with me. Besides that, he was right. I mean, how could I not push her away? It was to protect her feelings. From today, I was going to be extra busy, and Kyle... Kyle would take care of her.


    "You don''t seem too happy about that. What''s with you and Kyle? Are you jealous of him or something?"


    I shook my head. "I can never be jealous of my brother.


    Fine, I admit I thought he was better than me in some things, but we are twins, we are expected to think that way.


    We are made topete with ourselves forever. Have you thought of how Kyle would feel to see me sit on father''s throne? I don''t think he is just as happy."


    "Contrary to what you think, Kyle is perfectly happy where he is. I know it is normal to be jealous of your brother, but the way you guys are going with this mating thing is very annoying. Don''t you want Naya?"


    "I want Naya."


    "Then take her in."


    "I can''t."


    "Why?"


    "I haven''t seen three mates before, she is an Omega, andstly... politics. Naya has knowledge of none. She can''t even fight. She is pathetic."


    "I know you don''t mean that," me scoffed. Of course I didn''t mean it. "Since you are so eager to point out her problems, let me remind you of this. Mating bonds don''t discriminate. In fact, you should be honored to be her mate. Secondly, she has the Elderly blood flowing through her veins; that should count as something. Imagine if she could summon the Elderly One directly. Do you know what that means?"


    I rubbed my jaws in thought. He had a good point there.


    The whole pack and beyond would obey her. We wouldn''t have trouble with rogues for a long while.


    "Also, her power can strengthen the border. You don''t have to be on your toes all the time."


    "But this is only a spection. We aren''t sure she can do all these things."


    "***t!" me nearly pped the back of my head. That would have caused me a terrible headache. "Her power is beyondprehension. I don''t think you know what she is capable of; that''s why you underestimate her so much. Can''t you see how hard Baron Diego is trying to win her over to his side?"


    I rolled my eyes at the mention of Baron Diego''s name. Over my dead body would hey his hands on sweet Naya.


    "Sweet Naya? You idiot."


    "You have been calling me that a lot," I faced the trembling woman.


    "That''s because you are an idiot," me said, slipping back into the darkness. He always managed to have thest say, didn''t he?


    I eyed the card in my hands. Then I noticed the side was beginning to peel. "What is happening here?" I scraped the already peeling part to find out it was duplicated. She wasn''t supposed to be working here, so why is she here?" I raised my eyes to the bunch, looking for Lily. She was the head chamber maid for now. "Why is she still here?"


    Lily came out in an instant. She bowed in shock. "I am sorry, Alpha. I thought she was the owner of the card. She begged me..."


    I raised my hand to stop her. "You fool. What if she was a spy?" My mind went to Ren¨¦e. Then, I had no power to report Ren¨¦e or stop her. Why didn''t I think she might be the spy?


    Lily went on her knees immediately. "I am sorry, Alpha." They both began begging instantly.


    "Stop!" I yelled before I could stop. They were both making me angry with their whining and pleas. "How long has she been working here and who can testify of her good work? If you have noticed anything suspicious about her, speak up now."


    Someone raised their hand. "Mrs. Don has been working hard ever since she got here. She used to wash your bed sheets herself and iron them. On holidays, she brings her children over, so I have seen her family before. She isn''t a stranger."


    "Mrs. Don has worked here for three years now," another elder staff member mentioned. They must be the ones who worked with my father. "Her work involvesundry, and she has never stopped doing that. She once told me that her youngest child got free surgery from Dr. Ali, so this was her way of paying back."


    My gaze softened on her. "Who paid for your surgery? Pack workers are given free hospital check-ups, not family members."


    She raised her tear-stricken face. "Alpha Storm. I am sorry for mentioning his name. I didn''t mean to do this."


    I helped her to get up. "No, don''t think about it. You were brave and honest enough to show me the ID card. I see those clean sheets all the time, and it''s shocking you have been paying for three years. Do you want to be set free?" I looked at her wrinkled face expectantly. She should go home and stay with her family. "No, Alpha, I am fine with..."


    "Take a month off," I urged. "Your sry will be given to you. Go and spend time with your family."


    She was on her knees again. "Thank you, Alpha. You know I thought you were going to be worse... I am grateful."


    I refused to ask her what she meant by that statement and sent her off. To Lily, I said, "Next time be careful. You are still here because you are loyal to Marley."


    She bowed in gratitude. "Thank you, Alpha."


    I faced the remaining fifty people, old and young who had worked for my father and mother. "Without ID cards, you cannot enter the manor. Hang your cards around your necks; without it, you cannot enter the manor. Permits will be requested for special quarters like my quarters and family members. However, the Alpha throne is open to everyone." I wanted to call Reid''s name to fill them in on important matters, but I remembered I had snapped his neck in the room. Sh**t!


    "Beta Brooke?" | called instead.


    "Yes, Alpha."


    "Please, write down the names of guests that are allowed into the manor and the ones that aren''t allowed: If there are new ones, Lily will fill you in." He gave me a nod before asking everyone to gather around. With precision, I watched Lily check the remaining ID cards. The first n was to fortify the manor. The second was to give new positions to the Z patrol team that just returned.


    "Where the hell are the elders?" I bellowed in anger.


    "We are here, Alpha..." Elder Freya walked in with determination. "Under the article of the elders'' council, you put your pack members in danger. You have to be punished." The other elders were firmly beside her. They all had grim looks on their faces. It seemed like they had just had the meeting and decided on their own. Or rather Elder Freya wanted this to happen.


    What? I heard everyone whisper and gasp in shock. Yeah, she had been waiting for this moment, hadn''t she?


    Two elderly guards walked forward with cuffs. They weren''t ordinary cuffs. These ones were infused with magic.


    I searched Elder Rosalie''s face, moving my hands away from the guards'' reach. "Is this what you wanted?"


    Elder Rosalie averted her gaze. "She is the leader here.


    There is nothing I can do about it."


    "You know who made me enter into this rage?"


    "Don''t be ridiculous. We all know you could not control yourself. That is why a young Alpha shouldn''t have been ced on the throne."


    I nced around to see that we had an audience. "Well, this Alpha fought twenty wolves to get to the throne. This is one of the reasons why I epted the challenge because I knew you were going to act like a witch." I paused as if to think. "Wait. An old witch." She chuckled. Of course my words didn''t get to her. "Insult me all you want, it won''t change anything. Take him away."


    "On what grounds?" Someone yelled from the top floor. We all turned to find Naya standing, holding the banister for support. She slowly descended.


    "This is Alpha and Elder matter. It isn''t for insignificant people," Elder Freya cut in sharply. Her words were sharper than a knife.


    "I am not insignificant," Naya shrugged, sizing Freya up.


    She was closer now, and I feared what Elder Freya would do to her. "I have something much more, and you know it.


    You can smell it in waves,ing out of me."


    Elder Freya only smirked before kicking Nayas legs. Naya fell with a thud. sh*t, Naya was still weak from using her powers. "So what? You look weak to me. You also seem like someone in need of proper training." Elder Rosalie touched Elder Freya''s shoulders. "Please stop doing that. You''re provoking her, and it''s not a wise idea.


    She has told me what she can do, and they are numerous."


    "Her power is magnificent, but she does not know how to control it. She doesn''t have manners, so leave me to teach her myself."


    "The way you are going about it is terrible. Don''t, please."


    Elder Rosalie pleaded again.


    "Step back, Elder Rosalie. I don''t want to have to be suspended from the council," Elder Freya snapped in anger.


    "Fine." Elder Rosalie stepped back with her hands folded.


    It was a heated argument between the both of them, yet they remainedposed. It was impressive.

 Chapter 129

    Zeke''s POV


    Naya managed to stand again. Her legs trembled, and she wasn''t looking at me. Poor Naya, she must have been embarrassed beyondprehension to even ask for my help. I am so sorry, Naya. I couldn''t even defend you or hold you. "Elder Freya, you are a disgrace to the elders.


    The gasps became louder.


    "Naya," I tried to warn her. I was allowed to speak to Elder Freya like that, but not her. She was just an omega and could get banished. My hands would be tied because everyone would support Elder Freya regardless of her attitude. They only believed she was more important than a silly omega who didn''t know her ce. Elder Freya was important to us more. She was an Elder.


    "I am not sorry to say it. Why do you treat me this way?


    Why do all of you treat me this way?" She yelled at Elder Freya. "I looked up to you as an elder... When I met the elderly ones, they were better and kind. How did they create someone as evil as you?"


    Elder Freya was beginning to get red. Oh, no. "Naya, I see your powers are making you have guts to talk to me, but I will let you know that I am centuries old. I have done so much for this pack. You have done nothing, you have nothing and you are insignificant." "Shit." Naya chuckled like a maniac. "You are delusional. I will be so much more, I promise you. For now, you aren''t taking Alpha Zeke. You provoked him, Marley sat on his seat. You should be guiding him, not trying to take him away to suit your selfish desires." Elder Freya turned amused eyes to Elder Rosalie.


    "See?"


    "I will work on it." Elder Rosalie gave me the stink eye. She wasn''t happy with the way I was talking, but I had the right to speak like that because she wasn''t behaving well.


    Elder Freya came closer. With each step, her terrifying presence engulfed her. I could see a hand creeping up Naya''s throat. It wasn''t visible to the rest of the pack, but I could see it. I could not stop it as it wrapped its strong hands around Naya''s throat. She began to gasp for air and choke while everyone else bowed their heads in reverence. I had to give Naya some credit because Elder Freya was royally pissed by an omega like her.


    Elder Freya stopped a few inches from my face while I gasped for air. "What do you know about the Elderly One?"


    "I know that she made a mistake by creating you."


    Those hands choked harder.


    "What is going on here?" Kyle''s calm voice filled the air.


    My hands were tied. Anger filled my bones at the thought of what she was doing to her, but this was a fight between Elders. I nced at Kyle, telling him to step aside and not intervene. I knew he wasn''t going to listen to me anyway. When did I be the cowardly one, and Kyle the brave one? I was pathetic.


    Kyle''s hands were on Naya''s neck to stop the sensation Naya was feeling. "Stop it, Elder Freya, people are watching."


    Elder Freya''s eyes glowed brightly as she turned to Kyle.


    "She needs to be taught her ce. Allow me."


    Naya was losing her breath by the second, and her face was turning redder. "I won''t apologize, you b*itch!" She gritted out, and those hands tightened.


    Kyle clenched his fists. "Elder Freya, I won''t stand by and watch you harm her."


    Elder Freya was unfazed. "Step aside, Kyle. This is an Elder matter."


    She called him Kyle. Anger surged through me as Naya''s struggles grew weaker. I couldn''t stand by and watch this any longer. I lunged forward, trying to break the Elder''s hold on Naya, but I was met with an invisible force field. It repelled me, sending me stumbling backward.


    "I won''t allow you to harm her." My voice shook with anger.


    Kyle also tried to intervene, but he, too, was blocked by Elder Freya''s power.


    Naya was gasping for breath, her eyes pleading for help. I turned to the Z Patrol team. "Grab her." Imanded the Z patrol team. "You are over exerting your power, Elder Freya.


    Let her go!" I infused my Alpha power in my voice. No matter what, there was still a wolf in an elder to make them listen to me.


    Scar hesitated, torn between his fear of Elder Freya''s power and their concern for Naya. "Elder Roy!" He yelled at the other elder who grinded his teeth against the pressure to intervene.


    What sought of agreement did the elders enter into? They all chose not to speak.


    Elder Freya continued to exert her control over Naya, her grip tightening. Naya''s face turned a shade of blue, and her struggles grew feeble. It was clear that if no one intervened soon, Naya''s life would be in danger.


    Elder Rosalie, who had been conflicted earlier, spoke up.


    "Elder Freya, this has gone far enough. Release her."


    Elder Freya hesitated but finally let go of her hold on Naya.


    Naya copsed to the ground, gasping for air.


    Elder Rosalie approached Naya and helped her to her feet.


    "Are you alright?"


    Naya nodded, still catching her breath. The other Elders G surrounded Elder Freya, who looked defiant but didn''t press the matter further.


    I rushed to Naya''s side, worried about her well-being. Kyle joined us, his expression a mix of relief and anger.


    "Thank you, Kyle, for intervening," I said, genuinely grateful.


    Kyle nodded. "I couldn''t stand by and watch her suffer."


    Naya managed to speak, her voice still shaky. "Thank you, both of you. I... I don''t know what I would have done without your help." But she still refused to look at me. I camete.


    I red at Elder Freya. Her actions had not gone unnoticed, and her intentions were bing more apparent. I needed to address these issues and ensure that no one, not even an Elder, could abuse their power to such an extent. However, Elder Freya wasn''t done. Her eyes were filled with anger as she took more steps back. I gave Lily the sign that everyone should leave. They have seen more than they should have.


    "Elder Freya, your behavior is uneptable. You can''t use her power like that." Kyle spoke up first.


    Elder Rosalie raised her hands to stop Kyle. "This is a matter that needs to be addressed within the Elder Council."


    "The Elder Council will decide what is best for the pack." Elder Freya, her defiant gaze fixed on me, added. She was toying with me, I see.


    Themotion had not gone unnoticed by staff members.


    As they all left, some of them nced back worriedly. The manor will be closed for now. Everyone was allowed to go home to their families.


    One of the Z Patrol team raised his hands to speak. "Alpha Zeke, we cannot allow this to continue. Elder Freya''s actions were unjust."


    Elder Freya turned sharply to the man who subtly hid beside Scar. "Don''t be shy, let me see your face."


    Elder Rosalie nodded in agreement. "I will ensure that this matter is discussed within the Elder Council."


    I turned to Naya, my hand resting on her shoulder. "We will make sure you''re safe, Naya. Go upstairs."


    I was shocked when she shook her head, taking a step away from me. "Elder Freya, you have made me unhappy. I will never forgive you for trying to hurt me and the ones I love." "And what will you do about it?"


    "You are not my enemy, but you are proving yourself to be my enemy. You almost killed me. At least Zeke and Kyle had a bit of control. They didn''t harm themselves. You knew who I was but you chose to bully me."


    "Do you even have the strength to talk to me right now?"


    Elder Freya eyes Naya from head to toe.


    I licked my dry lips. "Elder freya, that''s enough."


    Elder Freya was in my face instantly. "You know, with the way you defend her so much, I have a feeling she is your mate. You are an Alpha that discriminates. If she wasn''t your mate, sister or whatever, would you defend her this way?" I swallowed hard.


    "Look at you, you can''t even answer me properly."


    "Elder Freya..." me spoke in my stead. He was pissed but not to the point of another rage rampage. "I won''t warm you again. This time around, your powers won''t stop me." Elder Freya raised an eyebrow. "Really? Thest time I checked, you bounced off my shield like a baby."


    I sighed. There was no point arguing with her. "Fine. But if you disrespect me again or not in this pack, if you do that which you did again, I will ruin you. Do you hear me?" Elder Freya simply snorted. "You? And what would you do?


    Go into another rage rampage like a baby?"


    Suddenly, our attention turned to Naya who began to shake uncontrobly. Her hair turned purple and her eyes were tightly closed. She was as stiff as a board.


    "Naya? What''s wrong?" I asked in panic, shaking her for some sort of response. Kyle was all over her too as everyone began to wonder why she was in a trapped space. "What''s wrong with her again?" Scar asked Beta Brooke who shrugged. He has been quiet, watching the event unfold with keen attention.


    He was just as sly as my father.


    I searched Naya''s face for any form of change. "Come on baby, talk to me. What''s wrong?" My heart beat increased in tempo. Fear engulfed me as she could be trapped in a haze and I would never know how to get her out of it. We haven''t spoken about a lot of things. How would I tell her I love her if she was like this?


    I was terrified beyond my imagination so I snapped my head to Elder Freya. "What have you done to her?"


    With animalistic speed, Kyle held her hands before she could use her powers. I warned her, didn''t I?


    "Let me go!" Elder Freya thrashed frantically. Her eyes were filled with fear.

 Chapter 130

    Zeke''s POV


    Where was her sharp tongue from earlier? Maybe I should rip it out first.


    I was seconds away from snapping Elder Freya''s shivering neck when Elder Roy finally spoke up.


    "I know what is wrong with her."


    I paused, releasing Elder Freya, who began to cough.


    "What?"


    "She is in an enchanting haze," he said again, approaching Naya.


    The other two elders did the same. They observed her hair and probed her shoulders.


    "They are stiff," Elder Derek, who had been forever quiet, said. His voice was raspy.


    "A higher spirit is trying to possess her body."


    Elder Rosalie rushed to Naya''s side with a panic I had never seen before. Her eyes zed with fear as she tried to shake Naya out of her haze. "Snap out of it!" "Why? Is something wrong?"


    "A witch might have a hand in this." Elder Rosalie snapped her hands at the rest of the elders. I came to understand why they were so quiet.


    There was a hierarchy to the way these things worked.


    Elder Freya was obviously the leader; Elder Rosalie was the second inmand; and Elder Roy was the third. I always thought he was the second. After him were Elder Archer and Elder Derek.


    It was simple, and they knew their paths so well. They even worked in sync to outstrip the Alpha in shame. No wonder they were so coordinated. After all, they have lived for many years. "Call Dr. Ali immediately!" I yelled to the nearest man.


    He bowed his head slightly. "I already did that."


    "I thought witches were extinct. They work for rogues to take over a pack. Don''t allow them to possess her, Beta Brooke instructed Elder Rosalie, who was beginning to study Naya.


    "Her legs are positioned in a way that you would think it''s a witch; however, thest witch did during my time. Her hands..." Elder Rosalie raised Naya''s pale hands and sighed in relief. "Her hands are still warm." I eyed both of them. "What does it mean?"


    "It means she isn''t possessed by a witch. Has she entered the subconscious like this before?"


    I nced at Kyle, and we both nodded. "Once. But she was entirely conscious, so we attributed it to her, you know?" I said, not wanting anyone to know about her powers yet.


    "How is she a vessel for possession if she doesn''t have a soul for it?" Beta Brooke asked curiously. I knew it would be hard to fool a loyal wolf who worked for my father for many years.


    If my father were here, he would have smelled Naya''s powers instantly.


    Elder Rosalie sighed. I don''t think she would like to exin theplications regarding Naya''s power to the clueless wolves. It would surely spread around the pack, and Marley would hear it. "What''s wrong with Naya?" Marley''s voice filled the room.


    She always managed to appear whenever she wasn''t needed. "Shouldn''t you all be cleaning or guarding the border?" She red at the warriors, who were having a hard time under her strict gaze.


    They were all standing aimlessly, watching the drama unfold like a movie. I was their Alpha, yet I was so focused on Naya that I forgot to assign them to their duties.


    The pce we stood on wasn''t even properly tidied.


    "Naya is in a haze. Her stance makes us believe a witch is trying to possess her."


    Marley''s eyes widened in fear. "A witch?"


    Elder Rosalie rolled her eyes, clearly not pleased with how she was cut off. "..but it isn''t the case. Her body is warm, and she isn''t mumbling to herself. She looks in good shape. A good spirit is trying to possess her body."


    I scratched the back of my head, wondering why now.


    "Why? I mean, like Beta Brooke asked." I gave her a knowing re.


    Elder Rosalie cleared her throat as she tried to y along for the benefit of Marley and the rest of the wolves watching us in anticipation. "Naya''s emotions must have overwhelmed her; her system chose to shut down, thereby making her vulnerable to such possession." She threw a weary nce at Elder Freya, who was still seated on a chair, dazed. After all, she almost lost her life earlier.


    "Oh," everyone began to murmur amongst themselves.


    "She must have been so bitter."


    "So what if she''s an Omega...


    I almost snapped at the person who said such emotionless words. How dare they speak about her like that?


    "It''s not right, you all. She has feelings too." I calmed me down with these words. At least not everyone thought about her that way.


    "I am a bit jealous. A good spirit is about to possess her."


    Yes, they should be jealous and happy that they have such a powerful elder in their midst. Her presence was still a mystery because of the attempted murder to take her heart.


    Everyone would have their eyes on her. Others from the different pack would do so now and might nt their spies amongst us. Her disy of power has made her the target.


    Baron Diego must be regretting it now. He probably didn''t know she was going to react that way.


    If he knew she would expose her powers, he wouldn''t have sent the beasts after us. Now the Alphas of all packs knew about Naya''s strange powers. She could use her mind tomand things!


    It was terrifying. What if shemanded me to love her? I feel she has no power to do that, which is why she''s so heartbroken about me proving stubborn.


    "I see... What kind of good spirit is about to possess her?" Marley asked in contempt as she circled Naya. She has refused to look at me. From the corner of my eyes, I could see how scared she was of me. However, she was also trying topose herself. "What if it''s the moon goddess or the elderly one?"


    Someone in the crowd asked, causing everyone to freeze.


    "No. Two spirits cannot possess her, and besides, her body is too frail to handle such powerful spirits," Elder Freya surprisingly replied in ce of Elder Rosalie. She was massaging her throat now. "If she tries to hide two spirits with that body, they will overwhelm her. Even if she does that sessfully, their essence will make her mad."


    "Your words aren''t making anything better, Elder Freya." I snapped in anger.


    "It''s the fact." Elder Freya didn''t say she wanted to fight with me. Not afterst time. Not even she could calcte my supernatural speed. It was speed for defense and protection. I would still have a meeting to ensure we both get punished. Kyle would stay out of it because he was just affected by my anger. He would be in charge of taking care of Naya in case I got locked away in a wolf pit. Wolf Pit was the ce many defaulted wolves got locked in.


    It was dark and filled with rats. Those rats were allowed because they served as food. For Alphas, we would be chained from head to toe so that once the full moon came out or the rage rampage began, we wouldn''t break out of those chains and destroy the pack. The elders were in charge of that. For the elders, they had what was called the shackles. It was a ce where their hands would be locked in an iron cast so that they wouldn''t be able to perform magic.


    It was dreadful for both Alpha and Elder. No one wanted to go there, which was why Elder Freya wanted to send me off first, so no one would have the power to send her to the shackles. Thankfully, Naya stepped in. Whether it was a sess or not, I was grateful anyway.


    "Alright, listen up, everyone. We have to make the manor sparkle before nightfall. Everything has to be ced today."


    The door opened, and Dr. Ali walked in with a shaky smile.


    His limbs seemed to tremble. "Is everything okay, or do I have toe backter?"


    I waved him inside. "Come in. I won''t bite." He had the responsibility to take care of Naya while I sent out orders about our duties. Kyle won''t be left out, and neither will the elders. Except for Elder Rosalie. Her power would be useless in making the manor clean anyway. "Dr. Ali, take Naya upstairs. Please do that with Elder Rosalie. She will guide you to her room."


    I needed her to watch over Naya while the rest would heal and fix. I red at Elder Freya. "Are you ready to work, or will you sit there and wish you were Alpha?"


    She harrumphed. "You don''t know what you are talking about.


    "Scar, you will be in charge of the suits for your boys. Take the boys'' quarter. Tomorrow, training starts at the court.


    Kyle, please take care of the immediate packing matters. I already have the files on my desk. Six alliance letters and five oppositions. Beta Brooke, support him, please." To the rest of the team, I asked them to bring back the cleaning staff.


    Soon, work began, and repairs started. As they all went to their assigned duties withoutints, I gathered the elders around. "I am highly disappointed in today''s behavior, but I will address that after we work. Please attend to the borders and check out for rogues and spies."


    I nced at Marley, who had been standing with zing lips: "And you..."


    She gave me a small smirk, observing everything. "I am sorry for calling you a child. I insulted you. You have every right to punish me."


    I raised my hands to stop her. "I have realized that I can only earn the pack''s trust if I actually show them what I can do as an Alpha. I should lead as an example."


    Marley folded her hands across her chest. "People will talk."


    "I should not have treated you like that. But you have one job to do."


    She sighed knowingly. "I know. I need to take Reid''s body back and speak to his mate. Why are you asking me to do this?"


    I narrowed my eyes on her. I was fond of her and would never stay permanently angry at her. "It''s your punishment for sitting at my desk."


    "I wanted to do something for the pack." She exined desperately.


    "That''s why your punishment is light. Now go before I change my mind."


    "You''re kind." Marley said. I couldn''t tell if she wasplimenting me or mocking me.


    I chose to let it slide.


    Blood stters were cleaned, furniture was reced, the manor defense was strengthened, and it was time for a meeting.


    Naya didn''t wake up from her haze. Who knew what was going on in her head?


    By 9:56 pm, I asked everyone to gather by the firece across the pack field. They would decide the fate of Elder Freya, who had clearly abused her power. The only people allowed to attend were the ones who saw the event unfold.


    They needed to feel safe in the pack without having to worry if Elder Freya would snap their necks any moment from now.


    They also needed to know if I would not go on a rage rampage.


    I eyed everyone who was present. It was the majority of the staff who worked for the manor. They were all called back from their homes for the meeting. We needed to clear up the misunderstanding of what they saw earlier.


    "What did you see? You can speak your mind." I urged carefully. When no one said anything, I chose to add. "The elders won''te for your family, and neither would you be killed for saying your mind. You are the first household in the pack. You are entitled to your opinion."


    They were entitled to their opinions about me.

 Chapter 131

    You are allowed to talk about us." Elder Derek spoke. His voice was calm, like the water. He should speak more. I would like that.


    That encouraged most of them to speak their minds. His voice had a certain allure to it. It made you want to say everything you had on your mind. "We can''t let one elder''s abuse of power tear our pack apart.


    We need a system of checks and bnces." One of the pack members, Sara, spoke up. Her eyes were on the floor, though. She dared not raise her eyes to look us in the eye. It meant she was directly challenging authority. The fact that we gave them a chance to speak their minds didn''t mean they could direct it directly. There was punishment for that.


    "Elders are supposed to guide and protect us, not use their powers against pack members." It was obvious that Kyle had been visibly angered by the incident. I was, too. This meeting was to ensure Elder Freya did not go scot-free for what she did to Naya. I may be powerless in the sense that I could not use my powers heavily on her, but the people had the final say.


    If the people refused to see the wrong in what she did, then I had no say, but if the people saw what she did was wrong, then the Elderly one would not mind if I punished her. The process was always soplicated in some way. The deal here was to make the people agree that what she did to Naya was wrong, even though she was an insignificant member of the pack.


    The game was on, and I was not going to give up that easily. I nced to the side, happy to see Elder Freya quiet for once in her ancient life. She hardly ever saw herself as bad unless the whole staff agreed. If the staff agreed, they were the voice of the pack. After all, they worked closer to us.


    I nodded in agreement, preparing to make my point with what Sara said. Bless her soul. From the corner of my eye, I saw Elder Rosalie join us. She probably left Dr. Ali in charge of Naya to join us in the meeting. Her presence was required anyway. "I understand your concerns, and I promise that we will address this issue. What she did was wrong, and that''s why we are here."


    I didn''t miss the stink eye that Elder Freya gave me. It promised a lot of conflict on her side. I red at Elder Roy, who annoyed me more than Elder Freya did. She was supposed to say something, not just watch. That was why we needed Naya in some way. I would be very d if Naya could be the leader of the elders. Though that may not happen,


    "The Elder Council should have the wisdom to decide on the appropriate course of action. This is wrong, and you know that." Elder Rosalie intercepted. She was just performing her duty in protecting the elder. I was sure that when they got to their inner council meeting, Elder Freya the staff.


    would be berated. However, they must save face in front of


    The staff were just as important. Whatever happened in the manor, they could take it out, and it would be a rumor.


    You could never catch them, and I don''t want to render over fifty wolves unemployed.


    "But you know what will happen if we turn a blind eye to this." Elder Archer whispered to Elder Rosalie, who swallowed hard. "The pack will be forced to believe that Elder Freya can get away with anything."


    "And not only that, they would find out that the Alpha has no say when ites to the elders. They should be working together with us to fight our enemies, but here we are trying to stop Elder Freya''s bad manners."


    A part of me wanted to me Naya for this trouble, but right now, she was battling her soul back from whatever spirit was trying to possess her. In a way, I felt sorry for the little wolf. I would definitely need her sarcastic mouth.


    Whatever was possessing her had to have a good reason. It was taking hours for Dr. Ali to call her body temperature, which was warmer than normal.


    Thest update I received on her was that she was sweating profusely. It was better to wrap up this meeting and go see her.


    Elder Rosalie cleared her throat, stepping forward; her expression showed that she now recognized the seriousness of the situation. She had better say something that was useful to everyone. "Alright. Instead of taking this matter to the Elder Council, we will solve it here. We must ensure that our pack remains united and that such incidents do not happen again. I saw what happened. You saw what happened. It wasn''t because Naya was omega."


    Elder Freya took it indignantly. "Elder Rosalie... Are you going to allow them?"


    "Elder Freya, you have vited our code and hurt a member of the pack."


    "I thought you were all trying to punish me for putting an Alpha in ce. Does it mean I am right?" Elder Freya smirked.


    I close my eyes in frustration. She was right. Besides, her punishment for this was just going to be simple. She would be locked away, but still fed and taken care of. She just wouldn''t be allowed to use her powers. It was infuriating. "Naya! Wait!" I heard it from a distance.


    We all turned our heads to find Naya walking towards us with determination. It was like earlier, but different. Her eyes were all purple, and her aura changed. Could it be the purpledy? Her hair was purple. Why didn''t she change into her powers when Elder Freya was doing all that to her?


    I could see the red bruises on her neckline. Those hands that held her throat were real.


    "Elder Freya, you will be punished for disrespecting the Aloha of the Wolf Cove Pack." Naya''s eyes shimmered with strength and power. It was like nothing I had ever seen in an elder. If we all considered Elder Freya strong, she was nothingpared to this. "Sh**t!" I whispered as Naya smirked wickedly. It was her power speaking through her. Dr. Ali was about to stop her when Elder Rosalie held him back.


    "Leave her. It''s no longer Naya who''s there. There''s a supreme power controlling her. It''s this look that I love watching. Now you all can see why my power isn''t so useless." Elder Rosalie smiled proudly.


    Elder Freya narrowed her eyes on Naya. "What do you want?"


    ''The elderly one said I should give you a message."


    To my shock, everyone bowed their heads in reverence. I blinked uncontrobly as Naya''s body was no longer on the floor. Her hands and legs were floating, and her eyes were raised to the heavens. Elder Freya heaved in fear as she went to her knees.


    "Oh my goodness!" Kyle''s eyes widened as Naya pointed her sharp index fingers at Elder Freya. It was the same picture we had of the elderly one in our library.


    The aura, the magic, and the venom that came with those hands of usation were scary and horrifying. The shocking part was that Naya was in that same position.


    Her angry eyes shed on Elder Freya, who was trembling.


    "The people are dissatisfied with your actions, Freya. You touched my daughter, and I am disappointed in you. For this, your powers will be taken from you. You will work with my sister''s creations to ensure peace and harmony. If you fail to adhere to my instructions, I will destroy you just as I created you."


    "No!" Elder Freya began to weep. Her eyes sipped white substances, which I considered her tears. "I am your daughter too. This is the first time; why is my punishment so harsh?"


    Naya faced the rest of the elders, whose heads were bowed in reverence. She wasn''t the Naya I knew. Her mouth wasn''t snarky, and neither was she standing in a strange way. I swore I saw the elderly woman''s face sh a bit through her. It was amazing and, at the same time, terrific. "I am disappointed in all of you. You should have stopped her.


    Whatws govern this ce?" She sighed in exasperation.


    Then she turned her icy purple pupils on me, scaring the sh*t out of me. "My sister has ced her total trust in you. I hope you can turn this realm around."


    I bowed a bit. "I am a young Alpha. With her guidance, I can do as she has said."


    Naya floated closer to me. "You have her guidance already.


    What is stopping you from receiving it?"


    I frowned, wondering what she was saying. "How?"


    Naya chuckled in amusement. "I have to leave now. This pack is amusing."

 Chapter 132

    Zeke''s


    POV


    I licked my moist lips as I watched Naya disy like the elderly one. This should be recorded in history, and I knew everyone was going to hear about it. It has never happened before. It was a f**vcking miracle that the omega, the lowest rank in the pack, was possessed by a higher spirit. The elderly one. She just revealed who Naya was and didn''t even give a sh*t about the consequences it would have for Naya.


    The wolves may not be keen to easily ept her. They only spoke up about the elder abuse part because it could happen to any of them. About this, she may be the target since she was frail and couldn''t defend herself properly. Or this could turn out in another way. Naya could be feared.


    It should scare the bullies off her.


    Naya swirled. "It''s not good for my health. My sister said I should intervene or help." She jerked her head towards Elder Rosalie. "That''s why I have her see whatever is going on. I have this vessel now, so I will be watching you." With that, Naya dropped from the sky. Kyle caught her immediately.


    Relief washed over the staff as they raised their heads.


    Some were still shocked, and it was mostly the old ones.


    "We haven''t seen the elderly possess a body before. Who is she?" Some began to ask themselves as they watched Kyle carry Naya inside the manor.


    Elder Freya chuckled under her breath. She was obviously dissatisfied with the turn of events. "I don''t see why this is necessary. I was only trying to maintain order and discipline. Alpha Zeke, you are only taking it out on me because you hate me." "You couldn''t speak when the elderly one was here. So shut the f*vck up and prepare yourself for a normal life. You won''t be using your powers anyway." I whispered to her so that the wolves wouldn''t hear. "For the record, I don''t hate you." "Don''t you dare. I have always been kind to you. I may have said crazy sh*t, but I controlled the pack while you were away. You can ask Beta Brooke."


    Wow, so she was going to do everything to get out of it.


    "You f*vcking bitch."


    She clicked her tongue in irritation.


    Elder Archer shook his head as he went closer to her. "Using your power to choke someone is not maintaining order, it''s abuse. And you disrespected the Alpha of the pack. We all warned you."


    I watched in awe as they all surrounded Elder Freya. They were ready to suspend her.


    "You must remember that we are all here for the well-being of our pack." Elder Rosalie said.


    Elder Freya''s hands dropped to the side in defeat. "Fine, I ept. I will get back to work anyway. It won''t take a month."


    I shook my head at her arrogance. "You never know when the elderly will extend your punishment. Keep behaving that silly way, and you will find out."


    She shifted closer. She knew her time was near. "Alpha Zeke. You need me. Elder Rosalie is great, but I know how to act. She won''t do s**t, and you know it." She was trying to be strong, and that was so like her. We needed someone like Elder, if only she could channel that good character into not being a b***h most of the time.


    Half of the time, Elder Freya was right, but the rest of the time she willed it away talking. "Elder Freya, we will miss you. After all, we have an elder. One who can take...


    actions." I was using her word against her since she was so keen on an elder with actions. Naya will dly fill her ce.


    She may be inexperienced, but with time, things will turn out fine.


    Elder Rosalie cuffed Elder Freya''s hands. On a normal day, Elder Freya wasn''t supposed to be paraded around like a criminal, but the elderly one judged her in the presence of the staff. It was only normal that they saw her truly suspended. Updated by  I took a deep breath as she was taken away. The Elders went after her like she was a queen. I hoped that one day Naya would rise to be the leader of the elders. It would then be an honor. I turned to the staff. The meeting was over. "As the elderly one said, we will suspend Elder Freya from her duties until we see fit to release her. In the meantime, I want you to understand that the elders don''t use their powers against the park. They work together to ensure our safety.


    This is because a lot of strange things have been happening in our pack. Take the monsters, for instance.


    They wille for your children. What about an army of rogues? Who would protect you all?"


    I eyed all of them carefully. Somewhere, I feel the heat already. That''s right. They should understand that it''s not a Joke.


    "That is why we all need to work together to ensure the safety of our pack. When it''s time for curfew, do not disobey; when it is time to train, bring out your sons and daughters to train so that the pack won''t have to rely on the Z patrol team or the Alpha to leave his home to save us."


    "But that is how it has always been." Someone in the crowd started. "We can''t suddenly change and begin to fight. Our bones are old."


    "But you have sons and daughters, isn''t that so?" I remained firm. I had to. "In fact, let this be a rule. If your sons and daughters are above the age of seventeen, then they are eligible to train."


    "Beta Brooke, say something." Another staff member pleaded. "Who is going to help me with the farm at home while I work here?"


    I nced at Beta Brooke, who shook his head in a sigh for me to carry on. I was going to do just that. "Madam, the decision to send your son or daughter to have pack training is for your family''s safety. We are not asking him or her to spend the whole day at the training spot. They all need to be strong for the war. Everyone needs to fight. We all dumped our problems on the former Alpha. He fought those dangerous things alone because everyone was standing by the side watching him like a f**vcking circus. That changes from now on."


    "You can''t do that!" Another yelled from the back. Goddess, help me if I do not catch that insolent wolf.


    ¡°?


    can, and I just did. This is for the well-being of our pack and to ensure that our members feel safe."


    I knew it wasn''t that easy to convince my staff. They represented the entire poption for now. Tomorrow morning, the rule will be drafted out for everyone to see.


    "Any more questions? Please ask. There will be more rules to be checked, and if you don''t say anything about this one, forever hold your peace." I didn''t juste up with this rule in a day.


    me helped me figure that out when we were called to protect the children. Some of them were little, but a lot of them were old enough to defend themselves. How could our father make us look so weak? We were the biggest pack, yet we didn''t know how to fight. How pathetic. "Alpha Zeke, we understand the need for safety, but my daughter is only sixteen. Isn''t that too young to be sent for training?"


    I sighed. This was going to be a long night. I wondered if Naya would be waiting for me or if she had returned to her senses. Did she even know what she did? This was why our rtionship wouldn''t work. "I hear your concern, and it''s valid. We won''t force anyone under seventeen to train, but we strongly encourage it for their safety. Perhaps we can have a separate program for younger members to prepare them gradually. Beta Brooke will handle that aspect. We might even integrate it into our schools."


    Beta Brooke was by my side in an instant. "That''s a big n. When were you going to tell me?"


    "Earlier than now, but we don''t have time, do we?"


    "Are you going to send f*vcking children into fights?" Beta


    Brooke rubbed his chin in thought.


    "I am only training us into stronger wolves. There are wolves over thirty, right? Father did one thing right. He has trained me and Kyle since we were babies. That''s why we are strong enough to fight a monster. Can''t you see that''s the strategy I am bringing into this ce?" Beta Brooke grunted his agreement.


    "What if we have multiple children of different ages? It''s hard to manage them all and still do our jobs." Another wolf asked.


    It was getting really tiring, and I just want out.

 Chapter 133

    Zeke


    POV


    I was running crazy with the constant questioning. All I needed was to see Naya. How was she feeling? I closed my eyes as another perfect answer came to mind


    Beta Brooke chose to answer the question. "I understand the challenge of managing multiple children. We''ll work on that."


    I chuckled before adding. "Besides, we have warriors to handle that aspect, Manolo." It was surprising how well I knew their names. Well, when I was little, Father made sure I knew everyone''s names. It was efficient that way. The same is true for the Alphas of other packs.


    In a way, my father prepared me for today. I mean, we got to train every day, didn''t we? Yet I refuse to acknowledge his efforts. My point was that he didn''t do enough. He didn''t take me to pack meetings. Why? For my good? I do not think so. And of all things, why didn''t he tell me to brace up for the never-ending questions the people of this pack would ask whenever they were confused? Who handled their questions? I was sure it wasn''t me.


    "Any more questions?" I was about to wrap it up when another man raised his hands. Jeez, would this ever end?


    "Alpha Zeke, what about those of us who don''t have children? Are we exempt from training?"


    I sighed. "No, you''re not exempt. We believe everyone can contribute to our pack''s safety. We''ll find suitable roles for those without children, younger family members to train, and old people."


    "But what if we can''t physically keep up with the training?


    Some of us are older and have health issues."


    I pinched the bridge of my nose. I just exined that... "See, we''ll take your health and physical abilities into ount.


    Training doesn''t mean pushing everyone to their limits.


    We''ll have different levels of participation, and no one will be forced beyond their capabilities. We want to ensure that everyone can y a part in our pack''s defense." That was all for tonight. "Tomorrow, the rules will be passed out, among other things. If you have questions, ask Beta Brooke."


    Then I slipped off. Not before I heard Beta Brooke grumble bitterly.


    "But I just came back. I haven''t fully recovered from my illness yet."


    I scanned his body. "Yeah, you will be alright. Don''t make them stay here for long. Let them go to their families.


    Tomorrow is going to be a long day." I should be expecting the pressure of getting a mate soon. With a mate, troubles with women and children will be over, or at least they won''t all be reported to me.


    The area was littered with warriors. They would be guarding the manor tonight. Have they even gotten decent sleep?


    "Leave your worries for tomorrow, Zeke. You can''t handle everything tonight." me yawned, lying on hiszy a*s.


    "I can''t help but want everything to be put in order today.


    Can it even be possible? I''m so damn tired already."


    "We have been in office for just a month. You have killed your father''s trusted driver and your spar partner..."


    "Kyle will easily fill the gap for me."


    "Zeke!" me hissed in anger.


    I mped my mouth shut. He knew I wasn''t emotionally stable and might take over my body without my knowledge. Sly bastard. I ced my head on my head, feeling a rush of guilt. "I killed a member of my pack, me."


    "You are holding up well." me sighed heavily. "Go and rest. I need my rest too. Kyle will take care of Naya, and Beta Brooke will handle other problems. Tomorrow will be more hectic than today."


    "You are right. I better sleep."


    "Hm." me replied, watching me wearily. He knew I wasn''t okay. I couldn''t even break down in front of my pack. I had to pretend that killing Reid was because of his insolence.


    My bed weed me with open arms, but I couldn''t sleep.


    My eyes danced around my head as I counted the lines that separated the ceiling. I couldn''t think of a single thing. I went on a rage rampage today. I have no idea how it happened or what I did during the haze. All I saw was red. I was so angry at everything. I guess my pent-up emotions got to me faster than I wanted right? The responsibility to say the right things at the right time, to do the right things, to punish people like I was the goddess... the sudden respect and pressure. I was still trying to earn them all. I was leading over a thousand wolves.


    What''s worse? Most of them were older than me. They expect me to know everything. The elders weren''t helping matters. I stretched out to turn off the lights. It didn''t make sleepe. If anything, it eluded me. In my first month, we got attacked by the rival packs,


    the children were hurt, the rogues could be found, and I killed our family friend like it was nothing. I went unauthorized to a meeting I should never have gone to and put my family in danger. Especially Naya.


    What if she wasn''t a highly favored elder? Would she have died at the blood moon pack? Elder Freya would have choked her to death had Kyle never intervened. What am I doing? Was this what it meant to contain your emotions?


    Who would train me? Marley? She was just here for the politics, and Kyle doesn''t trust her one bit.


    "You are disturbing my sleep, Zeke. Your thoughts are getting to me." me growled. He, too, was beginning to get restless. It meant he was thinking about the same thing.


    "I am useless, me." I muttered. What I needed wasn''t encouragement from my own wolf. I just needed to sleep and forget about everything. "Naya hates me. I killed Reid." Teras prickled the sides of my eyes. Thank Goddess, I was alone. "G**t, Zeke. You are crying. We messed up." me sighed heavily again. He was prancing around. "It''s my fault.


    Because of my stupid anger, you did all that. You put the pack in danger."


    "I wish my mother was here," I whispered to the air.


    "Mother?" me asked curiously. Then he smiled sadly.


    "Her heat will be nice."


    I had no idea what me was talking about. But one thing! was sure of: Her heat was needed. She wasn''t here to provide that.


    Naya''s POV


    I woke up with a start. It was a dream; thank goddess, it was just a dream. A bad, long, but happy dream. I dreamed I stood up to Elder Freya for the first time. She wasn''t happy, so she sent her power after me. I was sure it was the ones that squeezed those big clouds above us. Except this time, they squeezed my neck. I could not breathe.


    No one came to my aid except Kyle. Kyle spoke up for me.


    Then I was thrown into another strange dream where I was crying and hurt. Dr. Ali was checking my neck for bruises.


    How was he even in my dream? I wondered. Thest time I saw him was at the doctor''s hill, where he kneeled with so much anguish.


    I felt a sudden movement in my body as Iy in bed there, watching him tend to me. I felt angry. The purpledy began to surface under my skin. Hearing Elder Freya insult Zeke downstairs made me boil. I wasn''t offended; she insulted me. I mean, I saw thating because I knew how sharp my mouth was. I just could not control them when someone took me for just an omega. I was that omega, so why did it offend me so much?


    It came to my realization that it was her that was my problem. It was the fact that she refused to respect Zeke and Kyle as the Alphas of the pack.


    All I remembered wasing down the stairs in anger and Dr. Ali trying to call me back. This time around, I couldn''t stop my power outburst. I just prayed no one would get hurt.


    Before I got down to where they were, I was in a suspended world. It was exactly like thest ce where I calmed Kyle and Zeke. This time, I met anotherdy in person. She was glowing and very pretty. She looked like the elderly one. She asked me if she could take over my body.


    "Who are you?" My legs guided me downstairs, but I wasn''t looking at where I was going.


    "The purpledy. Can I take over now?"


    I nodded fast, wanting her to take over. I needed to teach Elder Freya a lesson. She took over, and I was kept at the back of my mind. There, I met Naya, nervously biting her nails. "Naya?"


    "What? I am so proud of you." She asked, chewing her nails.


    She seemed deranged.

 Chapter 134

    I knew it was Naya because she looked exactly like me, except her red hair was longer and bushy. A bird could nest therefortably. "You spoke up for the first time, so I am really proud of you." She said it to herself more than me. Herpliments flew over my head, and I could not believe my eyes. "Jeez, Naya. Is this what you look like when you are not a wolf?" I stared wide eyed at Naya, who looked basically like a cavewoman. Centuries without civilization "We are trapped here forever!" She stood up, mumbling.


    She smelled like the forest too.


    "Did the purpledy promise to give you back your body?"


    I shook my head. I should have asked, shouldn''t I?


    "You Fool! She isn''t to be trusted." Naya yelled.


    "Are you that worried you won''t be talking to me again? I am actually beside you. Aren''t you shocked to see me?"


    Her eyes dimmed on me like I was stupid. "I see you every day in the mirror, Naya. Shut up and let''s find a way to take charge."


    I sighed. "I know you don''t like the purpledy, but this is the first time she has offered to take over herself. I guess this is between elders. I am not just a vessel. I am her host.


    She respects me as much as I respect her."


    "Fine." Naya said she was sitting down, and that was thest conversation I had with her until now.


    "Are you there?" I whispered in my mind.


    There was no response. The purpledy has allowed me to take over my body now. I nced around to find kyle sleeping beside me. It tugged at my heart strings.


    I slipped out of bed gently so that I wouldn''t wake him up.


    The way he was snoring told me how tired he was. How long has he been here taking care of me?


    Goodness!


    The door creaked open, and I expected Kyle to raise his head. He didn''t. He must be so tired. The halls were empty.


    It seemed to me that everyone had gone home too. I peered into the kitchen, expecting to see no one. I gasped when I saw Lily seated, sipping a cup of coffee. She was looking at me now. There is no way I would escape her. I was really not in the mood for any discussion. All I wanted to do was stuff myself; probably it would stop this nagging feeling in my body.


    I felt suffocated, like someone was poking my chest.


    Maybe food would be my solution.


    "Hi." I whispered, opening the fridge and taking a look. As usual, my favorite snacks were there. I smiled.


    "You know, I am the one that stacks those snacks there." Lilly started before taking a sip of whatever was inside there. I knew it was coffee.


    "Really?" I was not really interested. I picked out a few buns and ice cream, then closed the fridge. For the first time, my snack didn''t appear appealing to me. I thought it was Kyle or Zeke who put the snacks there. I guess they were too busy for kind gestures like this. Wait a minute. "How did you know I would like them?"


    Lilly dropped her cup. "Because the Alphas told me."


    Now I was curious. "What brought up the conversation?"


    Lilly chuckled. "You have no idea, do you? The Alphas have a soft spot for you; can''t you see it? Coupled with the noises I heard the other day, they wereing from you, right?"


    I nearly choked on air. "Me? Do you know how I sound in bed?" I was giving her the stinkeye now. She wasn''t holding hostility in her eyes. It was then that I remembered that she was the personal maid to Zeke. She must be so close to him to know these things. I bit my lips. It didn''t make the stuffy feeling go away.


    Rather, I felt like crying. I opened the ice cream bucket with vigor, watching Lily''s eyes press down on me. Jeez, what is her problem? The fact that she worked here longer than me didn''t make her perfect. I dropped a spoonful into my mouth, munching with my mouth open.


    What was wrong with me?


    "I do not know how you sound in bed, Naya." Lily was older than me. Even so, maybe she would be promoted to house head once the older woman and man retire. Or Marley may give her that position. Who cared? "We were all perpetrators." She was eying my neck now, and I subconsciously raised my clothes to cover it.


    I felt the bruises. "So it wasn''t a dream." It dampened my mood more.


    "Shockingly, we stood up for you. I don''t like you, but I don''t hate you either. Do you know I am an omega? Most of us here are omega''s, but we hide it. Yours is visible because you don''t work thatt out. She gave me a knowing eye.


    "Someone called Elder Freya out. What she did was wrong." I blinked uncontrobly. "What if someone is hearing you?" Was I supposed to feel better knowing that there were actually Omegas who were stronger than I was? No. If anything, it made me unhappy. I took a big bite out of my buns.


    "I do not know if I have offended you." Lily added. Oh, she was observant too. Great! "But I want you to know that we are rooting for you. Our Alphas have their eyes on you. You will make a good Luna." She said that and dropped her tes in the sink.


    I sat there dumbfounded, even after she left. She just told me that I would make a good Luna just because I stood up to an elder. It was ironic but uplifting. "Thank you." I whispered my gratitude. It was a far-fetched hope considering my mother was mypetitor. That woman...


    I looked down to see that I had finished my father off, but that nagging feeling was still there. I dumped the trash and went out to wherever I could findfort. Before long, I found myself about to knock on Zeke''s door.


    The absurdity of it all made me stop before I made a fool of myself. "What am I doing here?"


    The door opened immediately, and Zeke was there, looking hot as never before. He smirked like the sly wolf he was. "I knew I felt a presence, little wolf. You have been standing here for over thirty minutes.


    Was it up to thirty minutes? I would be better off not knowing how many minutes It was embarrassing, and it made me look like a needy idiot. His voice was gruff, and they calmed me instantly. However, his eyes were red and puffy. "What''s wrong?" Zeke shook his head. "Nothing. I just wanted to know if it was you." Then he yanked me inside like I was a piece of toast. His eyes looked hungry now.


    "You were sad, but it''s funny to see how your eyes turned dark the moment you saw I was alone." We both nuzzled ourselves. It came naturally for both of us. His scent was alluring.


    "Was it a dream? What happened earlier? Lilly said it wasn''t." I mentioned dragging him towards the bed to sit down. It was obvious he needed me.


    "I am sorry, Naya."


    "Hey." I ced my hand on the sides of his cheeks. "Why are you sorry?"


    "I am sorry because I didn''t save you when Elder Freya did that stuff to you. I killed my father''s confidant."


    It was shocking that Zeke was telling me how he truly felt.


    "Beta Brooke? But he is fine."


    "I am talking about Reid. I am really sorry. You shouldn''t have seen that. I know no one wants to say anything because I am Alpha, but what about his mate and children?


    He always mentioned them whenever he was talking to me.


    He takes pride in them."


    I engulfed him in a warm hug, and that suffocating feeling increased. Then I realized they came from him. As I patted his back, I felt something ssh on my shoulders. He was crying! "That is what I wouldn''t ept." My voice was cold. How could he be hurting to the extent of crying? An alpha isn''t allowed to cry.


    He should not.


    He pulled back a little. "What?"


    "Your tears. I know sometimes you need to cry to feel okay, but I don''t want you to cry. I want you to talk about everything that you have been holding in your heart. Tell them to me. I don''t mind it if you cry to me, but don''t show this weakness in front of your people." I was tearing up already. "Don''t you dare."


    He was just staring at me. A small smile lifted his lips. "I won''t cry in front of the pack, and I will tell you everything from now on."

 Chapter 135

    "Then why do you put yourself through unnecessary pain by hurting me?"


    "I am sorry." Was all Zeke could say. It always warmed my heart whenever he apologized like that. He wasn''t one to apologize all the time.


    "Do you know what I am talking about?"


    "The fact that you are my mate."


    I refused to say anything in order not to push him to ept me as his mate. I could only persuade him until his 18th birthday. It was only then that I would be sure he wouldn''t reject me. It was a tough bet, but I was willing to take it for now. "I can''t stop the mating bond, can I?" Zeke asked like it was negotiable.


    "I don''t want to force you into anything. If you are not interested in me, it is fine."


    "No, it isn''t. Just give me time. Give me time to get over my worrisome self, alright?"


    "How much time do you want?" I had to ask. "You hurt me many times, Zeke. That''s why you don''t need to do this alone. You need to tell me everything from now on."


    "I will if you give me time. Will you?"


    I had no choice but to ept his terms. It was weird, but I understood he had major responsibilities right now. The more I stayed closer to him, the more I could feel his heat.


    That suffocating feeling was no longer there, and I felt light.


    "I don''t feel so sad any longer. Do you think we can both feel each other''s emotions?"


    ''Yes, we can."


    I gasped. Has he always known what I felt? "How long have you known?"


    Zeke squinted his eyes as if to remember. "I could always tell when you were angry, sad, and so on. I just don''t show it because I don''t want you to freak out."


    "But I knew you were unhappy."


    "Our wolves were trying to connect to each other. You don''t have to worry about that. When we are fully mated, it will increase ten times." Zeke said. It was funny that he knew these things yet didn''t want to ept me fully. "Would you see me as a distraction if I am your mate, or would I ruin your reputation because I am an omega?" I asked. I was sounding desperate now. I hoped he didn''t hear it in my voice.


    Zeke sighed. "You have nothing to do with it, trust me."


    "Then why?"


    "Because I have responsibilities, Naya. That''s why I am asking for more time. You may not understand my stand, but I need you to please be patient with me. At least until my birthday, okay?"


    I could never understand Zeke''s reasons for not officially mating with me, yet doing things a mate would do.


    Although it wasn''t all a mate would do for another, it was the mating bond speaking.


    I needed him to love me with the mating bond. It made it better.


    "Okay." I got up from the bed. "I''ll respect your decisions. Do not forget what I told you; if you are feeling down or sad, talk to me; I would never judge you."


    Zeke nodded, and I turned to leave.


    As the door closed behind me. I rested on it, weak and light-headed. What the heck just happened? Eventually, my legs carried me to my room. There I found Kyle awake, sittingfortably, and reading a book. "How was it?" He asked, giving me a knowing look. He knew I went to find Zeke.


    "It was so so." I replied, lying on my bed. "He was sad."


    Kyle gave me a sad smile. "He killed Reid; it is only natural."


    "I don''t have long memories about Reid, but I do know that he was loyal to the manor and your father." This was the simplest thing I could say about Reid. Reid wasn''t aplicated man. He knew when to keep quiet and Marley was the cause. If only she had allowed him to do his job without interrupting like the self-attention b*itch that she was. I would make sure that she felt the guilt of his death for a long time.


    "What punishment was given to Elder Freya? Lily said something like that."


    Kyle froze. "You spoke with Lily?"


    I raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. She even told me my favorite snacks."


    Kyle closed the book, keeping it back where it was. "We didn''t want to make it too obvious, so we asked her to do us a favor."


    Lilly''s words floated into my mind. "You will make a good Luna."


    "Did you say something?" Kyle inquired.


    I contemted telling him. "Lily said something strange.


    She said I would.."


    "You would what?"


    I shook my head, deciding against telling Kyle. Let''s not get ahead of ourselves. "You haven''t told me what happened to elder Freya. I thought it was all a dream until I felt this bruise." I touched my neck "You need to put ointment on that."


    "I don''t need to. By tomorrow, the scar will bepletely gone." I tapped on my neck. "So what is next?"


    "Seriously? You want to know about Elder Freya or what you did to her. She wasn''t given any punishment. You punished her."


    I froze. "I punished an elder."


    Kyle chuckled. "Well, not really you... the elderly one. She used you as a vessel, and I can say that elder Freya''s power is no longer with her. She has been tasked to console Reid''s mate."


    I nearly snorted. "Elder Freya isn''t that affectionate. It would be hell for her."


    "Not only that, she has been asked to assist Zeke. Now this is real hell for her considering how she has been against his coronation from the beginning." Kyle ended with a small smile ying around his lips.


    I was impressed by how things turned out. There was no violence or harshness. It was perfect. "How about Marley?"


    Kyle paused. "Marley..."


    I frowned. "I didn''t do anything to her."


    "No. She was not there when all these things happened. Or maybe I didn''t see her or something."


    What? I wanted to punish her because she was one of the reasons why Zeke went on such a rampage. How dare she dismiss Reid, causing Zeke to kill him? "She is slippery. If I hadid my eyes on her..." "Zeke noticed. He would ask her to help Reid''s mateter.


    They both have to bear the consequences of Zeke''s action."


    I sighed. "The rampage caused a lot of damage. The bill will be high."


    Kyle nodded in thought. "It will be high, but we will find a way to minimize the cost. We prepare almost everything in our pack. Wood, leather, and so on.


    "Something you would hardly see in the blood moon pack."


    I cackled, and Kyle joined me.


    "Dry as a desert. No wonder Ren¨¦e came here." Kyle said, and my mind went back to the one friend I had.


    "Thank you." I smiled.


    "For what?*


    "For everything. You didn''t send Renee away even when you knew; there are so many things you didn''t do because it was me. My eyes are open now." It was, as Liliy said. The Alphas have a soft spot for me. Why didn''t I ever notice? Only I could talk to them the same way they talk to me without putting ''yes, Alpha in between.


    It was a way to show that they liked me with or without the mating bond.


    ******


    For the next three days, I tried to avoid Zeke as much as I could. He told me to give him time, and that was what I was doing. I could not let him be in my sight, or I would beg him to have s*x with me.


    He was too hot for me to handle. However, I had just opened the fridge in the kitchen when I felt his cold hands on my waist. His chin rested on my shoulders.


    "You have been avoiding me."


    I cleared my throat as if I were not affected by his affectionate hug and husky voice. It was as if he was caught up with his needs. "I haven''t."


    "It''s been three days, and we haven''t seen eye to eye." Thest time I saw him, he was yelling at the ountant of the pack. I didn''t know that there was someone like that until two days ago. Zekeined bitterly about how the expenses weren''ting in but were always going out. I didn''t even know until that day that our members had supplied wood to other neighboring packs.


    It was shocking to me.


    He alsoined that the money wasn''t corrting and asked Elder Freya to follow the man down to the factories to check out what he was talking about. To my shock, Elder Freya followed hismand.


    She went like a docile wolf. Where were her evil replies?


    They were nowhere to be found.

 Chapter 136

    "I heard you were busy." I shivered as his voice sent tremors down my skin.


    "Heard?" He turned me around to face him. Then he stared hard. "Yes, I don''t want to see me even after we made so much progress from that night."


    I''ll admit it, Zeke has been busy. It was hard to see him. In fact, I only see him when he is in a meeting or yelling at ipetent members of the pack, but apart from that, I wonder where he saw the time to do this to me. I bit my tongue to hold back my moan. He touched me in ces that had received neglect for the past two weeks and murmured how he would want me to moan for him. This caused my juices to pool around myp, and I rubbed my thighs together to hold myself back.


    We were in an open ce. This was the public kitchen where anyone coulde in and see the Alpha making out with an Omega. Whatever possessed Zeke to do this to me.


    Before I could protest, he captured my mouth in a kiss as if to silence me. As if to tell me to stop overthinking.


    He made me forget I was mad at him. He made me forget that I had chosen to leave him to his responsibility for a month before going back to grovel at his feet. How long did I think I was going tost without his touch anyway? I was a joke


    Just take a look at me rubbing myself over his body for attention.


    "What is going on here?" Marley snapped.


    I thought I had seen thest of her. Zeke groaned in frustration as he reluctantly turned away from me.


    "I asked a question." Marley said again, and I knew she was talking to me. I mean, would she dare talk to the Alpha like that? It was unheard of. I came to the conclusion that it was me that she was talking to like that.


    "Marley..." Zeke began to talk when she walked closer and pped me.


    It resounded in my ear and tingled my cheeks. "Mother?" I called in shock. How dare she p me?


    "Is this what you do now?" Marley asked bitterly, forgetting she was in the presence of the Alpha.


    Zeke calmly watched as she ranted about losing work ethics. This was a public space, and so on. It was a bit embarrassing since this attracted more attention. From the corner of my eye, I saw Lily standing by the door. She was watching the show.


    That was what it was-a show my mother nned just to disgrace me. Marley''s harsh words echoed through the public kitchen, and my face burned with embarrassment.


    The tingling sensation from her p still lingered on my cheek.


    This was not how I had expected our first encounter after a while to go. To be scolded like a child and humiliated in front of the entire pack and my Alpha was unbearable. I was about to say something in my defense when Zeke''s deep voice interrupted Marley''s tirade. "Marley, that''s enough."


    Marley wasn''t taking that for an answer. She turned to face him. "Zeke, you''re the Alpha, and you allowed this disgrace to happen? It''s uneptable." She was eying me too.


    It was cool to see Zeke maintain hisposure. "Marley, there''s a time and ce for everything. We can discuss this privately, but not here." His tone was calm yet authoritative.


    My mother appeared unfazed by Zeke''s words. Of course, she was a stubborn woman, and when her mind was set on something, it was hard to change it. "I won''t be silenced, Zeke. This pack deserves to see what''s been happening.


    We can''t have omegas unting themselves in the open kitchen."


    I clenched my fists, fighting back tears of humiliation. I felt exposed, like my own mother had stripped me of my dignity. It was true; I had lost myposure, but Marley''s public outburst wasn''t helping. It wasn''t my fault Zeke came into the kitchen to touch me. I couldn''t resist if that''s what she expected.


    Zeke stepped closer to her and whispered. I wondered what he said to her. For the first time since she pped me, I saw a flicker of doubt in Marley''s eyes. She nced at Zeke, then back at me. Her stern expression wavered, but she shook her head. "No; Zeke, I won''t let her drag your name through the mud." I scoffed in irritation. She was taking this too far. Was she acting jealous or something? It was obvious now. She should know when to stop.


    "Naya, maybe you shoulde with me. You are creating a scene."


    Sh*t. It wasn''t me who was creating a scene. One look at her face showed me how much she wanted to rescue me from this situation. I should follow her.


    Marley looked like she didn''t want to let me go. She nced at me again, and I could see a hint of disappointment in her eyes. I felt like a child who had failed to meet her mother''s expectations. What expectations? The fact that she wanted Zeke for herself only to discard him like the Alpha when the time came? No.


    "Marley, I promise we will discuss this matter, but let''s not make a scene here. We don''t need more chaos in the pack." Zeke was trying to reason with her only because she was a former luna of the pack. He didn''t want to disgrace her, but there was so much he could take. I could see it in his eyes.


    Marley''s shoulders slumped as she sighed in resignation.


    "Fine. See me after this."


    Why did she say it like Zeke owed her? She was the cause of his rage rampage in the first ce!


    Zeke nodded, grinding his jaws. "I will!"


    She turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, feeling utterly humiliated. I was grateful for Zeke''s intervention, but my rtionship with my mother had taken a severe blow. It has always been this way. What could amend our rtionship now? Absolutely nothing.


    Iwas still wondering when Zeke turned his attention back to me. His eyes were filled with concern. "Are you okay?"


    I nodded, still fighting back tears. "I''m fine. I just... didn''t expect this." We haven''t been on good terms, but this was too much.


    "She went too far, and I will let her know that in a harsh way." Zeke gently wiped a tear that had escaped down my cheek. "''m sorry for letting that happen. It won''t happen again."


    I couldn''t help but ask, "Did you n for all of this to happen? To humiliate me like this in front of everyone?"


    Zeke looked genuinely surprised. "No, she showing up like this was aplete surprise to me. I had no idea she wasing."


    My anger began to subside as I realized Zeke wasn''t behind this embarrassing episode. It was just a twist of fate, or perhaps my destiny, to be humiliated at every twist and turn of my life.


    "I''m really sorry about all of this, Naya,, Zeke said sincerely.


    "I''ll make it up to you."


    "How?" We weren''t lovers. At least not officially. He would always pick others of higher rank than me. I took a deep breath, attempting to regain myposure. "Let''s go somewhere private, Zeke. I need to talk to you."


    He nodded, still concerned but supportive. "Of course, we can talk in my office."


    We left the kitchen behind, and I couldn''t help but nce back at Lily, who had witnessed the entire drama. Her expression was one of curiosity and concern. I knew we would have to address the questions and rumors that would surely circte within the pack after this incident.


    It happened thest time, except no one could tell if it was me moaning all through that night. But now they have seen us together? People were sure to talk.


    Once we were inside Zeke''s office, I let out a heavy sigh.


    "Zeke, I need to know if Marley''s right. Have I been unting our rtionship in public?"


    "You are being sarcastic again." Zeke sat down, looking thoughtful. "This should never have happened. Tam sorry.


    I''ve been busy, and that''s made it difficult for us to spend time together."


    "Am I breaking the rules or making life unbearable for you?


    Tell me what I am doing wrong! I am tired of being treated like trash in this pack. She wasn''t even aware of my powers. Was she?" Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn''t hold them back any longer. My powers were one of the things that gave me confidence, but I wanted them to respect me with or without those powers. "I just don''t want to be the cause of problems for you, Zeke. I don''t want your reputation to suffer because of me." We were going back to square one again and again. I hated it.


    To my shock, Zeke dragged me into his arms. It was almost like he was afraid.


    "You''re not causing problems."


    Then say those words, Zeke. Tell me you love me. Tell me you are willing to ept me as your mate. I am waiting. I have been patient enough. I am waiting until the day of your eighteenth birthday. The next day, if you don''t say anything to me, I will reject you myself. Who knows, my power may give me sce. In fact, the moon goddess might consider me a great asset and give me a second chance mate. She must have known the pain and agony I have passed through in your hands. I can''t keep going through that until the day I die, just because you are selfish enough not to let me go.


    Your birthday ising up in the next four days.


    Just till then.

 Chapter 137

    Naya''s PoV


    Threedies...


    No twodies...


    "What are you doing, Naya? Come y with us!" I nced around, unsure.


    "Er... I don''t know if I should do that."


    "You should! You are part of the family!"


    That was when I woke up. Part of the family? That was a joke. I was not part of the family. If I was, I wouldn''t have been ridiculed and humiliated yesterday.


    It looked like the purpledy showed up whenever she wanted to and not whenever I wanted to. Today was the day I learned more about her from Elder Rosalie. After I came back from school, that is. School.


    I groaned, digging deeper into my bed. School was everyone''s nightmare. What would they say about me when I got there? A lot has happened in just a week. I ran away from the blood moon pack, the Alphas from the other realm, realized that I had elder powers within me all this time, destroyed the monsters with my mind, and healed Kylepletely


    "You need to get ready for school. You have been putting off going to school for too long. You need school to brush up on your learning." Naya grumbled in the dark. She was just as tired as I was.


    It''s been a ''helluva'' week. "You don''t even want to go to school. You know what we face whenever we go there."


    Naya groaned in agony, just as I did earlier. "We have to go." I slipped from the bed, only tond on the floor. "Ow!" Eventually, I got up from the floor. With pain, I dragged myself into the bathroom. My hair was a little greasy. From the corner of my eyes, I saw the scentless spray. I paused.


    This bottle was the beginning of my friendship with Renee.


    Does it mean she won''te into the pack any longer?


    "Should we spray this to keep Zeke and Kyle away from me so that we can have a wonderful day at school."


    "Don''t even think of it." Naya muttered.


    "What? It''s not a totally bad idea. I just need to be invincible. If no one remembered."


    "No." Naya''s words were final. I sighed, averting my eyes from the bottle. "Besides, it may attract more attention than you think. Remember, Kyle promised to make security tighter."


    A knock on the door brought me out of my reverie. "Who is there?"


    "Kyle. We arete for school."


    I gasped, turning off the shower. "I aming!" I ran out of the bathroom to dry myself off.


    "What should I wear, Naya?"


    "Just throw a coat on."


    "Perfect." I nodded, wearing a white crop top and jeans, then I threw a ck coat on. I nced at my shoe rack, hoping to see something exotic. I saw sandals. "Urgh!"


    "Just out and on!" Naya yelled. She was just as excited as I was to see Kyle. It would be a lovely morning with him.


    I pulled the sandals on. "I look good."


    "Yeah, you look good. Now go out there!"


    I opened the door to find Kyle leaning by the side of the door. His scent filled my senses, and I subtly tried to inhale more of it. I do not know whether it''s because his birthday wasing sooner, but it was intoxicating. His hair was styled to perfection, and I got a feeling he shaved recently.


    These jaws were ripped! He looked good in his white shirt and nnel trousers. His shirt was rolled up to show his muscr arms. A sparkly wristwatch adorned his left hand.


    His trousers revealed silky socks underneath them. His brown shoes were so polished, I thought I saw my reflection in them.


    "Are you done checking me out?" His deep voice stopped me from going any further.


    "Huh?"


    "Don''t be ridiculous." I rolled my eyes. "Let''s go."


    Kyle shook his head. "Not so fast."


    I frowned. "Why?"


    "Your hair."


    I was a bit puzzled, so I raised my hands to touch my hair. I froze. I had washed it alright, but I didn''t even bother to brush it into smoothness. I closed my eyes in frustration. "Seriously."


    "Can I do it for you? It will make it faster."


    I didn''t want to force him or anything. "Are you sure? Your hair might get stuck to your shirt."


    "Then give me an apron or something."


    I dashed back into my room. "I have an apron somewhere." He followed me in, clearing his throat. Thest time he was here... I was sick and didn''t have time to clean. "My room isn''t looking great."


    "I''ll ask someone to help you clean it."


    I shook my head. "No."


    He raised an eyebrow. "No?"


    "No. I do not allow anyone toe into my room." I was adamant about that rule. If I broke that now, everyone would see my ws. When I have the time, I will clean it myself.


    Kyle grabbed a brush from my dresser, and I handed him an apron that I found hidden away in my closet. He draped the apron over himself, then gestured for me to sit at the edge of the bed. I sat down and took a deep breath, feeling a bit nervous about having him brush my hair. It was a bit intimate.


    He stood behind me and gentlybed my hair, starting at the tips and working his way up. It felt surprisingly rxing, and I closed my eyes, enjoying the sensation of his fingers in my hair.


    "Hmm." I hummed, stopping when I remembered who was brushing my hair. horny wolf.


    "You have really beautiful hair, Naya," Kyle said softly.


    I blushed, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Thank you." No one has everplimented my hair before. I couldn''t help but think about how close we were at that moment. It was intimate and sweet, and I wished we could stay like this forever. But we had school.


    Suddenly, a knock and a voice interrupted our moment.


    "Naya, Kyle, and Zeke are looking for you. He wants to talk to you both," a maid called out from outside my room.


    I turned to Kyle. "Isn''t he going to school?"


    Kyle sighed. "Zeke is a bit busy. I don''t think he will."


    It was a bit annoying to be interrupted, but we couldn''t stay here forever. "We should go see what Zeke wants," I said reluctantly. With him cameplicated situations.


    Kyle nodded and removed the apron, folding it neatly. "Let''s not keep him waiting."


    We left my room and headed towards Zeke''s office. As we walked, I wondered if something was bothering him. When we reached Zeke''s office, Kyle walked in, while I knocked lightly on the door before entering. Zeke was seated behind his desk, looking busy with some paperwork. He nced up when we entered. Jeez, he looked so dashing, with sses sitting on his nose and eyebrows raised in perfection. His hair wasn''t brushed, considering the number of times he ran his hands through it. "You wanted to see us?" Kyle asked, sitting on his desk.


    Zeke nodded. "Yes. I need you both to take care of a few things for me today. Mrs. Lau."


    Mrs. Lau was the school dean. What does he want with her? "What do you need us to do?" I asked, prepared to help him out. "Are you even getting enough sleep?"


    "I will." Zeke said. I sensed a bit of annoyance in his tone.


    Maybe because he couldn''t follow us to school or something. He handed us a list of tasks and exined the details. A lot of his words flew over my head because I was worried about him. I knew he was hot this way, but he was also tired. "Tell her to see me after school hours. Kyle, please drive home with her. Don''t let her escape." Then he dismissed us So this was the new Zeke now...


    I longed to be held by him.


    Outside, Marley was there. Her hawk-like eyes scrutinized me. Whatever she wanted to say stopped at the tip of her mouth as soon as she saw Kyle behind me. Is everything okay, Naya? Kyle?" She asked sweetly.


    I didn''t say anything.


    "We''re just handling some pack matters for Zeke," Kyle exined:


    Marley nodded, though she still looked uneasy. "Zeke has been quite preupiedtely. I''m sure he appreciates your help."


    I rolled my eyes as she entered the study after us. What exactly does she want with my mate? The more I thought about it, the more it baffled me.


    Kyle guided me to histest g-wagon. He was about to open the car door when I shook my head. There is no need to attract unwanted attention. "Zeke is so cold."


    Kyle nodded. "And you are worried?"


    "Yes."


    "Am I the easy one here?"


    I scoffed. "Trust me, you had your fair share of trouble." A yful smile tugged on his lips. "Really? I thought I was the nice one."


    I blinked in shock. "How dare you think that way?" I giggled at his ridiculous thoughts. "The fact that you poured me pop soda? You are just being Kyle."


    "A silly boy with daddy issues, right?"


    "You haven''t told Zeke what I told you about Marley?"


    "We need proof, Naya."


    "How are we going to get it?"


    "I have no idea." Kyle sighed heavily.


    He was worried too.

 Chapter 138

    The bells rang, but Kyle kept on making his warning known.


    I was sure the gang bullies in school heard and were not pleased. Especially the ones ring at me now. I was right.


    They must have only heard things about my power and chosen not to believe them.


    Jinnah''s scowl deepened, realizing her ns had hit an unexpected obstacle. "Er, girls, let''s go to ss." She shot me a final re before dispersing with her crew.


    They forgot about me automatically, yet I didn''t want to enter ss without Kyle. We were havingbined sses today. It was the ss Mr. Diego was supposed to take. Unfortunately, he was not around. Imagine the whole school hearing he was the Alpha of the blood moon pack.


    The me would go down to Mrs. Lau. How did she let it happen? How did he manage to be a substitute teacher so well that he slipped through the pack''s defenses? Someone had an exnation to do because that was as creepy as hell.


    As everyone went in the direction of ss, I approached the dean''s public speaking office and found Kyle over the mic with a smile. He saw me through the ss and waved a bit. His smile was contagious.


    "Is that clear?" Kyle''s voice carried a warning tone.


    I stood near the dean''s office, watching as the students slowly returned to their usual activities. The hallway resumed its normal rhythm, but a subtle shift had urred. The shift of an Alpha.


    Soon, Kyle shifted the mic from his lips. Then he turned off the mic to enable us to have a quiet discussion. If he didn''t do that, the whole school would hear what we have to say next.


    It happened one time when Teacher Karr and Mrs. Mira were having an affair. They couldn''t control their animalistic urges and chose to have s* in the media room.


    During their struggles, Mrs. Mira brought about their downfall. Her wide a*s pushed the on-air button, and their moans could be heard all over the school. I could never forget that event because it saved me from being bullied that day too. I was about to receive a heavy p from Darren when their moans reached our ears.


    Darren chuckled and followed the rest of the students to the media room. This room. When I showed up with bruised lips that day, no one asked me what happened. I only found an ice bag on my desk.


    My eyes widened as I realized who it might have been.


    Either Zeke, Kyle, or Renee. I didn''t know Renee then. She has been with us for just this term, and she is gone already.


    So sad. Now, Kyle was approaching me with a protective glint in his eyes.


    "Are you okay? Does this ce bring out crazy memories?" I grinned. "Never been better. Thanks for the timely rescue, Kyle." I avoided his question about memories. It brought happy memories, but sad ones too. He chuckled. "Well, I can''t let them mess with my mate, can I?"


    My heart skipped a beat at his words. The way he says the word ''mate'' is so easy. I darted my eyes toward the on-air button, relieved to see it switched off. "Don''t say that in school. Things might getplicated." "But it''s the truth." Kyle pouted. "Come on, let''s go to ss."


    "Yeah, we should."


    "Did you finish your business with Mrs. Lau?" I gave him a knowing look.


    Kyle shrugged. "That woman is hiding something. We will get it out of her once we get to the manor. Zeke has invited her for a meeting. Will you be there?"


    I shook my head immediately. The tension, the icy atmosphere, the whole situation would just be overwhelming for me. I have seen Zeke in his Alpha mode, and it isn''t so cool. He has chosen not to be so lenient. Sometimes I see Alpha Storm in him. He was a bit scary to me now.


    "You need to be there to calm him down." Kyle gave me a yful smile. "I should be the scary one."


    I red at him. "You attacked Elder Freya the other day, and I knew you let her go purposefully."


    "You were eavesdropping." Kyle deadpanned.


    "Please don''t make a fuss out of this." I groaned because he wasn''t going to let it go.


    "Alright. After school." Kyle conceded because we were so close to ss. The hallway was better empty. I knew that I had the balls to walk this majestically to ss after the bells rang because Kyle was following me. He would back me up. I looked up his schedule this morning. In fact, everyone knows his schedule. But I have to ask to be sure.


    "You are having a PPA ss with me this morning, right?" I asked nervously.


    Kyle frowned. "No, I don''t." He stared at his watch. "I have five minutes until family ss. I love that ss so much!


    We talk about reproduction, and that''s my favorite."


    I checked my schedule, and familyw wasn''t in any of them. I paused. "Is that like a higher ss or."


    Kyle flicked my nose. "That''s for Alphas, honey."


    "He called us honey! Can you freaking believe that?" Naya screamed in my head. I was supposed to join her in the excitement, but I was more worried we weren''t going in the same direction. I was on my own.


    "You have five minutes... No wonder you had time to go to the media room." I realized. My mood was already dampened.


    I didn''t notice I had slowed down until Kyle snapped his fingers in front of me.


    "Hey!"


    "Huh?"


    "You zoned out. And what''s that question about family ss? You know we don''t attend sses together, except forbined sses. Besides, I am in a higher ss than you." He finished exining, but I wasn''t getting it. "What is the problem?" How do I tell him my problem without sounding so pathetic? Jeez, I shouldn''t have waited for him.


    "Did you think about the fact that I amte for ss?"


    Realization dawned on his face. His face squeezed into a frown. "Naya, is that why you are so worried? You made a mistake by thinking we would have PPA ss together. It wasn''t your fault; Mrs. Lau mixes the timetable sometimes.


    We just have to get used to it." He pinched my cheeks. "Be happy."


    Embarrassment ate my guts, and I prayed for the heavens to swallow me. "But I''ll be punished foringte." I was acting all shy because I didn''t know how to tell him to leave his family ss. It was important for an Alpha like him. It was a lesson on how to make heirs for the pack.


    And knowing Kyle, he would be damn interested.


    "What do you want me to do, Naya?" He asked with an intense gaze


    Jeez, he was going to make me say it, right? Urgh! I would rather walk to ss in shame. The more time I wasted, the more punishment I would get. The school was different from the manor. Maybe I should spend my entire day begging Kyle to follow me to ss. PPA ss was important too. I didn''t want to miss it. That was the only equipment and gadgets course I knew with all my heart, thanks to Storm''s family.


    And Reid too. I sneaked a nce at Kyle, wondering if he felt bad for Reid''s death.


    "Use your words, Naya."


    "I want you to help me."


    "Help you to do what?"


    Goddess, Kyle! "Follow me to ss."


    "And miss my ss?"


    I gave him the best puppy eyes I could muster. Naya''s hand was in it too. That sly b*itch! | love her because I could tell it was working. Kyle''s eyes turned darker as he raked his slick tongue over his pink, pale lips. His face was expressionless, though, but his eyes gave out so much desire.


    I blinked uncontrobly before averting my gaze. "Yes." It was painful and selfish of me to ask him that. I just wasn''t expecting his next reaction.


    To my shock, warm lips sucked and nibbled on my lower lips. Without hesitation, it invaded my mouth without touching my tongue. I moaned, trying to intertwine our tongues together. I needed to taste the sweetness of his mouth. Then he pulled away, even before I could figure out the taste of his lips. What just happened?


    "I have always wanted to do that. It''s the least you can do for me." He grabbed my bag, using it to pull me forward so I could trust myself to take a step. I couldn''t believe what he did in the hallway, where anyone could have seen us. How dare he kiss me?


    "I don''t care. Do you?" Naya asked, floating in her own world.


    "I don''t." I replied just as fast before catching myself.


    "Aha! I caught you there. We have always wanted to feel his warmth. Remember the other night?" She asked again.


    I shuddered, not in disgust.

 Chapter 139

    "Teacher Karr and Mrs. Mira." Kyle sang with a smile until we got to the ssroom. Yes, it was that big that we took almost three hours to get to ss alone. I never wanted it to end. But facing the big door leading to ss gave me more scare than I thought it would. All those were in my mind anyway. "Scared?" Kyle whispered in my ears.


    After your kiss? No... I wanted to say, but he beat me to it by opening the door and dragging me in just the same way he did earlier. I wasn''t shocked to see the teacher stop teaching to stare at the both of us. What''s worse, they were all shocked to see Kyle. Their reaction before he was Alpha and Alpha was entirely different. I agree that Kyle didn''t hold any official Alpha position in the oack, but he was important than the Beta. After the Beta came the elders and Luna before Alpha Zeke.


    If anyone feared Kyle it was because of his devilish charming aura. Most people would think he was approachable from afar due to his many smiles and what not, but once you came closer to him, he wasn''t all that friendly. He was like his brother, a jerk.


    Maniptive, selfish, evil yet handsome enough to make you overlook this ws and give him everything you have got. Just like he took the kiss without asking. Updated by


    "It has been a while Alpha Kyle." The teacher stuttered nervously. If course, anyone would coser at the sight of Kyle. He was six foot tall and bulkier than everyone in the room. If you need evidence that he was Alpha this was it.


    His body. Earlier, Kyle wasn''t scrawny. He was a healthy boy with healthy hormones. Now? He was bigger and better. Many hasn''t seen him since Zeke was coronated Alpha.


    The looks in their faces needed to be documented as legendary:


    "I am so proud, right now." Naya sighed in bliss. She had her chest puffed out like she was in charge.


    "Hold your peace, young wolf. We haven''t said I do yet." Naya''s happyughter filled my head and I couldn''t help but smile. We were talking about the fact that their birthday wasing up in three days time. Theing date also made me nervous. "What''s this strange feeling? Are you that scared?" I nodded. "Remember what we talked about?"


    "About the rejection? Never mind about..."


    The male teacher proceeded to give Kyle a handshake.


    "It''s an honour to have you in our ss."


    Seriously? I am sure he was one of those who wanted a special privilege for his mate and children. I do not mind as long as he doesn''t punish me forting. Kyle and Zekes protection ended in bullying, not doing what was right.


    Hopefully, his presence and fresh warning would make it all better. I eyed the teacher from Kyle''s broad back.


    The teacher turned his grim face to the ss staring eye wide. "This is Kyle. He came to seat with us today. It''s not everyday we see an Alpha in our midst."


    I rolled my eyes. "He isn''t Alpha yet. he is just..."


    Everyone turned to look at me.


    "I just said that outloud didn''t I?" I asked Naya who vanished, whispering something about how embarrassing I was.


    Kyle gave me a taunting smile. He was enjoying this, wasn''t he?


    "What I meant was that... er." Joe do I exin it to this people that Kyle was just a sly bastard enjoying his brother''s fame. He deserved it too though. Whatever.


    "Why are you sote, Miss Cod?" The teacher asked with a frown. When I looked closer, it turned out to be our lovely Teacher Karr. Just great. I couldn''t even look at his face without thinking of the incident at the media room. What heaven wanted to punish me today?


    I shouldn''t snort. I must not..


    "I was er."


    "You haven''t been giving coherent answers Miss Cod." Kyle teased the hell out of me as he moved away for everyone to see. That was my punishment for not calling him Alpha and asking, no scratch that- begging him to follow me to ss just to save my sorry ass. Knowing Kyle, he would want me to call him Alpha Kyle in the presence of everyone and take back my words before a seed of doubt begin to grow in the mind of the students.


    "I was trying to...


    "Alright, Miss Cod." Teacher Karr sighed, ncing at Kyle a bit. He was about to speak when Kyle whispered in his ears.


    "What are they saying?" Naya''s head popped out from the darkness. She has been hiding in there since. Now that she''s out? It gave me concern. What was her purpose foring out? I was in severe stress just by attending school with Kyle. If it was Zeke..


    "What would Zeke do in this situation?" Naya asked almost immediately. This was our new normal now. To askw what the other would do in a situation like this. Great!


    I woke up this morning, hoping everything would be alright, only to get called with Kyle into Zeke''s office. He didn''t say a word to me but muttered to Kyle what he must do today and apparently other things, too. Like dering war on the young wolves.


    Was it a good thing or a bad thing? How would I know? But what I do know is that Teacher Karr despite the warning was hell bent on punishing me forteing! Who does that? I am under the sole protection of Zeke and Kyle...


    Wait a minute. This means that they could both do whatever they could with me without any teacher''s interference. How splendid! Note my sacarsm. Now they were both muttering in hushed tones, knowing that my hearing was perfect. If I could just hear what they were saying...


    "Thank you, Alpha Kyle." Teacher Karr beamed, shaking his hands again.


    I shifted to Kyle. "What did you tell him?"


    He grinned. "Nothing of your concern. For now." He grabbed my bag again, using it to propel me forward to my seat.


    When I fully settled down, he proceeded to whisper in my ears. "You don''t know what you just put yourself into." My eyes widened as I stared at him. "What?"


    "Enjoy the *s." He sighed, closing his eyes to sleep.


    I couldn''t concentrate in the ss. How could I when he just told me that? What did I just out myself into?


    "Naya? Have any idea what he just talked about?"


    "No." Came her monotonous reply. She could be like this too and I hated her for it.


    The day went uneventful and I even had time to myself at lunch. Kyle went back to his ss while I was left alone for a while. Jinnah and her girls eyed me from the distance, but couldn''t do anything other than that.


    It was lunch time so I grabbed my things to go to the cafeteria. It wasn''t the usual where I would have lunch with the bunch of bullies or Renee. I was alone. From the other distance, I found Kyle with his buddies having a good time. This was my life now and the protection.


    I took the food tray to the counter.


    "Are you Naya Cod?" The woman with a chef''s cap asked.


    She wasn''t smiling so I couldn''t tell if it was a good question or a bad one.


    "Yes, I am."


    "You are causing havoc in our school. Omega piece of s*t.


    Sleeping with the Alphas for protection huh?" She snapped and I shrugged.


    "You should sleep with them too for protection, dumbass." I fired without hesitation, moving on to the next counter for my meal. She was stupid enough to think that. They were all stupid to think that I slept with the Alphas for protection.


    I never asked for any of it. But doesn''t mean I would love to go back to the former way I lived my life. That life was way terrible than I thought it was now that it was no longer there.


    I took my meal to a quiet spot, watching everyone eat and drink without care in the world. Then I realized this could have been me had I been born normal and not an omega. Probably a beta or something..


    Suddenly, I saw Brooke hugging Kyle from behind. She was all smiles and I knew it was because she was aware of her father''s arrival. Now everyone can have peace of mind. Her eyes lifted for a bit and she found mine.


    1 held my breath, hoping she wouldn''t dare toe over. It won''t be a smooth discussion between the both of us. I smiled when Kyle shrugged her off and she pouted like the baby she was.


    What was she expecting? He was going to wee her with open arms after all he had done? No.

 Chapter 140

    Kyle Storm''s POV


    "Kyle, I am serious!" Brooke whispered in my ears. She was asking me for a chance to speak to her father at the manor since he refused toe home. Her joy was that he was avable for her whenever she wanted to see him.


    It wasn''t my joy. Besides, I didn''t ask Beta Brooke to leave his daughter alone. What is he thinking about doing all of that? Probably as a punishment for bullying Naya. She obviously didn''t get the memo.


    "You cannot. Unless you book an appointment, That''s what everyone does these days." I shrugged, putting a piece of chip into my mouth.


    "Give her what she wants, man. She''s bugging our table." Tim sighed. It was the first time I had seen him this bothered.


    "Well, you can suck my ass." Brooke gave him the middle finger. "I didn''t talk to you, did I? Go bother your sister or something."


    "I am not your boyfriend anymore, Brooke. You are embarrassing yourself by asking me for such a favor." I nced around the table. "How would it look like it? Tim, Sam, and Vic asked me for favors like that just to see my brother." It sounded ridiculous in my ears, and I knew it did to others too.


    Call it whatever you want, it was my lifestyle, and I don''t cut corners to favor someone who has been mean to my mate all these months. I didn''t want to push her away after dating her for so long. She doesn''t deserve it from me. "That would be absurd. But what''s more absurd is that you''re not granting me that favor. We have been together for years!" Sam grinned like the smart wolf he was. I scanned all of them judiciously.


    Tim was my ssmate up until his father was asked to go on a mission to another pack across the realm. The blue pack. They were one of the pack''s members who sorted out an alliance with my father. Over five hundred warriors were asked to go with Tim''s father. Tom. And yes, he had a twin sister named Tami. All the T''s were quiet, but they knew what they were doing.


    Vic was Scar''s son. It was as if scars ran in their family, as Vic had arge scar running from his bushy brows down to his nose. It missed his left eye a bit, as it was bloodshot by the sides. It didn''t stop him from being handsome. Those scars added a bit of ruggedness and masculinity; he almost seemed older than the rest of us. Almost. I had a cute face.


    "You narcissist!" Shadow frowned. He didn''t argue against it though. It meant he agreed too.


    Lastly, Sam was a nerd. A nerd who knew how to y games and fight. He had his eyes on Brooke, but she never knew. I know, but I never asked him to act on his feelings. I should tell him to take her and her baggage. They were getting heavy.


    These boys were always with Zeke and me. The other time the monsters attacked, they were paired with other girls as the strong boys of our ss. These sly bastards had fun during those days. We hadn''t seen much of each other since then, and this was our chance for a reunion, but Brooke was ruining it.


    If there was anyone Zeke wanted for Beta so that Old Beta Brooke would take time off, it should be one of these boys.


    He would have to put them through it to train them. My pick was Vic or Tim.


    Sam was smart; he could work with us, depending on the rules Zeke set. Would he allowputers into the pack or not? That was a question to be answered another day.


    "What are we? Lovers?" I snorted at Sam''s disgusted face.


    All I wanted to do was annoy the hell out of them.


    "Thank you, Sam." Brooke winked at him, which ended up increasing his hope.


    "Forget it. Zeke won''t cut lines for us. You know how he is.


    But Kyle? He would." Vic sipped his juice noisily. He wasn''t the prettiest sight.


    I was hoping he was going to side with me on this. But how can one side with you and insult you at the same time?


    Only Vic could do that. He was an i*diot.


    "Hey! I am just as principled as my brother is..."


    "Threedies, and it will be done." Tim muttered, eating his chips like no mans business. Then he reached over to take mine since my appetite went into the argument.


    "Do this for me, Kyle. I have a request for you." She adjusted her boobs like it was going to make me look at them. The rest of the boys whistled at Brooke''s shameless attitude. It even attracted attention as everyone stared at us openly.


    I get it. I have always been the eye of the group, but this would also bring the attention of... Someone was ring at me from the side. It wasn''t a pretty re. Shadow frowned, trying to pinpoint the location for me.


    "I fear it''s our mate, Kyle. Send Brooke away. Remember, we promised her that Brooke wouldn''t be a problem, but you don''t even have the heart to send her away. This is a love triangle that we do not want to enter. Not as Naya has uncontroble powers."


    "No one knows about that, so we would be fine." I had just whispered to my wolf when I saw her. She was seated ten tables away, but red at me while stabbing her fork at the piece of sd. We wolves had great vision, so it was obvious what she was doing. Warning me, or Brooke?


    I dropped my fork, watching it tter on the table recklessly and noisily.


    "What the hell?" Vic snapped as juice nearly spilled over his body. Tim grabbed it just before itnded on his new clothes.


    "He is pissed off. Don''t add to it." Sam whispered to Vic, who nodded to Tim to let go.


    That was when Brooke knew she had gone overboard. I stood up, grabbed her hands, and dragged her out of the cafeteria while everyone watched. They probably thought we were going in for a quickie.


    It seemed like the boys had an idea of what I was going to do to her. They were unusually quiet.


    Sorry folks, no quickie.


    I pulled Brooke into the closet. It was dark, but I could see her face.


    "Was that a ruse to get us together? It has been ages."


    "We met this morning, Brooke. I told you I have ss." I rolled my eyes, ncing at her supple breasts and averting my gaze. They no longer appealed to me. But Naya''s? Now, that appealed to me. Cold hands dipped into my trousers, holding my c*ck and fumbling it tightly.


    "Now we don''t have anything to do. You brought us here.


    I groaned at the intrusion. Then I grabbed those cold hands. "Stop it, Brooke. You know we aren''t together anymore." My rtionship with Naya was gold. She was smarter than I thought she was, sneakier, a teaser in bed, and knew how to cook. She was a package. Not just because of the mating bond, but because I was warming up to her slowly. She was the purest soul and carried much more in her yet-to-be known.


    Her baggage was okay for me to carry, and if it became too heavy, Zeke could take care of it for me.


    It was perfect.


    "Why? What went wrong? Last week, we were okay. I waited patiently for you because each time I came to the manor, the staff always told me you were busy. I waited because I thought you were helping Zeke with something. Maybe settle down into his office." Brooke wiped the sweat that tickled down her brows. "I came the other time only to hear you were not even in the pack. The both of you! Were you with Naya for three days? I called! Once I told you our next party point, you blew it over the roof, canceling the party." I sighed. It was about the concert at the blood moon pack. I did her a favor, and I did all of them a favor by asking Renee to cancel that sick party. I didn''t even have to ask her. She cancelled it herself. "I didn''t cancel your party... I know you have been patient, but now is not the time, and no time would be best for this. My birthday ising up, and I need my head in the game. Okay?"


    "What does your birthday have to do with this?" Brooke fired back hotly.


    "I don''t understand you!" Shadow yelled through me. He was already irritated that we were locked up in this ce alone. "What if your mate walked through those doors?


    How are you going to exin your open trousers and Brooke?"


    He was right.


    "My birthday has everything to do with us, Brooke." I gestured at the both of us. She should know better; I do not have to exin it to her.


    Her face hurt. "Are you saying I might not be your mate? Is that why you are doing this?"


    I didn''t hear Nayae in.

 Chapter 141

    Kyle''s POV


    ...Just before Naya came in.


    "I am not doing anything, so stop reading meaning into my words. I have nothing more to say to you."


    "Don''t do this to me, Kyle." Her eyes were getting teary now. s**t! This was harder than I thought. Brooke had always been the type to use my emotions against me. She was just as unpredictable, which made me fall in love with her. What tactics was she going to use now to make me fall in love with her all over again?


    I could never tell her my true mate, but I pretend to know on my birthday so that Naya will be safe. They would all attack Naya, both my enemies and Zeke''s enemies. Why not prevent the catastrophe?


    "We have been together; it is too long for you to just throw it all away." Brooke''s voice quivered as she took a step closer, invading my personal space. The closet we were in suddenly felt much smaller. She would never get the memo until I snapped at her, right? But it did not seem right to snap at her at all. We have been together for so long. However, I would always choose Naya over her if it came to that now. I clenched my jaw, struggling to maintain my resolve about the decision in my head.


    "Brooke, it''s over. You need to ept that. I told you my reasons. You need to ept that, keep your fingers crossed, and pray to the goddess that you were meant to be mine from the very beginning." I grabbed her shoulders to stop her from falling. "I have to ask you to stop doing this to yourself."


    She ignored my words.


    "I can''t stop. I can''t..." She ced a hand on my chest, tracing her fingers along the contours of my shirt. It was getting to me, but only out of nostalgia and sentiments. Right, shadow?


    "It was a bad idea to bring her into this closet in the first ce. You know the both of you haven''t had s*x since thest time with Naya. Stop deceiving yourself and get out of this space. You might end up disappointing Naya." Shadow frowned. "If you do, I promise to take over for a week andfort her myself."


    I shook my head. "You will do no such thing, not without my consent. We both have this body together, so we have to work together to put Brooke off. You can''t tell me that after all these years together, you have nothing to show for it."


    "Shut up. I feel nothing for her now that we have found our mate. I feel just friendship and simple care for a member of our pack. I can''t divide my love for our mate with a shameless brat." Shadow huffed. "We had fun; now let go." "Shadow!" I yelled at his insensitivity. That was wrong!


    "It is not wrong. We know how Brooke would react to this.


    She would do anything to make you hers, so don''t bother trying to put her off gently. It won''t prevent the all-girls war." He grumbled. He wasn''t smiling or joking around, like before. This is Shadow being serious.


    Brooke, who was oblivious to Shadow''s bad statement about her, continued. "Remember our first date? That small, makeshift restaurant behind the cafeteria with the candlelit table? Weughed so much that night."


    My heart clenched at the memory. I chuckled. "That was because the Cupid Club begged for a space to recreate a fancy restaurant. They did a very bad job."


    Brooke shook her head. "But we were the first couple everyone voted for. School was fun with you by my side. I didn''t have to think about other things."


    She was talking about the fact that her father left for a mission without notice just to keep her safe. Sfae wasn''t what she wanted. She wanted his presence, and now that he was back, she was happy but not getting his attention. Beta Brooke needed to let his daughter know about his feelings, and likewise, she.


    I took a step back, creating some distance between us.


    "That was a long time ago, Brooke. Things change."


    Brooke''s eyes shimmered with tears, and she blinked them away. "What''s changed, Kyle? We were perfect together. We had our whole future nned out. You can''t just throw that away because of her."


    "What about her?"


    She dares not mention Naya''s name. "Brawn."


    She chose to call her by her bully name. I gritted my teeth, refusing to let her maniption affect me. "I made an announcement saying Zeke and I are the only ones allowed to bully her, including calling her Bully. Be careful; Naya is not the issue." "Look at you spring up in her defense. Is this about the announcement you made today? How about protecting Naya from bullies? What''se over you, Kyle? Are you seriously willing to ruin what we had because of some girl?


    Her frown deepened when I only watched her instead of reacting as badly as I wanted to in my head. "Is there something you are not telling me? Like the day at the manor? Do I have a reason to suspect that she isn''t just your stepsister, but you aremitting incest?" She finished hotly.


    I scoffed. I wasn''t expecting this approach, but she was damn good at what she does. "It''s not about that, Brooke.


    It''s about doing what''s right."


    As expected, Brooke''s frustration turned to anger. It was so fast that I didn''t even have the time to react to it properly.


    "Right? What''s right about pushing me away for some new obsession? You''re so blinded by whatever Naya has that you can''t even see how ridiculous this is. She is frail, an omega, can''t do anything on her own, and always needs assistance like some weakling, a stalker, or a creep. Have you seen her shape and her hair change color to whatever?


    She is dying her hair to spite me, and you know it, yet she is not doing anything or saying anything. Then I woke up this morning to hear that she was under your protection. What happened to bullying her? We used to have fun doing that."


    I was growing tired of this conversation, but Brooke pressed on, her voice rising. "Remember all the fun we had, Kyle? The pranks, the adventures. We used to be unstoppable together. What happened to us?"


    To be honest, the rush of nostalgia was undeniable. We had shared many incredible moments, and I couldn''t help but feel a pang of longing for those carefree days. Those carefree days made everyone see me as an irresponsible one. I didn''t mind at the time, because I was and am still young. But this time was different. Naya was my true mate, and I couldn''t let anything or anyone jeopardize her safety or my reputation for protecting her.


    I took a deep breath and met Brooke''s gaze. "Those were great times, Brooke, but they''re in the past. It''s time for both of us to move on. Goddess willing, you be my mate on my birthday."


    Brooke seemed taken aback for a moment, and her voice softened. "Kyle, please, just think about it. Don''t make a hasty decision that you''ll regret."


    I shook my head, my tone firm. "I''ve thought about it long enough. This is the right choice, and I won''t change my mind." What was she expecting? It won''t be this easy to take her back. She would either have to try hard or fight for my love from Naya. My heart skipped a bit at that. What if Naya backs out in fear? I know how Brooke can be when intimidating someone twice lower than her in size. She would use her beta status to the fullest. Even when Zeke was trying to make more ranks.


    Jeez, the omega would be at the bottom.


    Brooke''s eyes were brimming with tears now, and she whispered, "I never thought I''d lose you like this. To an omega at the end of the day. I thought we were okay."


    "We were not okay. You did not notice the distance or the hurt; you noticed nothing, but Naya noticed it all. We drifted apart from the moment I saw that little wolf standing in front of my father, ring and pouting like she didn''t want to be there in the first ce. I wanted to tell her this, but I said this instead. "I''m sorry, Brooke."


    Before she could respond, the closet door swung open, revealing a shocked Naya standing in the doorway. She had overheard our conversation, and her eyes darted between us, searching for answers.


    "Naya? How long have you been standing there?" I turned to Naya immediately. The light filtering into the room had distracted me. How could I not even sense her presence?


    Did she use the scentless spray?


    Her countenance gave me the impression that she had been there long enough.


    "Long enough." She deadpanned.


    "Sh*t!" I stormed out of the closet, leaving the two of them alone. It was between them now.

 Chapter 142

    Naya Cod POV


    Kyle seemed really happy to be among his friends. They weren''t together all the time, so this was different. The looks on their faces when Brooke showed up told me how they each felt about her. I could never tell their names from here, but they were among the bunch who bullied me thest time I checked.


    They pretty much followed Kyle and Zeke''s lead. Whatever he asked them to do, they did. If he asked them to punish me, they did so without batting an eyelid.


    Such loyal mutts.


    "Hey, that''s disrespectful. They didn''t know better then." Naya muttered under her breath. She had her beady eyes on Kyle and his boys, though.


    "Yeah, right." I sighed.


    ""You know they contributed to my plight. I would never forgive them."


    Naya simply rolled her eyes. "Who said we were going to forgive them? I know their names because I did my research. Vic, Sam, and Tom."


    I narrowed my eyes on Tom, Sam, and Vic. Such simple names, but they looked far from simple. They were the typical friends you would expect Zeke and Kyle to have. Thick, burly, and loud


    "Listen carefully; I won''t repeat myself because they are not worth it." Naya licked her lips hungrily. I had a feeling her mouth watered because of Kyle. I''d admit he looked good in their midst. Those arms...


    "Tim is the short one on his right. His father''s Tom is the idiot who badmouthed you the other day. He gets his energy from Scar, the head warrior."


    "Tim, Tom." I scoffed in mockery. "Let me guess, his sister''s name is Tami."


    Naya was quiet for a while. "Yes."


    "No shit." I rolled my eyes. "Unto the next.


    Naya shook her head. "No. You need to know more about that brat. Thest time Kyle pasted your pictures about the hallway, who did you think helped him?"


    "Tim." I growled in anger. I didn''t even register that I was stabbing my sd. "What about the other two?"


    "They are his silent guards. Sam is the techie nerd. He doesn''t say more than is needed, but he is just as cold as the rest of them. However, Zeke loves to keep him closer than the rest. Vic is loud, messy, and reckless. He is also Scar''s son."


    They were all checking the right boxes for revenge. The fact that Sam was closer to Zeke made me want to eat him raw.


    Gosh! I am so angry.


    "We will get our revenge in due time. I am just wondering why we never noticed this trio around Zeke and Kyle." Naya sides with me this time. "Because they did his dirty work. Laying traps for me and setting up girls for Kyle to hook up with. Five of them shouldn''te together." I said. "They should."


    I paused a bit as Naya''s words sank in. "Why? We need to separate them. They influence my boys in a bad way."


    "They were just following the lead of the Alpha. They didn''t do any real damage. Whenever it got to a point, they would back out. Haven''t you noticed that Kyle and Zeke were keeping them close for a reason? They fight well! He might choose his Beta out of the three of them."


    That didn''t sound right in my ears. "I am not sure that."


    "I don''t think we should focus on them right now.


    Iing!" Naya screamed like the dramatic wolf she was.


    "Bully alert, bully alert!" She crouched low in defense. "And she is going closer, closer to what is ours!"


    I was wondering what she was talking about until I saw her. Brooke Bentley is all over Kyle like a slut. She hugged him from behind, pouting and whispering into his ears.


    There was grumbling from the boys.


    "I can''t hear sh*t. They are so far away."


    "You could have chosen to sit close, but you chose to sit here like a creep." Naya''s annoyance was irking me.


    "Why do I feel like you me me for Brooke''s advancement? Why don''t you take over and get her off our man?" I snapped back.


    "Fine. Let''s just watch and see if she goes past this." Naya growled. She was in a defensive position, and it amused me greatly. What could she do with my mind?


    "Oh, I can do things, Naya. Things.


    "she finished wickedly.


    I shuddered at the thought of what Naya could do. The first time I saw her looking deranged, I knew that she was capable of doing anything she wanted. She was the wiser and crazier version of me. Suddenly, a tter from Kyles table caught my attention.


    Naya grinned. "Oh, sh*t, Kyle is pissed."


    I could see the veins under his arms, and his brows furrowed like he had just eaten a sour fruit. He seemed repulsed by something Brooke said.


    "sh*t, we haven''t been paying attention to what they are doing."


    "You haven''t, but I have. Brooke did something really bad." Naya trailed off, yet she refused to tell me what she did.


    She didn''t have to tell me. I saw her do it again.


    This time Kyle pulled her hands, and they went out of the cafeteria together.


    "Don''t tell me they are going to do something together." I got up immediately, running after them. Lunch was forgotten in the meantime.


    I trailed after them, but they were nowhere to be found. The hall was empty because everyone apparently went to eat.


    The only ones outside the school and in the fields were losers like me. Once upon a time,te my lunch in the school field or indoor sports halls. Now, I was allowed to eat at the cafeteria.


    All I had to do was sniff the air, and I caught a whiff of Kyle''s cologne. The same type he put on this morning.


    Itled me towards the closet, not far from the first ssroom. I tiptoed close and pressed my ear against the door, trying to catch every word. My legs were quiet from experience. It was quiet there, and I thought they heard something. But Kyle''s voice stopped my thoughts.


    "I am not doing anything, so stop reading meaning into my words. I have nothing more to say to you."


    His voice was firm, but I sensed an underlying struggle. He wasn''t trying to throw her off in the harshest way possible.


    It was a surprise that he hadn''t heard me yet. Or he has pretended not to pay attention.


    "Don''t do this to me, Kyle." Her voice quivered, and the vulnerability in her words tugged at my emotions. I felt like an intruder in their rtionship, when it was in fact my right to be Kyle''s mate. I wondered what was happening inside that closet, and part of me questioned if I should continue listening.


    "We have been together, it is too long for you to just throw it all away."


    As Brooke spoke, I could sense the desperation in her voice.


    She was getting really desperate now. It was getting pathetic, too.


    Naya clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Let him get this over with. He promised you!"


    I nodded. "But it doesn''t seem right to snap at her at all.


    They have been together for so long." My words shocked me. That was the effect Brooke had on everyone. She would make you look like the evil one when she was, in fact, the wicked, self-conscientious... All I wanted was for Kyle to end it with Brooke. That was all. "Shut the f**k up." Naya snapped at me. It was either her or Brooke.


    "Brooke, it''s over. You need to ept that."


    His words were resolute, but there was an undeniable pain in his voice. I couldn''t help but question the morality of continuing to listen, yet the drama unfolding was too captivating to resist. Kyle would never be happy to see me here. But he should have perceived my wolf, at least. That''s how true mates find each other...


    It was obvious Brooke wasn''t going to take Kyle''s refusal for an answer. His words flew over her head.


    ''I can''t stop. I can''t...


    "Remember our first date? That small, makeshift restaurant behind the cafeteria with the candlelit table? Weughed so much that night."


    "They had a first date?" Naya gasped dramatically, but I knew that was how she felt, and I felt the same way too.


    How dare she tell him that?


    She was trying really hard.


    It broke my heart to hear Kyle''s alluring chuckle. "That was because the Cupid Club begged for a space to recreate a fancy restaurant. They did a very bad job."


    "But we were the first couple everyone voted for. School was fun with you by my side. I didn''t have to think about other things."


    "That was a long time ago, Brooke. Things change."


    Yes! Tell her, Kyle. Tell her.


    "What''s changed, Kyle? We were perfect together. We had our whole future nned out. You can''t just throw that away because of her."


    I held my breath.

 Chapter 143

    "I want to know what he would say in your defense. That girl needs some spanking."


    "I agree." I nodded my head at Naya''s angry mutterings. wouldn''t mind her taking over just to teach Brooke a lesson.


    If I thought I heard it all, I was wrong, and her next words pissed me off beyond my imagination.


    "Look at you spring up in her defense. Is this about the announcement you made today? How about protecting Naya from bullies? What''se over you, Kyle? Are you seriously willing to ruin what we had because of some girl?


    Her frown deepened when I only watched her instead of reacting as badly as I wanted to in my head. "Is there something you are not telling me? Like the day at the manor? Do I have a reason to suspect that she isn''t just your stepsister, but you aremitting incest?"


    "Alright, that''s it. I am going in there to woop her ass. Don''t even dare to stop me."


    "I


    I agree with you." I said it absentmindedly. Frankly, I do not care what Naya decides to do. All I wanted to hear was Kyle''s reply to all of this. We weren''t rted by blood, but trust Brooke to say whatever she wanted to sway Kyle''s mind against me. I hoped what she was doing was failing to drag Kyle over to her side. I expected Kyle to be repulsed by her choice of words. I was wrong again because he sounded calm the next moment. It was as if he wasn''t fazed by her harsh words. For how long did he n this? "It''s not about that, Brooke. It''s about doing what''s right."


    It was the same time he used on me whenever I was angry.


    Zeke usually did that too. For no reason, then it dawned on me that their voice went that low whenever they wanted you to understand.


    To understand, it wasn''t their fault things were going sideways. However, that voice usually did the opposite for me. If I was just understanding his approach, how about Brooke, who had been with him all these years? Would she understand, or would she see red? Brooke chose theter.


    "Right? What''s right about pushing me away for some new obsession? You''re so blinded by whatever Naya has that you can''t even see how ridiculous this is. She is frail, an omega, can''t do anything on her own, and always needs assistance like some weakling, a stalker, or a creep. Have you seen her shape and her hair change color to whatever?


    She is dying her hair to spite me, and you know it, yet she is not doing anything or saying anything. Then I woke up this morning to hear that she was under your protection. What happened to bullying her? We used to have fun doing that."


    Oh, that hurt. That hurt so bad. It hurt to know that I was their source of reconciliation before now. It hurt to know that I was a source of amusement and entertainment for their Cupid date.


    "That was before you knew the real Kyle." Nayapleted it for me. She sounded really hurt too, and I could feel her anxious emotions running through me like they were mine. They were mine.


    "The real Kyle." I breathed out. It was a relief that I was getting to know the real Kyle and not the fake Kyle who lied at every turn and manipted everyone just to get his way. This was the real Kyle.


    The sweet one who wouldb my bushy hair even though we werete for school. The one who would tease me yet follow me into ss. He even threatened me. He didn''t go through it, though. He was the one who kept me on my toes. I am always alert and excited around him because of how unpredictable he is. He was my source of energy. Always yful, always smiling, and always happy. He knew what to say at the right time, too.


    I would never lose him to Brooke. No matter how long their rtionshipsted or how I felt like an intruder, Kyle was mine. I would never let him go.


    Kyle was saying nothing about her silly form of fun.


    "He is saying nothing, Naya." I whispered to Naya, who was suddenly calm.


    "Just wait... Kyle won''t disappoint us." She was sure, really sure.


    "Even after the rumors?" I closed my eyes to stop my mind from shing those crazy rumors at me. It was all over the school how Kyle was a man w***e. He loved thedies, and thedies loved him. He basically lived in a motel, and no one questioned his s*xual life.


    It was healthy. Note my sacarsm.


    "Remember all the fun we had, Kyle? The pranks, the adventures. We used to be unstoppable together. What happened to us?"


    Oh, they had fun together.


    "I am boring and in. I''m never measuring what Brooke''s saying she did for him. I mean, he got his share of fun from bullying me. Would he ask me to tag along whenever he wanted to bully someone else?" My eyes widened at the thought of doing that to someone else.


    "You are taking it too far," Naya began.


    "And you are being too optimistic for my liking!" I snapped, clearly having it enough with her siding with him. Don''t these thoughts run through her mind sometimes? Or was she just blinded by the mating frenzy? Jeez.


    "I am not optimistic." Naya''s small voice made me pause.


    Whenever she talked like this, it made me anxious. It meant she was about to say something ''wise! "I am just trying to hope for the best."


    "Potato, potato, the same thing." I rolled my eyes.


    "No. This is different. We wolves have a lot of insecurities, and it''s over tenfold for us omegas. Do you know that?"


    I sighed. "Of course, I know."


    "That''s why I am trying to strike a bnce here. You can be pessimistic all you like, but I won''t allow the both of us to fall into depression at the same time. Someone has to carry both, and I choose to be that person. Is that so bad?"


    1 licked my dry lips. She was making sense, and I was just being a bitch. She has always been the one to carry my emotions, which lie everywhere. I shut her out and made her weaker than usual. It was all my fault. "I am sorry."


    Naya chuckled. "Don''t be. Or you can be sorry; I don''t care."


    "Hey, I am trying to apologize here."


    "Well don''t." She pushed my words away gently. "Stop apologizing. I took up this role for both of us. It doesn''t mean I do not have doubts about Kyle. This must be new to him too, so cut him some ck."


    "It''s funny how you can act like a friend, a mother, and a bitch at the same time. Oh, did I forget to add... you act like a little s**t too?" I pressed my ears against the doors to hear more. The way I talk to Naya in my head is different from normal. I could have a full conversation with Naya in my head and still meet up with my discussion outside my head. I guess it was due to the fact that we both feel the same thing, and it''s far easier tomunicate without barriers.


    "I love you too, Naya." She grinned.


    I took a deep breath as Kyle''s sweet voice filled the closet.


    "Those were great times, Brooke, but they''re in the past. It''s time for both of us to move on. Goddess willing, you be my mate on my birthday."


    That brought a smile to my face. He knew it would never happen, but he was trying to make it not look like his fault.


    My mate was smarter than I thought! If Brooke was smart, she would sense Kyle already knew his mate, which was why he was distancing himself from her.


    I mean, even if he doesn''t know his mate, he shouldn''t break it off if he really loves her. That was a reasonable exnation. My smile widened. He was doing all these things for me.


    "Kyle, please, just think about it. Don''t make a hasty decision that you''ll regret."


    I may not make Kyle so happy or agree to bullying, but I will make sure we have fun in our own way. I smirked evilly.


    "I''ve thought about it long enough. This is the right choice, and I won''t change my mind."


    Naya trailed with joy in my mind. "I told you, Naya. Kyle won''t give in. Never mind about how boring you are... The mating bond will do the rest! Besides, with Zeke and himbined, I don''t think they would ever run out of entertainment. You in particr." There were already a handful. What made me think I didn''t fascinate them as much as they fascinated me? Who was I kidding?


    "I never thought I''d lose you like this. To an omega at the end of the day. I thought we were okay." Brooke sounded like she was crying already.


    I should tease Kyle about itter.


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea." Naya began to object.


    "I meant a good day. Jeez, Naya."


    "I rolled my eyes to the heavens.


    Kyle''s next words shocked me to the core. It made me understand something.


    "I''m sorry, Brooke." His voice was sad and helpless.


    I wasn''t the reason why Kyle broke it off. He had always wanted to, and I was thest straw that broke Carmel''s back. It also meant that even if I didn''te along, he wouldn''t have been with her. This gave me hope.


    Delusional hope?


    I didn''t want to hear anymore, so I turned the door knob myself to see Brooke''s hand on his shirt, squeezing tightly, and Kyle just watching her with unremorseful eyes. I tilted my head to the side. Does Brooke even know what Kyle did behind her back? She ought to know, or maybe Kyle was just good at hiding it.


    Kyle turned to me. He did not look surprised, even though his voice sounded like he was surprised. Sly wolf... He knew I was here all along.


    He was Alpha. That was no way..


    "Now, you call him Alpha. I do not understand you." Naya shook her head in amusement.


    "Shh," I simply said.


    "Naya? How long have you been standing there?" He asked.


    I shrugged. How dare he act like he did not know I was here all this time? "Long enough."


    "g**t!" Kyle muttered, walking past me. Great! I knew he wouldn''t be happy to see me here, but I could care less. I eyed Brooke with a small smile. She had tears on her face.


    Oh, and a re directed at me too.


    "I have always wanted to ask you this question." I frowned.


    She sighed. "I don''t have your time, Brawn. What is it?"


    She was asking, like she didn''t just insult me two minutes ago. She really has no shame.


    "Did you know Kyle was sleeping around? I mean, you could have known, right?"


    I raised an eyebrow when Brooke chuckled


    "I knew. I stayed. Is that answer okay for you? Can you do that?" She was merciless. I should have expected that.


    "What do you mean?" I chose to feign ignorance.


    "Oh, please. I know Kyle''s f**vcking you. How is it? He is good in bed, right? Every girl said so." She wiped her tears gently.


    I bit my lips to hide my anxious state. sh*t. She was pressing the right buttons, no matter how hard I tried to ignore her words.


    "Cat''s got your tongue? You aren''t this quiet. You always have something to say. If you are quiet, it means I am right." She smirked as if she hadn''t been crying seconds ago. "If you cannot deal with his sh*t, you can leave him alone. I don''t want you to go through unnecessary pain."


    "When did she think to give you advise? b***h!" Naya cussed from the darkness. She wasn''t acting out like before.


    I blinked. The more I keep quiet, the more she thinks she is winning. I climbed into the closet, closing the door behind me.


    Her eyes widened. "What are you doing?"


    "Haven''t you heard?"


    She scoffed. "You have the audacity toe in here with me alone. I could break you easily. And that stupid Alpha protection? It only works after I beat your a*s. They will chase people away from you. You will only be lonely because no one would want to be your friend, no one would want to date you, no one would..."


    The purpledy began to prickle my skin. I could feel the energy radiating under my skin. Without thinking, I yanked hard at her perfectly styled blonde hair. I yanked really hard, pulling some strands with me.


    When she wanted to pull at mine, I pulled my head back.


    She couldn''t get to me. Her loud agony shrieks filled the closet.


    "Listen carefully." I whispered into her ears. "Zeke and Kyle are mine. I am prepared to do whatever it takes to make them mine."


    My energy cracked like wildfire under my skin. My strength increased by tenfold as I squeezed tighter at her hair. Her screams became louder.


    It was going to draw attention.


    "Shut up!" I thundered angrily, and she did. Her mouth mped shut, just the way I wanted. Her eyes were getting red, and tears poured down like rain. Her screams turned into heavy sobs of pain. "I never had friends in this school. I have Zeke, Kyle, and Ren¨¦e. They are enough for me. If youe in the way of that, I will kill you." With that, I released her hair, and she slumped to the floor.


    I opened the door to find Kyle outside, waiting for me. I blinked uncontrobly as the purpledy receded.


    His face was expressionless. He heard everything.


    He heard me say he was mine.

 Chapter 144

    Zeke''s POV


    "Sh*t!" I closed the file. This was the third file in three minutes, and they didn''t stoping!


    A knock at the door granted me temporary relief.


    "Come in."


    I wasn''t shocked to see Marleye in with a smile. She has been everywheretely. I sighed. "What is it, Marley?" I wasn''t entirely pleased to see her. Not after the stunt she pulled the other day with me and Naya. It was humiliating to both of us. "You have been avoiding me." She started without pleasantries. Well, it was better; she went straight to the point. I was stressed already.


    "I have." I replied, opening the file again. It''s better to act busy than waste my time with her. "It is obvious."


    Marley took her seat immediately. "I told you I was sorry. I am sorry for everything."


    I nced through the paper. It was a petition for a new pack house to be built since the old one was falling in. This was the fifth time the petition would go through my office. I haven''t given approval for any.


    Our economy wasn''t promising because of theck of support from the other Alphas across the realms. They were not upholding the end of their deal, despite the alliance my father promised. We were bare, but we''re covering their backs. How cruel.


    I closed the file again, dumping it among those for review. I would address those after I have gone through half of the mountain of files.


    However, Marley''s eyes didn''t miss my actions. "What was that?" She snatched the file, opening it immediately.


    "I thought you came here to apologize." My voice was hard.


    She dropped the file. "I know I deserve to be punished for my actions."


    I paused to re at her. "Do you want to be punished?"


    She jutted out her lower lips like she was about to cry. She was trying to look cute. Seriously? "You have been unusually lenient."


    The frustration was beginning to get to me. "Because I have more important things to do than settle the feud in my family. You were Luna. I expected you to take care of family issues, but you are doing the opposite. I don''t need you here." I was acting cold, but she should expect this. She sat in my chair to dictate my role. She filed my rage rampage and insulted my mate.


    It won''t be easy to forgive her, even though she has been a mother figure to me


    Her eyes widened in shock. "Zeke...


    I frowned. "Alpha Zeke to you."


    A sad whine escaped her lips, causing me to look at her. "I said I was sorry. But I think it shouldn''t concern you how I talk to my daughter."


    I raised my eyes. "Naya?" She is my mate, woman!


    "Yes, Naya. I will ept your harsh words as my punishment. But I came here to report an important matter to you."


    "What?" Her presence was beginning to infuriate me.


    "The elders need an heir. You know what that means, right?"


    "Stop beating about the bush!" I growled, not in the mood for her shenanigans.


    Marley clicked the roof of her tongue. I knew she was getting annoyed too, but her expression was normal. She was putting on her usual red lipstick. Her gown was sleeveless and showed her big, bouncy breasts. It was quite clear that Naya took after her. "The elders need you to get a mate so that you can produce heirs for the throne. The elders are not to be put aside, you know."


    I rolled my eyes. "Do you know Elder Freya was stripped of her powers?"


    Marley raised an eyebrow. Oh, she wasn''t aware. Even though she had eyes and ears in the pack, "How did that happen?"


    I narrowed my eyes to find a hint of a lie. It turned out she wasn''t lying. She really doesn''t know about it. I tried to remember where she was after she was free from my rage rampage. My mind coulde up with nothing. I didn''t even see her around. Where was she? "Where were you after thest incident?" I was curious now.


    Marley refused to meet my eyes. I-I- went to sleep. I was so exhausted from keeping my head at a point."


    I licked my dry lips. "You didn''t hear anything strange?"


    She shook her head. "No one told me anything. I guess it must have been really confidential for no one to tell me anything. What was it about? Does it rte to Elder Freya?" She was getting really inquisitive. Her eyes bulged as she asked those questions. She wanted to know.


    I chuckled. "No one is above punishment." I emphasized thest part so she would be aware of that and control her actions. "The elderly one used Naya as a vessel to punish elder Freya. She was stripped of her powers. I didn''t tell you this to mock her." I didn''t even get to finish because Marley wasughing. She wasughing hard.


    "Stripped of her powers? That''s hrious! Old Hag got what she deserved." Marley continuedughing, and I couldn''t understand herck of empathy. What really transpired between the both of them when I was away at the Blood moon pack? I knew elder Freya wasn''t a lovable person, but Marley had told me to get on her good side.


    What changed?


    "This isn''t a joke, Marley. It''s a serious matter."


    She finally managed topose herself, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. "Oh,e on, Zeke. You have to admit, it''s a little amusing. The mighty elder was brought down by the Moon Goddess herself. It''s amazing!" "The elderly one."


    "They are one, aren''t they? Sisters?" She inquired.


    I shook my head, trying to understand how Marley could find humor in someone''s downfall. "It''s not something to mock. The elderly one and the moon goddess made you Luna. They are one."


    Marley''s eyes became hard. "I was Luna out of my hard work."


    For a moment, I wondered what she meant by that word.


    Who bes Luna through hard work? Once you are the mate of an Alpha, you be a Luna. It was automatic. It meant the moon goddess chose you to rule the pack.


    Marley was Father''s second chance mate. She left her own mate for her father I appreciate that, but it didn''t excuse what she did. The moon goddess works in mysterious ways, and she has been a great help to the pack. The moon goddess is never at fault. The ones at fault are us.


    Her hands waved off my concern. "Unity, division-it''s all the same in the grand scheme of things. Besides, Elder Freya was never a fan of unity. Always scheming and plotting."


    I sighed, realizing that arguing with Marley about morals was like trying to catch the wind. She wasn''t wrong about Elder Freya. "Let''s focus on the issue at hand. The elders want me to get a mate for the sake of producing heirs."


    Marley''s eyes lit up, and she leaned forward. "Finally! That''s the news I''ve been waiting for. We need little Alphas running around. It''s good for the pack''s image, you know?"


    I raised an eyebrow at her sudden enthusiasm. "I''m not doing it for the pack''s image. I''ll find a mate when the time is right." Naya was my mate, and it would take time to break the news to the pack. There were so many things to put in ce just to protect her image. I needed to abolish the ranks and create new ones.


    Marley smirked, twirling a strand of her hair. "Zeke, dear, the time is always right. Especially when you have someone willing and ready."


    Wait... what?


    I eyed her. "Marley, we''re not having this conversation. I''m not interested in discussing my personal life with you." And that was final. Thest time we had this discussion was in my room. Naya was in the closet at that time. Those were embarrassing moments. She pouted, feigning innocence. "Why not? We used to be close. I''ve always looked out for you."


    "Times change, Marley. I have responsibilities now." This was getting out of hand. I nced at the mountain of files on my table.


    Her expression shifted, and she leaned back, her eyes narrowing. "Responsibilities or a certain little omega?" Her attempt at mockery was evident.


    It was ring and prickling at my skin.


    clenched my jaw. She was insulting Naya, and I wouldn''t take it. "That''s none of your business!


    Marleyughed again. "Oh, but it is, Alpha Zeke. You can have your fun, but you know what''s important."


    I shot her a cold re. "I''ll ept my mate in a few days."


    Marley leaned closer, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Mate or not, don''t let your judgment be clouded by... sentimental attachments."


    My eyes narrowed, and I pushed back my chair, standing up. "Enough, Marley. I won''t tolerate disrespect toward me.


    You can leave now. I have more important matters to attend to."


    She opened her mouth to say more, but mped it shut and left. The conversation was over. But it got to me.


    Marley wanted me to pick her instead of my mate.

 Chapter 145

    Zeke''s POV


    It was 5:47 p.m.


    I got up after hours of signing the files. My limbs felt heavy, and my bones dragged along like leads. I grabbed my coat from the hanger and was about to leave when my phone vibrated. We forget we have a phone sometimes.


    I swiped to the right, expecting Beta Brooke. He never disappointed, as his deep voice filled the other side of the phone. He could have just walked in here and reported to me.


    "I am at Reid''s apartment. His mate demands that you see them and stop sending people her way."


    What the heck was going on? Beta Brooke was supposed to be at the site. What was he doing at Reid''s ce? "I sent Elder Freya there for a reason. And what are you doing there? There was a long pause. "I came to pay my respects. You should be here."


    I scoffed. "And tell her what? I mean, what do you want me to tell her children? I mistakenly killed her mate. The goddess might not be so generous as to let her have a second chance. I ruined her life. I can''t go there, and you know it."


    "This isn''t the Alpha I promised to train." Beta Brooke''s sharp voice made me pause.


    "You promised to listen to your wolf."


    "I am listening." I snapped back.


    "No, you are not. What does he think about this?"


    I clicked the roof of my tongue in annoyance. Damn! Beta Brooke was right. I can''t keep avoiding this. Thest time, me wasn''t in agreement with my decisions, and neither was Naya. We talked about this, but I am just being stubborn. I tried to reach out to me, but he was quiet as usual. He didn''t bother to respond to my call.


    All I could feel were his emotions, which were locked up against me. It was like a big metal door over my thoughts in my head!


    "He is quiet."


    "It means he wants you to make a decision. s**t! Alpha, you have to be here. Tyta has refused to acknowledge Reid''s body until you are here to exin what happened. She said it couldn''t just end this way."


    I sighed at Beta Brooke''s attempt to make mee over.


    "Are you telling me this so that I can screw up again?"


    "No. I am telling you that we all lose people. But as Alpha, you have the responsibility to carry everyone''s burden. For every death that urs, you will bear the burden. That''s why you are Alpha. You are our leader. Tyta and her children need your words. Just a word. You will be amazed."


    I contemted Beta Brooke''s words deeply. Does it mean that my father went through the heartbreak of losing his loved ones? Mother, the pack warriors, and others. He must have felt lonely when Beta Brooke went on the mission and never returned for a report. He bore it all alone.


    While I and Zeke gave him the biggest headaches of his life.


    People must have med him. Brooke Bentley must have resented my father for letting Beta Brooke go on such a journey then. She clung to Kyle like a parasite in the hopes she would get first-hand news of her father''s whereabouts. This was it.


    "I am on my way." I simply replied before hanging up the phone.


    I ran my hands through my hair to give it a more appealing look, and I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. One more stop, and then I am soaked in the bathtub. Hopefully, Naya will join me or something.


    "I hope she does." me''s hoarse voice scares the s*it out of me.


    "What the heck?" I bellowed. "You only talk to me whenever it concerns Naya. Am I of no significance to you?"


    "You are annoyingly stubborn, Zeke. I can''t deal with you and Naya together. Neither Kyle."


    "I talk with Kyle just fine. What? Shadow''s giving you the stink eye." I rolled my eyes. He knew what he did. He has offended Shadow twice. First, at the Blood moon pack and secondly, during the rage rampage. It was all about our mate and how we treated her. "Yes, and it''s all your fault."


    "Both our faults, me. But don''t worry; Kyle is fine. If he isn''t, he would let us know."


    me nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you are right. He would tell us. He is not one to hide his feelings."


    I sniffed, wondering what I would say to Tyta.


    She was a fierce woman who would rather meet with my father for her needs. She never speaks to Marley or me. As for Kyle? I wasn''t so sure.


    Speaking of Naya and Kyle, those two weren''t back from school, and neither were they back from my errand. I asked Kyle to speak to Mrs. Lou. I needed her at the manor to speak about Mr. Baron. She needed to tell me what she knew. I needed to know if she was the spy we had been looking for.


    "The words you need wille out naturally. You were driven by rage...".


    "A bad trait for a leader." I chipped in.


    "It was triggered, and you are putting things in ce to make sure it doesn''t happen again." me grumbled in annoyance.


    "I barely did anything." I added. There was so much to do and nothing to do. Without help, I would get swallowed up by work and never have fun. Today, I had to send the teacher away so that I could concentrate on my work.


    I wasn''t exactly in my best mood.


    I slipped into the car. "I don''t want to drive." I mumbled, hitting the steering wheel.


    "Then put the car in auto-drive and shut the heck up!" me yelled, disappearing into the darkness.


    I turned the ignition key just to spite him. "No." With that, I pushed the brakes and drove out of the garage. I was such a simple Alpha with no guard.


    Ha!


    Father had guards everywhere he went. They couldn''t save his life. So pathetic. It was no secret where Reid''s house was. It was father away from the manor and into the woods. Reid was a quiet man, so he didn''t like living where people could easily find him. He was lucky he had a calm mate too. Calm enough for Reid to handle. Jeez. To me, she was fierce, and I didn''t mean Naya''s type of fierce, but the over-the-top type of fierce.


    "Aren''t we there yet? I could get lost in the woods."


    "You didn''t pay attention to the lessons, did you?"


    "What stupid lesson? Never get lost in the woods?"


    "No! Navigation! You always ask this of me. I should warn you; I won''t tell you everything."


    "But that''s why you are here."


    "Many would think I am arguing with my mate. Shut up, Zeke. I am sick of your voice already." me snapped.


    That was when Reid''s house came into view. It was a small cottage built in the middle of the woods. Certainly not easy to find. I nced around. It was quiet. It wasn''t the kind of quiet I liked.


    I parked my car where it wouldn''t be hard to find itter.


    Then I walked closer to his house. I haven''t been in this ce in, like, forever. Thest time I was here... I couldn''t remember, but there were some things that looked familiar, like the swing at the side of the house. Those should be for his children. "Jeez, Zeke, you shouldn''t have done that. You should allow Marley to pay for what she did. It won''t make you weak to punish the former Luna of the pack." me spoke like a thief.


    "Marley adores me. My silence is enough punishment for her."


    "She made you kill a man."


    "But I killed him. She didn''t. We have to take responsibility for that. That''s what being an alpha entails."


    "Wow."


    "What?"


    "You sound like an old man."


    "Beta Brooke?"


    "Even better."


    I chuckled half-heartedly, walking up the pouch. Then I knocked once. The door opened immediately. I was shocked to see how empty but neat the whole room was.


    Beta Brooke was seated at the side; Reid''s body, covered in a white cloth, was on the floor, while Tyta and her children were seated in the chair, staring into nothing. It was really sad here.


    What''s worse? There were no family or friends. No Elder Freya here. Sh*t.


    "Tyta." I called. It was as if her vacant eyes just recognized me after a while of standing here and doing nothing.


    "Alpha Zeke?" She pulled away from her children to stand.


    Her voice was calm-too calm for my liking.


    Sh*t.


    "You came." Tears began to pour from her eyes. "After an elder came, your beta... you must be f*vcking important." She finished sarcastically. "Tyta.."


    "You remember my f*vcking name." Tyta smirked through her tears. Her eyes zed with anger.

 Chapter 146

    Zeke''s


    POV


    "Tyta." I tried to reason with her, but she had a ridiculous look on her face.


    "You have nervesing here," she sniffled, gesturing for her children toe closer to her. "This is Storm and Felix. Children, that''s your godfather''s son. Alpha Zeke."


    sighed when the children''s eyes widened with shock. I didn''t know which was Felix or Storm. Strange, because Storm was my father''s name. It did not matter how strange it was for now. "Hi kids." I ignored Beta Brooke''s weird look of ''what the heck was that'' because one of them ran up to me with his fists balled in anger.


    "Give me back, my dad! You are the Alpha! Give me back, my dad!"


    I grabbed his small fists to stop him. "I am sorry." He was strong for a kid. I had to tell him.


    "Bring him back!" The second one ran up to me and started hitting too. "Alphas have the power to bring people back from the dead. You can do that!"


    "Why didn''t you ask the elderdy?"


    The boy paused with a sad look. "I did, but she said she didn''t have her powers. She said you could do something about that. So give her power back. We need it to bring dad back!" He resumed hitting me below the belt. Literally.


    I tried to stop both of them. Then I realized something. Tyta didn''t tell them I was the one who snapped their father''s neck. I nced at her, but she wasn''t looking at me. She was looking at Reid, who was covered in white sheets. He hasn''t started to rot or smell. He would soon.


    I squatted at the level of the kids. "Hey, it is alright. I will do everything I can."


    "Don''t say what you can''t do, Alpha." Tyta bit back. Of course, Beta Brooke couldn''t hold off the truth, and I didn''t give anyone orders to withhold the truth of what happened at the manor from her. I wanted her to know the truth. We would have that talkter. Felix and Storm were staring at me with anticipation. They wanted to hear meplete my words without asking.


    They wanted to know if I would revive their father. I smiled at their expectations, then I held both their hands.


    "Come, tell me all about your father." I simply said, walking out of the house to the amazement of Beta Brooke and Tyta. I was surprised that Tyta refused to say a word about what I was about to do.


    Felix and Storm hesitated for a moment but followed me outside. I led them to a quiet spot near a tree, away from the depressing atmosphere inside the house. The air was thick with tension, and I needed to divert their attention before Tyta unleashed her fury upon me. It will being fast.


    "Let''s sit here," I suggested, guiding them to a stone. They reluctantly sat on a stone, eyeing me with suspicion and curiosity. They were still expectant.


    "Now, tell me about your father," I encouraged, giving them space to open up. It was evident that they were grappling with their emotions just toprehend the sudden loss of their father. They were kids, but they were so mature. They reminded me of myself. Storm chose to speak first. "Dad was strong. He always protected us, and he taught us how to fight. He said we needed to be strong to survive in this world."


    Felix nodded in agreement. "He was strict but fair. He loved telling us stories about the manor, especially about you and your brother."


    I listened attentively, letting them share memories of their father. "Yet you couldn''t recognize me?"


    "You look different." Storm provided an answer. He was certainly Tyta in boy''s form. Felix was more like Reid. He even braided his hair like his father. His look-alike. I couldn''t bear to look at him for long. It was heartbreaking to see the pain in their eyes, and I couldn''t help but feel responsible for their suffering.


    "I do." The Alpha gene wasn''t a joke.


    After a while, they fell silent, and Felix finally asked, pointing at his brother. "Why does he have the same name as you, Alpha Zeke?"


    I was about to ask the same thing! I took a deep breath, preparing myself for a difficult conversation. Who knew the answer? "Your mother said my father is your godfather.


    That''s all I know."


    "What sort of exnation was that?" me asked in shock.


    "Shh..." I shunned him.


    Felix''s eyes widened, absorbing the information. "So, you''re like, his son too?"


    It was clear.


    "In a way, yes," I admitted.


    "Cool! You are Alpha, and you chose to talk with us. Why?" I rubbed the bridge of my nose. Children... I was supposed to break things down for them so they wouldn''t ask me annoying questions. "My rtionship with your dad..." "It was awesome, and that''s why you will bring him back to life, right?" Storm asked again.


    "It''s moreplicated than that. Your dad and I didn''t have a typical father-son rtionship. We were close until we weren''t, and I wasn''t on good terms with him till his death."


    "Why?" Storm asked, his brow furrowing. "Does that mean you wouldn''t bring him back to life?"


    Urgh! That''s not the point, kid. I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "It''s a long story, but your dad and I had differences. He couldn''t agree with some of my decisions as an alpha, and it created a rift between us." Storms gaze became more intense. "Did you fight him?"


    I sighed, feeling the weight of my actions. "Yes, we had a confrontation. But I never wanted it to end the way it did." We didn''t have a confrontation. He didn''t even stand a chance to fight me as I ripped his head out. "Why did it end that way?" Felix questioned, his eyes searching for answers.


    "Tell them and stop beating about the bush." me snapped. He was harsh. "This is being an Alpha, remember?"


    "I lost control of my anger, and it led to a tragedy," ! confessed, my voice heavy with regret. "I never meant for any of this to happen."


    "You killed him, Zeke! You took away their father!" Tyta''s bitter voice made me pause. She had been listening in on my talk with the children. She had every right to know what I was saying to her kids. I wasn''t surprised when she stepped forward, her eyes zing with anger. You are Alpha, and you used that to your advantage."


    To what gain? There was no point in denying that fact. I nodded, acknowledging the truth. "I know, Tyta. And I''m sorry."


    She scoffed, hatred evident in her voice. "Sorry won''t bring him back. Sorry won''t undo the pain you''ve caused. Sorry won''t bring back my mate. Sorry won''t bring back my children''s father. You have to bear the consequences of losing control. I was never in support of you bing Alpha. I told Reid. Reid said you would do good, yet you killed him. Wasn''t he supportive enough? He did everything you asked him to do like a puppet."


    "I understand the weight of my actions," I said, looking directly at Tyta. "But I want to make amends. I''ll do everything in my power to help Felix and Storm, to guide them, and to ensure they have the support they need."


    "You killed dad and brought us here to talk it out?" Storm''s lips jutted out. He was trembling as tears poured out of his eyes.


    "Shit." Tyta sniffled, proceeding to close her son''s ears with her hands. It was toote. "Baby, it''s not like that." She whispered to Storm. Then to Felix, she snapped. "Felix, take your brother inside."


    "Why did you name me Storm? Why do I bear the same name as him?" Storm was staring at me with hatred now. Sh*t.


    Tyta''s mouth trembled. She didn''t know what to tell her son.


    "I will take the boys inside, Tyta." Beta Brooke suddenly said. His thick voice broke the tense atmosphere. I had forgotten he was here all this time. I watched as he gestured for the boys toe to him, and they obeyed instantly. He had that aura about him. To obey and notin. When he disappeared with Storm and Felix, I turned to Tyta.


    "Why did you not answer your son?"


    "You gave him the correct answer. Only that, I regret it now."


    "Tyta, I was on a rage rampage. You must have heard about the events that urred that day and what triggered them. The elder was here for punishment. She was supposed to make every pain go away. She failed."


    Tyta folded her arms, unimpressed. "You think that changes anything? You can''t bring Reid back."


    "No, I can''t," I admitted. "But I can be there for his children. I can be there for you."


    She scoffed again, but this time it held a trace of anger.


    "You''re just trying to clear your conscience."


    "It''s more than that," I insisted. "I genuinely want to be there for them. It''s my responsibility as the alpha."


    Tyta red at me, her anger unabated. "Responsibility?


    You talk about responsibility now?"


    This wasn''t how the talk was supposed to go. She was taking it the wrong way.

 Chapter 147

    "You are pissing me off." Tyta muttered angrily. "You speak of responsibility when all you have done since your coronation is harm. You killed my husband."


    "Okay, let me take it from here and handle her arse. She doesn''t want to listen to you. She''ll have to listen to me."


    "I can handle her, me. Have a little faith in me." I said.


    "Then do your f*vcking job"


    I turned to Tyta, who was mumbling unintelligible words.


    She was referring to me, and I was quite aware. "Tyta, can I tell you what happened, or do you want to keep on arguing with me?"


    Tyta red at me. "What discussion would you possibly want to have? To give excuses? Tell me, what?"


    "Did your mate tell you I made him Beta?"


    She paused to stare at me in shock. Confusion filled her face. "No, Reid never told me that."


    "I chose him, Tyta." She was listening now. "Why would I kill him?"


    "I don''t know." She shrugged. "Maybe to prove a f*vcking point or something." She mocked.


    I sighed.


    "You are right."


    "What?" Tyta asked with a bitter chuckle. "You are full of surprises, aren''t you?"


    "I know she is hurting, but she better know her ce. You are Alpha, and I won''t condone her disrespect."


    "You need to stop provoking me, Tyta. I don''t want to use my power on you. I want us to have a normal discussion. I want to tell you the truth, not an excuse. It may not heal your broken heart or bring Reid back, but I know that Reid would want you to know this. Are you ready to listen?" I urged gently. I hate using my Alpha powers on my pack.


    They weren''t some mindless people who neededmanding.


    Only the little ones needed a little coaxing. A little pushing here and there Then there were the silly ones who refused to shift during important times.


    Tyta seemed to contemte. Different emotions ran through her face. Sadness, anger, pain, hurt, and eventually eptance Her voice was calmer now. "Fine. Just say what you want to say. My children and mate will need me."


    "Wait a minute... Is she nning to sleep with a corpse in there?" me asked incredibly.


    I rolled my eyes. "None of your business, me. I am sure you wouldn''t let Naya go if she were the one."


    "Don''t even go there. It''s ''we'', not just ''me''. Naya would never be in that position. Ever."


    Yeah. I sighed. I would hate it too.


    Tyta sat on the stone herself. "So what do you want to say?" She wasn''t as fierce as she was earlier. I guess she could see the danger in my angry tone when I said those things.


    joined her instantly, but I didn''t say anything. I wanted her to be a bit calm.


    "Well?" Tyta inquired after agonizing moments of silence.


    Her impatience reminded me of myself whenever Reid was this quiet. I was a quiet guy, but Reid''s calmness never failed to baffle me. Even in distressing emotions, he was level-headed. He taught me that in a way. The rest came from... Father. "Reid would sit like this sometimes. It was so annoying." I chuckled as the memories filled my mind.


    Tyta made a hissing sound. It told me how displeased she was at my attempt at a conversation. "I don''t want to hear about the memories you had with Reid. I have enough of them, to be honest." She hesitated a bit. "What?" I urged gently. I was curious-really curious.


    "They were boring moments."


    I tried to hold myughter in. I wanted to hold it in, but it rumbled in my stomach and came out through my nose. I snorted. I thought she was going to tell me about her magical moments with Reid. Jeez, she was a cruel mate. "For the record, I wasn''t about to tell you a magical story. It was annoying to sit with him, I tell you."


    That was when Tyta smiled. I froze. Her teeth were glowing!


    Her eyes crinkled at the sides, almost slitting open as she smiled. It was a small smile, yet it was so blinding. I did not feel the same way I felt whenever Naya smiled or giggled, but I felt Reid.


    He must have felt she was the most beautiful thing that happened to him. Tyta was too young to be a widow. She was lucky to find Reid at the age of eighteen, and now, at the age of 25, she has two healthy children, Felix and Storm. I was just eighteen, with my life ahead of me. I am young.


    "Reid was boring, but there was one thing he knew how to do."


    "Fight." Ipleted it for her. Reid was a good fighter, and he knew it. He did not fail to unt it whenever we sparred.


    "But the one thing I could never understand is why he chose to be your driver." Tyta nced at me curiously. "Why? He said he did that to stay by your side. I could never understand his ways."


    I scoffed. "Reid was many things in the manor. He was a spy, he was our spar coach; he was our driver, our messenger, and our butler. We called Reodd for every little thing. Every little thing."


    "And he neverined. Right?" That had an expectant look. She wanted to know if her husbandined. I was sure she would be happier if he never did, just to make it seem like Reid was innocent andpliant.


    No. Reid was ainer, but he did it in his own way.


    "He did." I deadpanned.


    She tried to hide the hurt in her eyes, but I could see it.


    "But you know what he always said? Or rather give as an excuse?"


    "What?" Tyta didn''t seem like she wanted to know.


    "You and the children. He never jokes with the three of you.


    Each time, he uses the three of you as an excuse. Of course, we never allow him to get his way all the time, but he always talks about you three when he is not giving me fatherly advice. Something I am supposed to get from my father." Oh, that slipped out. I wasn''t supposed to say that either. I was bing talkative, like my brother.


    "Alpha storm?" Tyta''s sharp eyes held me in. She wanted to know more about myst statement.


    "I don''t want to talk about it." I quickly said that before she probed further. Tyta was like that too. She could never keep calm where there were secrets. I didn''t know that until today. In fact, I learned a lot about Tyta today. She was like an open book.


    50 Pots.


    Reid


    That was why she and Reid, who was like an enigma, lived together all these years. He would read what her problems were and solve them like a knight in shining armor.


    "You do not have to talk about it. It''s depressing enough here. I know I haven''t said it, but I am sorry for your loss."


    Right, I have forgotten that my father died.


    In front of me.


    "You know, I saw him die in front of me. He died trying to save the whole school. His children weren''t his priority." I shook my head. "He died for the school. A school filled with bullies. They were never grateful and were so focused on thrusting their young child into the throne. Those useless elders abused their rights, and nothing was going in my favor. I lost control." I stared at Tyta intensely. "I lost control, and Reid was the oue of it. I don''t care what you tell me. I lost control because I was overwhelmed. A lot of people med it on my ipetence; they med the people around me; they med a lot of s**t. The fact remained that I had lost control. I am telling you this because you deserve to know the truth."


    Tyta''s face was expressionless. But she was blinking uncontrobly, as if to keep her tears away. "Reid didn''t do anything bad?"


    I red at her, leaning closer in contempt. She drew back a bit. "Reid did a lot of bad things. Reid wasn''t a saint. Reid left the pack in the care of someone I was not sure I could Reid


    trust. We lost some people to rogues. He thought he could walk in when I was angry to calm me down. He didn''t see other people kneeling in reverence. I snapped his neck. I snapped his neck, and guess what? I don''t feel guilty about it." Tyta nodded. "I understand."


    "What? Most women would shout, Change into their wolf and try to kill you, and then we will kill them." me asked and answered his questions himself. He was a weird wolf.


    "Do you really understand what I said?" All of them were the truth. I lived with Reid all my life. He was good and kind, but no saint. The only person allowed to be pure was Naya. me smirked wickedly. "She''s a beast in bed, though."


    I ignored him. "Do you really understand what I said about your husband?"


    "All I got from what you said was that you lost control." She shrugged. "You are young and inexperienced, and my mate was foolish."


    I frowned. "You could deduce that from my side of the story? What about the side of his story?" Okay, I knew I was being a jerk now. I only want answers, that''s all.


    "He told me something. He told me he used us as an excuse to get out of his duty. He told me how he pleaded to be let off, and Luna Marley told him to go home so that she could handle things herself. He also said Luna Marley was Reid acting fishy. While he was going, he heard her call a man.


    She called him..."


    My ears perked up at the rustling by our sides.

 Chapter 148

    Beta Brooke appeared from the rustling. "The children are asleep."


    I turned to Tyta, my eyes pleading with her to continue what she was about to say. "Reid called him what?"


    Beta Brooke frowned. "What are you guys talking about?"


    "Beta Brooke." I shushed him. "Go on Tyta."


    To my disappointment Tyta sighed. "You know what? I am done. Look, Alpha Zeke. The only way you can make it to me is bying to Reid''s funeral. It''s next Tuesday."


    I raised an eyebrow. "That''s my birthday." It was no secret my birth date and everyone was pumped for it. The girls, the boys, the whole pack... I haven''t even started the preparations. It was going to be hectic.


    Tyta smirked wickedly. "You choose. If youe, only then will I know that you are ready to take responsibility for your actions. If you don''t, I''ll know that you are just some teenager forced into power and then you lost control and you will lose control." She finished, walking off without telling me what I wanted to hear the most. I couldn''t even ask her because of how harsh she was.


    I should give her a position or something or probably invite her into the manor.


    "Tyta would nevere. She has to protect her ego."


    "I do not care." I waved me''s words aside. "She was about to tell me something important. You just had to interrupt."


    Beta Brooke frowned in realization. "I am sorry, Alpha. And I am sorry foring here without your permission."


    I chuckled sarcastically. "Don''t we all disrespect our leaders once in a while?" With that, I walked to my car.


    Beta Brooke had a concerned look on his face. "I can''t walk back to the pack, and I can''t rip my clothes off."


    It was then I looked at the clothes he was wearing skeptically. Where had he gotten these clothes from?


    Beta Brooke caught my curious eyes. "If you must know, I brought this as a spare along. These are the clothes I have."


    "Alright,e in." I pressed the car button, and it opened wide enough for him to slip through.


    "You did not take the guards along with you." He started a conversation.


    I nced at him briefly. "What use are they?"


    "For errands and protection. You will need them. You are Alpha."


    "I need to figure out something. It makes it easier." I narrowed my eyes on the empty road. "I couldmunicate with everyone in the pack the same way wemunicate with our wolves." Beta Brooke''s eyes widened. "You mean in our heads?


    What will be the use of phones then?"


    "Tomunicate across realms.." I wanted to add ''dumb ass'' but refrained from doing that. He wasn''t a young person and wouldn''t understand such an insult.


    "I see what you are trying to do. It''s not going to work. It works among true mates."


    I sighed. "I know, I read thoroughly." I didn''t spend all my time in the study room for nothing. I also read about our pack and how to manage our species of wolves.


    Beta Brooke chuckled softly, his aged eyes holding wisdom. "Zeke, I''ve been around longer than you''ve been Alpha. Mind link, as you call it, it''s a fantasy. It''s a bond between true mates, not a tool for ruling a pack. Stick to the basics, my boy. Technology may change, but some things remain constant."


    I gripped the steering wheel, frustration building. "But Beta Brooke, what if there''s a better way? A way to unite the pack, to make decisions faster. If there was war... which there will be soon."


    "What war?" He sat up to re at me. Then he paused when I didn''t spare him another nce. "There may be war, I know." He patted my shoulder reassuringly. "But we will be prepared. It won''te now."


    If only you know, Beta Brooke... the horrors I saw in the blood moon pack. The Alphas looked like they were ready to take over the wolf cove pack and we were one of the strongest. What more were they plotting to allow Baron Diego send his monsters after us. They all just watched like it was a cinematic show.


    I sighed deeply, realizing Beta Brooke might not understand my vision. He was probably operating under the visions of my father. They were limited. "Beta Brooke, mind linking might not be conventional, but we need to adapt to the changing times. It''s not just about wars; it''s about us. Easymunication, finding out what the pack is going through


    Beta Brooke shook his head, his expression stern. "Zeke, there are traditions for a reason. Mind linking is sacred, reserved for true mates. It''s not a tool for a young Alpha to experiment with. It is dangerous as strange forces may prate your mind. You aren''t mature enough."


    I shot him a determined look. "I believe we can evolve. I only need the elders to cooperate with a ritual. It won''t be easy, but it''s a chance for us to advance, to be ahead of any threats. I do not want what happened to Reid to happen again. I need privacy with my wolf and not every elder watching and listening in on our conversation." It made me remember the watcher who watched and did not do anything. But she was no fool. What if the rogues attacked? How do wemunicate with each other? Beta Brooke''s eyes narrowed. "Rituals can be dangerous.


    What kind of ritual are you proposing?"


    "The one is true mates. I have to wait until my birthday and find out if I and my mate canmunicate through our mind links. If we can, then the ritual will be possible.


    Among specific people not the whole pack. My trusted people." I exined. "But I need the elders'' cooperation.


    They are the only ones who can make this possible." I finished ungracefully. I knew that I would have to present my case better than this in the presence of the elders or they would rule this out as another childish y.


    If I had min-linked Reid, he wouldn''t havee in during my rage rampage. I wouldn''t have killed him, I would have better control with everyone on my side. My loyal ones.


    Father had loyal ones like Beta Brooke and Reid... why shouldn''t I have mine?


    "You expect the elders to willingly participate in this?" he questioned.


    "They don''t have to understand everything, but they need to trust me," I replied. "It''s for the greater good of the pack."


    Beta Brooke sighed deeply. "Zeke, you''re treading on thin ice. The elders are traditionalists. Convincing them to embrace this idea won''t be easy."


    "I know it won''t be easy, but it''s worth a try. We can''t let fear of the unknown hold us back," I insisted.


    As we neared the manor, Beta Brooke remained silent, lost in his thoughts. I drive into the garage, surprised to see Kyle and Brooke sitting on the pavement, looking disheveled. They looked like they just came back from a war.


    "What happened here?" I demanded as I got out of the car quickly.


    Naya spoke up first, her voice was shaky and urgent.


    "Mrs. Lou attacked Kyle, and I had to intervene to save him." I turned to Kyle, raising an eyebrow. "Is this true?"


    Kyle shrugged. "Yeah, she just went crazy. Naya saved my life."


    I frowned, a bit puzzled. "Mrs. Lou? I asked her to see me, why would she attack you?"


    Naya shook her head, curious too. She doesn''t seem scared or scarred to me and that was my priority. Kyle could take care of himself. "I don''t know. She seemed different, like she wasn''t herself."


    That was a bit shocking and baffling. "You guys should go and freshen up. I wille inside in a bit." I shooed them off since they were so tired. Who would be the same after encountering the Dean of a school in a fight? I was d they both came out without scratch. I knew Kyle would tell me the detailster.


    Right now, I was about to send Beta Brooke back to his daughter in a not so nice way. This was my home and... I didn''t know if beta Brooke woulde in with us. It waste already.


    "Would you..?" I trailed off.


    Beta Brooke shook his head. "And continue my discussion with you about rituals? No. I am going home."


    I raised an eyebrow. "To see Bentley?"


    He froze like I spitted ice from my mouth. "Bentley can take care of herself."


    G**t, I was right. He hasn''t been home since my rage rampage. Knowing Kyle, he may dump a heartbreak on her without considering how she would feel. It may be overwhelming and she would surely need her father. "You should go home, Beta. She needs you."


    "Well, she shouldn''t have disgraced me then." He leaned closer. "My daughter is a bully."


    "She''s still your daughter and you were gone for years, beta.


    You haven''t even told me the mission yet."


    Beta Brooke scoffed, walking away from me and the discussion. "I''ll go home if you drop this. Good night, Alpha zeke. It''s been a long day."


    I blew out air. "Good night."


    "So, that was good talk." me slipped out of the darkness.


    "Everyone is hiding something from you. You have a lot to uncover."


    I smiled at his words. "It starts tomorrow. Everyone will spill their little secrets. Even the ones that don''t matter. I''ll be the greatest alpha to ever rule a pack." I promised me who grunted in reply.

 Chapter 149

    Zeke''s POV


    It was still dark when I got up. There was no way Father would have hidden the mission to the point of no one finding out. How well did he trust Beta Brooke? I sighed, throwing the sheets over me.


    Yesterday was just as bad as this morning. I couldn''t sleep, knowing well that Mrs. Lau was involved in this. She attacked Kyle yesterday! I wanted to ask Kyle about the incident after hearing from a maid that he was fast asleep.


    I couldn''t bring myself to face Naya. I opened the door to find the hallways empty. I liked the silence, as it made me think. Come morning, the hallways will be bustling with staff. Either they were doingundry or were about to clean my room or something! Hardly was there peace and quiet.


    I was about to close the door when something caught my attention. It was an unmistakable figure-a figure I knew so well. It walked past a corridor slowly, probably to make sure no one heard. I narrowed my eyes on the figure as they tried to slip past. It was Naya.


    I mean, how would I forget her scrawny shape and thin legs? Her strawberry scent and big, bouncy breasts gave her away. I changed my mind to close the door and walked out of my room instead. Updated by


    "Where are you going?" I asked, and I got closer to her.


    Knowing how bad her ability to smell was, she would never have noticed I was around unless I was really close by.


    She froze like a thief. "Zeke?"


    I sighed, watching her recoiled in guilt. "Why do we always find ourselves at an ungodly hour?"


    Her face wasn''t that clear due to the dim lights, but they cast enough light for me to see her bodynguage and interpret it the way I wanted. Her frozen shoulders slumped a bit, and I knew she was relieved to see that it was me. I wondered why, since she should be terrified that I caught her about to sneak into my study room. I mean, it was the only room at the end of the hallway. To rest was for my guards and some wolves who refused to go home just to protect me.


    "Because..." she trailed off, watching my expression. I couldn''t see hers, so I opted for the corridor. The moon was bright in the sky, and I would be able to see her clearly. I needed to know how she felt about staying alone with me.


    "You have no excuse, Naya. Come with me." I walked ahead to the corridor, waiting for her to join me.


    She didn''t hesitate. When she joined me, the cool air pped her short hair to the back. I could see her face clearly. She didn''t look like she got much sleep from yesterday''s incident.


    "Were you about to sneak into my study? What are you hoping to find?" I asked.


    She shrugged for the second time. "I don''t know... Maybe you?"


    If she thought I would not hear thest part, she was wrong.


    "Why?"


    "You have been so busy these days. I thought you would be in your study going through some files or something."


    "What a way to tell me that I am overworking myself." She didn''t say that to me, but I could hear the biting in her tone.


    What was she expecting from a young Alpha? I couldn''t act like peers my age and party or something. I have to actually work without help.


    Horror was written all over her face. "No! I didn''t. That was not what I meant."


    I smiled at her flustered state. Then I wondered why I was smiling, and the smile slipped off. There was nothing to smile about, especially after what Tyta said to me. I nced at Naya, who was still fumbling over her words, contemting if she was the right person to tell how my day went. me cleared his throat noisily. He just wanted to act like an idiot. "You can talk to her. Naya is cool with us."


    "This would be the f*vcking hundredth time I have told her about my struggles. She hasn''t even told me hers once. feel like I am dumping everything on her again."


    me looked pissed. "When do you not feel this and that? I am done being the good guy here. I am only trying to make up for the time I cheered you up in bullying our mate, but you stubborn brute isn''t getting the point." "What point?"


    "We both want Naya. f*vcking tell her and f**k her brains out already. You are wearing me out."


    "I have responsibilities, and Naya is pretty useless." That was harsh, but it was the truth. Or at least that''s what I forced myself to believe.


    "Lies. Well, just talk to her like a normal friend. It''s going to help you stop being like this."


    "Fine." nced at Naya, who was staring into the forest and the moon. She looked so beautiful in the moonlight. It was as if the moon goddess blessed her with ethereal beauty at night. "Care to tell me what happened yesterday?" If me wanted me to talk to her like a friend, then thats what I was going to do. Talk to her like a friend and see where that takes us. I had trust issues and a whole lot of issues, but I knew how to settle my sh*t. One by one.


    Naya sighed deeply. "A lot of things happened." She turned to stare at me with an intensity that I couldn''t decipher. "Are you sure you want to hear what really happened?"


    I frowned, wondering what could have happened. "It was your first day after three weeks of absenteeism from school. What went wrong?"


    She was still staring at me. "Did you have a hand in the bully protection program Kyle announced yesterday?"


    I blinked, and a smile threatened to show. Kyle actually went through with it. I thought he was going to oppose my suggestion. I suggested it, but he opposed it because of the attention it was going to give Naya. It would make her visible to everyone in school. Then I told him to do whatever was safer. I guess he realized my suggestion was better.


    "Bully protection program?" I chuckled. It was funny the way she said it.


    "I mean, that''s what everyone is calling it now." She waved my words. "Did you have anything to do with it? I just want to be sure.""


    There was no need to deny it. "Yeah, it was me. What about it?"


    A small smile appeared at the corner of her lips. "I knew it.


    Your f*vcking action made some very bad people jealous. Guess who was among them?"


    My eyes widened in shock. It was beyondprehension. "What? Mrs. Lau?"


    "Apparently, she had the hots for Kyle. It''s a weird story.


    Why don''t we sit down for this?" She nced around for anything to sit on. There wasn''t, and so it was back to my room again.


    "Let''s go to my room." I did not wait for her to refuse. The sound of her tiny heels behind me told me she was following me back to my room. She has beenpliant recently, never uttering more than three sentences. Maybe what happened earlier in the day shook her.


    I was eager to know what happened.


    Naya''s PoV


    Before Miss Lau attacked Kyle,


    I opened the door to find Kyle outside, waiting for me. I blinked uncontrobly as the purpledy receded.


    His face was expressionless. He heard everything.


    He heard me say he was mine.


    "You heard." It wasn''t a question. We both eavesdropped on each other''s conversation.


    "She hurt me, Kyle; she hurt me." Brooke sobbed bitterly.


    I sighed. "Oh, stop acting like a baby. This was just a tip of what you did to me all those months. I endured all that sh*t, but not this time. You should never im what''s mine." The remaining guilt in me for her vanished


    Kyle didn''t look pleased. "That''s enough."


    I was baffled at his reaction. "Why? What did I do wrong? I only told her what she needed to hear."


    Kyle gave me an unimpressive look. "Really?"


    I rolled my eyes. "She has always been like this. You don''t have to be so worked up." I paused. "Why are you so worked up about this?"


    Kyle seemed frustrated with me, but I couldn''t tell why.


    "Because you just acted like her!"


    I froze. "What? What do you mean by I just acted like her? I am nothing like Brooke Bentley." I proceeded to walk away, not surprised when he followed after me. I was getting really bold, but that''s because I realized Kyle was ready to do anything to save me. He announced that I was under him. So this was it. It came with the full package, so he better s**k it up.


    "No, you are acting like a douchebag, woman." Naya was scolded in the darkness. "And it is irritating."


    "Oh, shut up!" I snapped angrily at Naya. I wasn''t over what Brooke said to me in the closet.


    I was about to tell Kyle my mind when I saw Mrs. Lau rushing towards us at full speed.


    What the hell?

 Chapter 150

    "Kyle duck!"


    Kyle turned in time to find Mrs. Lau leaping into the air with her hands out to grab at him. "What the heck?"


    "Mrs. Lau?" I asked in shock. "What is wrong?"


    Mrs Lau missed Kyle a bit so she skidded to the side. Then she narrowed her eyes on me and I wondered what was wrong. "You..."


    I nced to the back to see if she was talking to someone behind me. She wasn''t. It was me. "What did I do wrong? Mrs. Lau, please stop this, everyone is watching."


    Suddenly, she stood upright to re at Kyle. "How dare you use the school media room to spread stupid messages?" Kyle ced both hands in his pockets. "Is that why you almost attacked me?"


    I was panicking now because everyone woulde out and see us fighting like cats and dogs. Lunch break was almost over. It would sain students in this halls and I do not want to be the center of attention again. It always doesn''t end well for me. Mrs. Lau chuckled haughtily. "I suggest we do this a try office if you do not want her to get hurt."


    1 exchanged looks with Kyle. His eyes held something I couldn''t understand. It was as if he knew why she was behaving like this, but I had no idea why she was acting this aggressive. She was the school Dean, yet she leaped meters into the air hoping to take a swipe at the Alpha.


    It never did work, anyways.


    I knew it had something to do with this morning when he took his little detour. He mist have had a falling out with her.


    "Am I invited to this office because if I am not, I need to go back to the cafeteria or something." I said, taking a step backwards. I was acting selfish, I know, but Kyle would be able to take care of himself if this woman attacked. Me?


    "Now you are just being selfish. Go along with him. He will keep you safe and you don''t need to eavesdrop this time."


    "Why do you always have to be a party pooper, Naya?"


    She rolled her eyes. "Because I am the voice of reasoning."


    Her voice sounded dreamy.


    "You are my wolf. A cunning one who sees many things because her host is kind enough to show her." I retorted.


    She didn''t seem fazed at my harsh words. "You are only irate because you want to know what going to happen when they leave, yet you do not wan to intrude in their discussion."


    She was right again.


    "Nayae with us." Kyle nodded in approval. I sighed in relief, feeling better than I thought I would. I followed Mrs.


    Lau. Mrs Lau didn''t look pleased as she gave me a stiff nod: She didn''t look like some crazies animal few minutes ago. Where was that woman? It was creepy to see her in her normal self of suit and nerdy sses.


    Few minutes ago, she was all talons and ready to bite in anger. What did Kyle and I do to piss her off that much?


    She was walking to her office enthusiastically. She mist have nothing good nned for us in there. Thest time I was at Mrs. Lau''s office was the day she summoned I and Brooke. The part where Brooke acted like she was a miserable cat while I was the terrorists rat when in fact, it was clear who terrorized each other the most.


    The cat always ate the mouse. I do not know if this was the right example to use in this situation since I haven''t been eaten yet by...


    "Stop rambling, Naya. You are causing me a headache. And consider Mrs. Lau as not your average cat that data mice.


    She''s part jaguar."


    I raised an eyebrow at Naya''s words. "Are we still talking about cats?" I was asking if she forgot we are wolves and I was just giving an instance the other time. She was taking things too seriously.


    "I am not. Mrs. Lau is part jaguar and part wolf. I thought I was mistaken about her scent, but as she gave this close, I could differentiate it from our scent. So distinct.


    I stopped working to process what Naya spitted out. My hands trembled as I pointed at Mrs. Lau''s back. "She is half jaguar and everyone is silent about it? How did we even get to this discussion? How did you know?" We are omegas and omegas do not smell properly. Even if we did we make mistakes all the time. The it scent I was sure of was that of my mate. I couldn''t even figure out Renee''s scent while Zeke and Kyle figured it out and o my let her be because they thought she would be a kind person to me. Naya was quiet for a while. "We are omega''s, but our senses has been enhancedtely. You won''t understand if I begin to tell you."


    "Are you okay?" Kyle pasted to check my face. I was unaware of how I looked. I simply nodded. Yeah, I would be fine even if I am not right now.


    "I am fine. Not entirely because what the hell happened back there? And why are you acting like our Dean almost tearing your neck out wasn''t terrifying."


    It was then I saw the terror in Kyle''s eyes. "She let Baron Diego in our school. Didn''t you notice the way she tried to me you for everything?"


    I blinked uncontrobly, trying to understand his words.


    "Yeah, she told everyone I was the cause of the monster''s attack. That wasn''t funny." Little shes of that terrible day came up. How the press had used me as their starting point in their careers. Nothing happens anymore in Wolf cove to make the presse after She was also looking for fame and she got it. Those were not happy days for me.


    me.


    He slowed down, leaning over to whisper in my ears. "She wasn''t aiming at me. She was aiming at you. Unfortunately, I was in the way. But we are going to be safe to say that she was aiming at me. To make it look like she thought wrong or something."


    I stopped walking entirely. "What? Does she know who I am?" If she knew I was an elder, an untrained elder and she works for Baron Diego, then she would try to take my heart out herself. That was a horrifying thought. Why would she think of doing that to a poor girl.


    "You are not poor, Naya. The moment word gets out that you have the power of the elderly one, you will be termed the most powerful woman in the pack. You will be a target." Naya exined.


    Sh*t. It felt overwhelming as Naya and Kyle exined to me what I am in their own ways.


    "Yes. She''s acting way suspicious. She didn''t know who you are before but I wonder who told her." His face was thoughtful. I wanted to know what wasn''t on in his beautiful head.


    I swallowed hard. "The people at the manor?"


    "No, Zeke filtered the bad staff from the good staff. No stafff would ever break their oath. It''s impossible." Kyle shrugged. He doesn''t seem bothered by that fact. It meant that he really trust his own people. Or rather Zeke''s judgement. Yesterday, I noticed most of the staff were not there and when I asked, I was.told that they dialed protocol and were sent home by lily. She was made head of staff.


    I was satisfied with that, but she was my mother''s minion so it did not make much difference. No matter how she tried to be cool with me, I never allow. Just like the night she tried to talk with me...


    No wonder she was made head of staff amongst others.


    Anyway, Lily isn''t my problem. Mrs Lau is.


    All these things told me one thing. Mrs. Lau is the spy we have been looking for. She was certainly reporting back to someone. That was what I wasn''t sure if the person was my mother who killed Alpha Storm or another wolf in the pack. It was puzzling.


    Mrs. Lau already bhad the door opened for us as we resumed walking into her office. Once we got it, she locked the door and offered us seats.


    I took my seat to the right, while Kyle chose to stand. I stood immediately, refusing her seat. That was when Kyle smikered at me.


    "Sit, Naya." He said. It was so simple yet the power behind those words made me want toply without asking questions and that was what I did. Comply.


    I sat down, feeling grateful anyway because my limbs were killing me. I had used my powers on Brooke so it was bound toe back to me. Nevertheless, Mrsu sat down not minding Kyle and I.


    How could she expect us to sit when she tried to attack Kyle just now? Way does she want?


    She cares Icy res at me. "Naya Cod, you have been expelled from Wolf Cove academy." My blood froze and I felt numb.

 Chapter 151

    I shook my head. "No, I am just in my second year. I have one more year to go; I can''t just get expelled." The word


    "expelled" meant a lot to me.


    It meant I wouldn''t be able to attend any other academy for a while since no one would like to take me in. The only way an academy would take me in was if I shifted packs.


    Mother would never ept that, and I''ll probably stay at home till the goddess knows when.


    Wait a minute, Mrs. Lau doesn''t have the right to throw me out of the school whenever she wants.


    My face hardened as I gazed at her. "You have been acting suspicious and almost attacked the Alpha in the hallway.


    Care to tell me why I am being expelled?" I better speak up for myself and not mind if Kyle is listening. I would only earn his respect this way.


    Mrs. Lau folded her hands in front of her. She seemed serious. "Naya, you are a nuisance to this school. You made our Aloha go on the mic for you. He announced you were under the care of the manor, and we de not do that here. You are ruining the reputation of our school by calling it a ce of bullying."


    I scoffed, pointing my hands to Kyle, who remained impassive to whatever she was saying. He looked rather calm. He never once averted his cold gaze from Mrs. Lau. It only confirmed to me that there must be some foul y in all of this. Mrs. Lau wasn''t the one to y fair, of course She has shown me that in my dealings with her over the years-sitting with Brooke over her silly behavior and still calling me out on mine.


    I never did anything wrong! As a matter of fact, Kyle was the one who chose to go to the media room and tell everyone he liked me. I knew what he was doing-trying to protect me-but it seems things will only get worse from here.


    "I didn''t go to the media room. He did."


    "It was all about you. He isn''t denying it."


    "Why are you doing this?" I was genuinely curious since I have been living low and invisible, never causing trouble.


    Why now?


    Mrs. Lau chuckled lowly. "Why am I doing this? I am doing this to get rid of unnecessary people in our school. I have tolerated you because of the Alpha''s, and now I would not.


    It''s time you go." She turned to Kyle. "I''ll bear the consequences."


    That prompted Kyle to raise an eyebrow at her.


    "Consequences? What consequences?" His voice was low and dark. I could feel the angering out of him in waves. Kyle nced at the door. It was shut tight. Then he smirked. "Tell me, Mrs. Lau, what consequences can you bear?"


    Mrs. Lau gulped audibly, and I had a feeling Kyle and I were not thinking the same thing. What are they talking about now? "It is my duty as Dean."


    "I know you are a spy."


    Mrs. Lau gasped in shock as she drew her chair back a bit.


    "What do you mean, a spy?"


    Kyle clicked the roof of his tongue in anger. "I didn''t. Your reaction just confirmed it."


    Mrs. Lau cleared her throat in an embarrassing manner as she tried topose herself. "I am still me."


    Kyle raised his index finger, waggling it to make a point.


    "No, no, no. You were calm ever since, but once I mentioned this, you changed. You are paying for the blood moon pack, and you have something for me. You want to take Naya out of the picture." Kyle began to walk around her desk, sitting on it a few inches away from her. "Who told you Naya has powers? Who promised you me?"


    Mrs. Lau shot up from her chair, and I could see her finger nails. They were turning into sharp ws, but she folded her fists instead. Her ws dug into her skin. Reddish drops filled the floor, but Kyle didn''t bother to smell them.


    He acted like she wasn''t harming herself to stop herself from harming him.


    I knew it was because he could rip off her head from where she stood.


    "Every time Ie across people like you, people without loyalty to their pack, How dare you try to touch me? Did you think if you took Naya out of the picture, you could take her powers and own me?"


    My eyes widened at hisst statement. Was that possible?


    I was capable ofpulsion. I paused, trying to remember those inspectors whoter helped me escape from the blood moon pack.


    "I didn''t think about anything." She took a step back. "I just knew that I had to take Naya out of the school and out of your protection. You listened to me talk, so you''ll have to die after this." She was staring at me now.


    I swallowed. Hard.


    She cackled mockingly. "You don''t even know how to control your powers. Then why did you try to escape him?


    He has managed to unite the twelve packs and is counting.


    What makes you think we won''t join him too?"


    I felt a pang of pain as I realized who she was talking about. "Was that why you let him into the school and made him get closer to me and act like a b*itch the remaining time?"


    "You are the bitch." Mrs. Lau spat. It was awkward and odd to see a fourth-year-old woman talk to me like she was a badass under all those nerdy sses. "I said I didn''t do anything. I let him in, and boom, you gave it to him like koth to me. The both of you are destined to be together, like father and daughter." She gave me a pointed look, one I didn''t like very much because of how ufortable and scrawly it made my skin feel.


    "Shut up!" I screamed in anger.


    No. I admit we were close like father and daughter the first time, but not anymore. He asked his monsters to get my f*vcking heart, like it was something they could go to the grocery store and fetch. I was a lively, breathing thing, and he asked those strange things to take my heart.


    He wanted me dead, so no. We would never have that rtionship in Mrs. Lau''s deranged mind. The only rtionship we would be having is the killing-and-killing rtionship. He even tried to murder my friends for no reason!


    That''s thest straw, and all he ever did for me during the monster attack fadedpletely. To be honest, Zeke and Kyle, my boys, did a better job at protecting me than him.


    Kyle was at my side in a second as I heaved in anger. "Font, you dare out I and that man in the same space. I knew you were not to be trusted." I spat bitterly.


    Kyle straightened up. It was funny how we acted in the presence of an experienced wolf who had lived hundreds of years in our realm. I only counted her age based on her looks. She was way older than Shadow and I.


    I wasn''t even going topare. She flexed her fingers, and it made a shing sound. Her cakes were fully out and dangerous. A predator''s smile filled her cheeks.


    "I told you this story of my own ord. I have to kill you now."


    "No." Kyle said, shrugging. "It just shows how much of a lousy servant you are. I mean, what if you underestimated us? What if we were stronger than you?"


    Mrs. Lau cackled again, like a proud bird. Her neck was raised high to the heavens, like she was the most beautiful bird. If only I could imagine her neck exploding into a million pieces. I quickly shook my head before the purpledy decided to make do with my imagination. "I fought three monsters myself. If you think that fighting a monster makes you strong, think again."


    I frowned. "Are you nning to kill him too?" I turned to Kyle beyond confusion. "Didn''t you say she has the hots for you?"


    He shook his head, making me wonder why. "She does.


    She is talking about you, Naya, and taunting me. She knows I can''t kill her suddenly, and she can''t kill me; we do not have proof of her spying acts."


    "Talk about me like I am not here." Mrs. Lau dragged her sharp ws across the table. Each scratch made my heart rate increase, despite Kyle being here with me.


    If she was offended that we spoke to her like she wasn''t here, I wanted to make her seem even more insignificant.


    This was all puzzling, but I fear losing my life to this woman.


    The question was: Kyle knew this was going to happen, so why did he ask me to follow him into her office-the ce of my death? Goddess, help me.

 Chapter 152

    Naya


    cod


    "This is inly childish, and we all know it. Now I wonder if drama with Kyle is better than drama with Zeke." Naya muttered as we both watched Kyle bicker back and forth with Mrs. Lau. One would think they were ying a dangerous game. "Enough!" Kyle thundered, causing me to flinch and take a step back.


    Mrs. Lau wasn''t ready to back down. "I am not the one you should attack; you''re listening; I have to eliminate you."


    "Shut the f*vck up." Kyle waved her words to the side. It was really pathetic. I mean the way she said it. "I don''t want to hurt you, Mrs. Lau. There are people here."


    Mrs. Lau sighed. "I am not supposed to do this. I don''t want to hurt you. I only want her out of the picture. I want her out!" She screeched.


    I nced anxiously at the back. Wasn''t anyone listening to our conversation? I sniffed the air. I was right. Yes, some students were certainly outside listening.


    Kyle turned to the door. It was as if he was contemting something. But he shook his head. "No. I don''t want to." He whispered to himself, which earned him a confused look from Mrs. Lau


    "I am sorry. Were you talking to me?" She asked haughtily.


    I knew he was talking to his wolf. But what about?


    "You know what? I have decided to let you be." Kyle said with a final look.


    My eyes widened as I red at him. Wasn''t he going to protect me or something? "Wait, what are you doing?"


    Kyle took some steps back, shocking the hell out of me.


    What was he expecting me to do?


    I didn''t know when he came closer to me, breathing hotly down my neck. "I underestimated Mrs. Lau. Let me tell you what is happening here." He raised his index finger to Mrs.


    Lau to tell her to hold on. That was disrespectful and mocking to me.


    I snorted silently. I mean, who snorts silently?


    "Zeke wanted me to invite Mrs. Lau into the manor today.


    When I confronted her, she said she wasn''t going to attend.


    I epted and made my way to the media room to make an announcement without her authorization. Guess who was pissed off? She was." Kyle chuckled at my hearing alone. "Like I told you earlier, she is a spy for the blood moon pack; she wants your heart for power. Don''t let her take it."


    I frowned. "So she said a lot of things she wasn''t supposed to say because she knew she would have to attack, and at the end, you would protect me, therefore confirming if we are mates. Now that you have stepped back, you want me to challenge her head on?" It was baffling and hrious. How did we get to this point where we all wanted to attack each other? Except Kyle chose to step back instead of protecting me. He was trying to prove Mrs. Lau wrong-to protect me or what?


    "You know I cannot protect myself. I do not know what this game is, but you have to leave me out of it." I gritted. I was about to turn away when Kyle held me tightly.


    "Pull yourself together. Like I said, this isn''t about me. This is about you! She can''t fight me, and she knows that well, but she can fight you because words have spread to her that you are an elder who is weak. Don''t you see that she knows about your powers?" I blinked. He was right. I was just trying to hide behind him, but he knew and pulled away; there was no cover. "But you have to protect me. Don''t let her kill me."


    My hair fell to the front, and I left it because it hid the tears that threatened to pour out of my eyes. I froze when Kyle reached out to brush the strands of my hair behind my ear.


    "Listen, Naya, I need you to trust me," Kyle said, his voice low and urgent. "I won''t let hery a finger on you. But right now, we need to y this smart. I can''t protect you if I''m tangled in a fight with her. You said she had the hots for me. I have a reason for doing all of this."


    What is a probable reason? Was I allowed to fight a centuries-old wolf so that I could control my powers? I couldn''t even tackle my colleague, Elder Freya! This was beyond me, and he knew it. I swallowed hard, trying topose myself. There was no point in showing fear. If I wanted to be Luna soon, these were the types of threats I would face. I shouldn''t hide behind Kyle and Zeke all the time. "What are we supposed to do then?"


    "Let her think she''s won," Kyle whispered. "But the moment she tries anything, I''ll step in. Were ying a dangerous game, and I need you to stay strong."


    "Okay?" I nodded hesitantly, still unsure about the n.


    Were we to go outside to scruffle or what? Were we going to do this in the office? Really? What the f*vck was going on?


    Kyle turned to face Mrs. Lau, who was watching us with a triumphant smirk. She was ready to unleash her anger on me.


    "You see, Kyle, she''s just as weak as I said she was. can''t even stand up for herself." Mrs. Lau mocked.


    "Enough of your games, Mrs. Lau," Kyle retorted, his eyes narrowing. "But you''re wrong; Naya is strong; you are doing this because I am allowing you to." So this was really about me. Oh.


    Mrs. Lau''s gaze shifted between us, a calcting glint in her eyes. "Well then, let''s see just how strong she is. We are doing this right here, right now."


    Kyle shook his head. "No, the field or sports hall. You choose. We can''t jeopardize the safety of the students."


    She rolled her eyes. "Always the Alpha, huh? Your brother is the real deal. You are nothing to me."


    "But you love me!" Kyle cackled mockingly as he unlocked the door. "Come Naya."


    I followed, and I followed fast. Mrs. Lau did the same. She didn''t waste a second. Immediately after Kyle opened the door, Tim, Sam, and Vic nearly fell into the room. I should have known it would be them.


    I expected Kyle to be angry at their eavesdropping. His eyes brightened instead.


    "Great! You areing with us too."


    They all exchanged nces. "Where?"


    They were ying dumb. Well, if they were ying dumb, guess who was dumber? Kyle. To me, he seemed overly happy. Happy I would die? Come to think of it, Zeke and Kyle were not afraid of putting me in harm''s way. Like the day at the Blood Moon Pack? During the attack...


    Yeah. I do not feel like relishing that memory.


    We got to the sports hall quickly. That was because of Mrs.


    Lau''s enthusiasm. As for me, I nearly sh*t my pants thinking about fighting Mrs. Lau. And where was Naya?


    That weakling has gone to hide!


    Sam, Tim, and Vic were unusually chatty, unlike lunch time.


    They stared ahead, like they were all on a mission. Except they were not getting their asses handed to them by Mrs.


    Lau.


    "Why are they here?" Mrs. Lau asked, turning abruptly to face Tim, Sam, and Vic.


    "Witnesses." Kyle simply said. "You need someone to acknowledge your victory, don''t you?"


    "Oh, I see what Kyle is doing here. He is bruising her ego!" Naya said after a while.


    I rolled my eyes. "No sh*t, genius."


    "Don''t use that tone on me. I am the one fighting her, not you." Naya''s voice trembled.


    I sighed. "Both of us. I bear the pain and bruises."


    She was quiet after that, and I faced Mrs. Lau. I was barely given any time before she advanced toward me. Fear nearly paralyzed me. She flung her heels to the side, halfway to me. I felt vulnerable without Kyle by my side. I nced at him, silently pleading for reassurance. He nodded subtly, signaling for me to trust him.


    So he was going to leave me alone in this fight.


    Mrs. Lau raised her hand, ready to strike, and I closed my eyes, bracing for impact. However, nothing happened. I cautiously opened my eyes to see Mrs. Lau frozen in ce, a look of shock on her face.


    "You said I could fight her! Why are you interfering?" She screamed in anger.


    I sniffed around to notice that other students had gathered around the doors and were trying to listen. Words got around pretty quick. As werewolves, we could hear ourselves from afar.


    Kyle stood beside her. His eyes were aze with intense anger. I took some steps backward when he chose that moment to change into Shadow. Shadow didn''t look like a happy wolf. He snarled at Mrs. Lau, his fangs bared in a feral disy. "You thought you could touch her?" Kyle growled, his voice deep and wicked.


    "You have made a mistake."


    gasped in shock as he squeezed her arms, and she yelped in agony. Then I turned to Tim, Sam, and Vic. They were so calm, watching.


    They were in on this too.


    I was the only clueless one.

 Chapter 153

    Naya''s


    PoV


    The purpledy didn''t respond to my call, no matter how I reached out to her. The truth was that I kept forgetting the most important part of her summons. Contrary to what I believed, it wasn''t just my emotions that provoked her toe out. I needed Elder Rosalie to teach me. So much has happened in a day, yet I do not know how to summon my powers. It was getting frustrating because danger never seemed to stay far away. It made me wonder if hiding my powers wasn''t the best idea. It was. I would never tell anyone about it. Why? Why? The attacks, of course!


    "At some point, everyone will know. You will be the elder everyone wants to be like, and the wolf parents will tell their children about." Naya chose that moment to tell me my greatest fear and greatest happiness. She was a party pooper. "Really." I sighed. It was a real piece of work. I watched Kyle hold on to Mrs. Lau like she was a piece of twig and felt sorry for her. Obviously, Kyle didn''t n for this to happen.


    None of us nned for this to happen. I didn''t wake up this morning for this. I woke up mentally prepared for the next semester of bullying. I certainly didn''t expect everyone to be quite alright and, at the same time, crazy!


    Mrs. Lau, for one, was acting crazy. I knew she hated me right from the start, but who knew it was because of my powers? No one. She definitely hid as a spy under our nose, tormenting me in school while she waited for Darin Diego''s n to mature. She was a bitch for allowing that.


    Kyle turned to me. "What do you think? Are you convinced now?"


    I frowned, suddenly feeling negative energies from Tim, Sam, and Vic. They don''t even know me yet. No, I was upset. Kyle didn''t tell me before he brought... Updated by  "...before he brought them in to save your lives?" Naya snapped angrily. "Read the room, dumbass."


    I cleared my throat as the words of appreciation refused toe out. "- don''t know what to say," she stuttered. I nced at the boys, who were just there like statues. They must have perfected their stoic faces; if not, why would they be there standing without saying a word to tell me not to misunderstand their reasons for being here, which were to make me look like a fool? With them here, I couldn''t possibly reject the fight, and Kyle stepping in for me made me just look weak. If I were targeting the role of Luna, this wouldn''t be in my favor. I was a bit disappointed and happy.


    I don''t even know how I feel. Their being emotionless made it feel okay. But I wasn''t okay and needed to tell Kyle. They were his friends, so if I spoke badly, they would understand me. Right?


    "Was this nned?" I began without looking at his face.


    The tile floor was looking really pretty at the moment. If I dared to look into those piercing eyes of his, I wouldn''t say my point, or rather, I wouldn''t pass it across. I would get lost in them. "Did you n to make a fool out of me? You could have allowed me to fight her since you gave me so much fright already. What''s all off this?" My voice shook. Jeez! I have been doing a perfect job hiding my hurt. Why did this shakiness give it away?


    Everywhere was silent. Even Mrs. Lau watched with shock on her face. Yes, olddy, get used to it. We were fond of either thinking or arguing during an important event. I was d to have that kind of effect on them. Just enough for them to make time for me even in their busy schedules.


    But if Kyle''s expecting a hug, I wouldn''t give him one. He was the cause of my confusion right now.


    "Naya, that''s not what," he tried to exin, but I raised my hands to cut him off. Some balls-I have to do that! I felt a bit proud of myself for not melting right on the spot with his intense gaze on me. He was trying to humor me, or maybe he just felt guilty for dragging me into pack political matters with Mrs. Lau.


    He hasn''t released Mrs. Lau yet! It seemed to me like she was enjoying our little show. One more nce at Tim, Sam, and Vic, who were watching with little or no emotion on disy, made me sad. Why won''t they say anything?


    "You are a mess, Naya. You im Kyle is at fault; you worry a lot; you say TSV does not talk to you, and you are fine with it; now you are worried they aren''t talking to you! Pick a f*vcking emotion, and let''s stick with it, woman!"


    I sighed. Is it making my wolf distressed because she felt everything I felt? She, too, was restless. She knew that I wanted to fight Mrs. Lau above all things. Naya also knew! would rely on her to fight Mrs. Lau, the wolf of many centuries. "You know what I want to do, right?" Naya grunted.


    I couldn''t even stop the big, fat tears from rolling down my eyes. They were real and, at the same time, fake. There was only one way to get Kyle to ept my proposal. My tears. I haven''t tested this theory, so this was my first time. Kyle should fall for my trick. "The surprises are too much for one day. I need-" I took a deep breath for effect. The words came out of my head like I had rehearsed them the day before. I didn''t. "I need to vent my anger at someone." There. That should do the job too. He frowned. "I told you to trust me."


    A lump was forming in my throat now. He was going to ept! "Yeah." I said slowly, like I was not that excited to show Mrs. Lau what I had. The problem was that, while I relied on Naya, I also put my trust in the purpledy to help me win. I would be of no use to anyone if I were dead.


    Goddess! The panic in Kyle''s eyes...


    "He is just scared. He''ll be fine. You know how things like this work. It''s not a big deal." Naya supported herself, watching Kyle squeeze her arms tighter. I wanted to know what was going on in his mind. I blinked innocently when he met my gaze. I didn''t want to look at the floor this time. I cracked my knuckles while waiting for his positive reply to my offer. He was ring at me in a loving way now.


    I mean, who res at someone that way and, at the same time, is so full of love? Yet, my mating status hasn''t been made official. It was terrible.


    Kyle responded by squeezing Mrs. Lau''s hands tighter, and this time she yelled. She was holding it in like a champ.


    Just how weak was Mrs. Lau? I smirked at my line of thought. It wasn''t right, but I couldn''t help myself. Sue me.


    "Don''t underestimate her. She''s older than you by over twenty years."


    "Let me go!" Mrs. Lau''s venom-filled voice sent shivers down my spine. I turned to Kyle for his reassuring smile when I saw him already looking at me. Something in his eyes told me he knew what I was thinking.


    He knows about the fake tears and all that.


    Then he winked! He f**i*g winked at me!


    "He knows," Naya countered.


    I wanted to make a sacasticment when his intense gaze on me felt like it increased in hotness. The heat in their eyes was. He was undressing me with his eyes. Then he paused his scrutiny.


    "You don''t have to do this, Naya. We have enough evidence to put her in the dungeon. It won''t be like, you know." He gave me a suggestive look at who the ''you know'' was.


    My mother. He was talking about her. This was Kyle''s way of catching the spy in our pack. It was exciting to know whose turn it would be next.


    I maintained my cute gaze until Kyle dropped Mrs. Lau''s hands. Seeing as we held her for so long, disrespected her, and so on, I didn''t expect her to be calm. This was maturity and patience at their peak. It was as if she knew I was going to tell her this. Her mission was to end me.


    If she ended me, Kyle and Zeke would suffer enough for Baron Diego to take over the pack.


    Mrs. Lau had a small smile on her face as she rubbed her sore arm. "You let go. You caught me off guard. I won''t allow that next time." Her ws, which had retracted back into her arms, elongated. And hurrah! It was just for me.

 Chapter 154

    Nayas POV


    Kyle nodded. He knew she was right. Mrs. Lau wasn''t a wolf to take lightly. "I know you won''t. But I will change my move too. You never know what I am thinking." Mrs. Lau shrugged, rubbing her arm to ward off the pain.


    "Just know that I''ll destroy her."


    Destroy me? I wasn''t a piece of furniture! The anger refused to settle down. I wanted to let her know that I wasn''t afraid.


    "You know too much; I know too much. One of us has to go." My voice trembled at the sight of her smirk. It was evil enough for me to tremble.


    I threw a weak re at Kyle, who didn''t look like he appreciated Mrs. Lau''s tone. I clicked the roof of my tongue in anger.


    "Naya, are you ready? We are doing this." I reached out to Naya, who was crouched low in my mind.


    "Should I take over, or do you want to?" She asked, knowing I didn''t have the power to do anything.


    "Not true. You carry powers bigger than your frame. Yeah, I know you are stronger than you think." Naya said.


    I sighed. It was times like this that I appreciated having a wolf in me. one I locked away because my selfishness. I was d to release her into our realm. There was still a lot to catch up on.


    I cleared my throat, receiving strength from Naya''s words. I shed my best, daunting smile. "Come on, old wolf. Show me what you have got." Naya''s tongue came out in a taunting tone. I hadn''t even realized that Naya had taken hold of my body. If I thought I was the only one speaking, I was wrong.


    Mrs. Lau wasted no time in advancing towards me. I wasn''t expecting her to be this fast. She was agile and fast on her little feet, while I was, well, I was.


    I had spidey legs. What were you expecting me to say? I was clumsy on my feet and had no way of controlling my movements. Thest time I trained was at the manor. Reid was dead, so there was no one to train me. Zeke said we were going to start training soon, so I had just relied on that.


    which was bad. Now look at me, getting my ass handed to me by a centuries-old wolf. She won the position of dean of the Wolf Cave Academy. One of the positions in the pack that every female and male wanted. She got it on a tter of gold.


    I wondered why. Now I see why.


    She was a maniptive b*icth who didn''t care about other people''s lives. She just wanted to snuff mine out because she felt I was an obstacle and I had powers beyond herprehension.


    I mean, I was a whole package to her. This was myst thought as a loud sound reached my ears. I froze as a pain I had never felt before hit my cheeks. I raised shaky hands to my cheeks, only to touch a slippery substance.


    It smells like copper.


    Blood.


    I was still frozen when sheunched a second attack at me. I swallowed as she came towards me in slow motion. I reached out to Naya, who was breathing heavily. She was doing well enough to dodge her attacks, but I was slow, making it hard for Naya to keep up with my fragile body.


    She needed to take overpletely.


    A part of me didn''t want that. I wanted to fight her on my own.


    "You can''t! Can''t you see that she has mastered the act of making her wolf one with her? She can retract her ws anytime she wants! Let me take over!"


    "You mean it isn''t her wolf that is doing this; it is her?" I knew I was doomed, and the fight would be over before I even started.


    I closed my eyes, trying to tap into my energy. It wasn''t working. The purpledy definitely had a mind of her own. I couldn''t justmand her toe anytime I wanted. I wanted my negative emotions toe out, but they were dormant. I didn''t feel the usual goosebumps, and neither did I feel my energy zapping beneath my skin. I was useless.


    I opened my eyes to see Mrs. Lau still in the air with her dangerous talons out to get me. This time, she was going for my head-to rip it out.


    The boys were watching with keen attention, yet they didn''t attempt to do anything. A feeling of helplessness washed over me, and my legs wobbled.


    "This is it, Naya." I mumbled my apology to her. I merely wanted to prove myself. I was failing woefully. I was all talk and no do. Kyle wanted me to stand up for myself. He told me to trust him. He asked me if I was going to do this by myself. I snapped at him and told him to get away from me.


    "Don''t do this, Naya. Let me help you." Naya whispered.


    I closed my eyes, waiting for the most painful blow of my life before death.


    It didn''te. I opened my eyes, shocked to still see her in the air, slowly descending. She didn''t even have a chance to get to me. I frowned when the strangest thing happened. I broke out of my frozen state to check my surroundings.


    Kyle was still his handsome self, frozen, or rather, moving slower than usual. Tim was whispering to Vic, and Sam was watching with rapt attention.


    They were all frozen in time.


    "What the hell is happening here?" Naya inquired.


    I turned to my side, jumping as I saw Naya in flesh, looking like thest time I saw her. Her hair was red and scattered all over. Her eyes red at everything and everyone, and her clothes were, well, a crazier version of mine. I hadn''t paid enough attention thest time I saw her because we were both emotionally unstable, trying to understand why Kyle and Zeke were on a rage rampage.


    But now, it seemed I had all the time in the world to watch her marvel at the sight. Her ws were shorter than Mrs.


    Lau''s ws, but I bet they were still as sharp as hers. She was smallpared to other wolves. It was a wonder she had so much fight in her.


    The realization dawned on me that she was just a being, as I was. We were both supposed to work together like an identical twin, except she was a badass wolf, the lowest among her people. Now she was seizing Kyle up.


    His handsome face was frozen, and his eyes held mischief.


    They were the proper description of his usual appearance. I smiled as Naya tried to bump shoulders with a frozen Kyle.


    I raised a puzzled eyebrow when her body passed through his body. I didn''t want to test the theory of touching him to see if I would pass through because I might just stop this beautiful phenomenon.


    This was part of my power! to cause time to stop for me.


    When I froze, everywhere did so too! It was amazing. I thought, walking closer to Naya, who was trying her hardest to touch Kyle. It was disheartening to see her try so hard yet not touch him. I reached out to her.


    My hands touched her solid shoulders. Her neck turned toward me. "I can''t touch him here, right?"


    I gave her a stiff nod. "Try changing into your wolf."


    She shook her head. "I want him to see me like this. I want Shadow to see me this way."


    I blinked. "The reason you can see yourself this way is because of the purpledy, and you know this. No other wolf can do this. Not even the Elders can. This is our little secret, and one day we will find a way to make Shadowe to you. He loves both of us. If he sees you, he sees me. If he sees me, he sees you." I reassured.


    She gave me a sad smile. "When would that timee?"


    Her crazy look was nothing like her voice. It was a bit deeper than mine. Whatever I saw in Naya was the weakest version of every wolf in the kingdom. Yet she was magnificent.


    I couldn''t wait to see Shadow and me too. What would they look like, too? I sighed, not knowing what Naya was thinking since she was entirely on her own. She wouldn''t know what I was thinking, either. The tables turned the moment we came to my realm. Yeah, this is my realm now.


    I created my own realm. That was freaking amazing!


    She was supposed to console me. Why was I.. you know what? "When I train well enough." I vowed. I was nning to storm into Elder Rosalie and ask for my training. I snapped my head at Naya. "Can we turn Mrs. Lau into a chicken?" "How?" Naya mused.


    I wondered how, but it came to me faster than I imagined.


    "By fighting and thinking."


    "Will that summon the purpledy?"


    I shrugged.


    "We have to try. We have to do everything we can."


    Naya nodded. "I am with you." With that, she changed into a wolf. The wolf I knew so well. This wasn''t just my realm.


    This was Naya''s realm, too. I was sort of in my mind, and this was how my mind looked. This was Naya''s haven.


    I grinned happily when I realized Kyle and Zeke had been here before. They were on my mind sometime ago.


    I gasped. Mind-linking was possible!


    The realm faded, and my eyes watched as Mrs. Lau came down at me. The purpledy began to zap under my skin, pricking me. I knew she was here. Mrs. Lai may be ferocious, but the purpledy was quicker. She coursed through my veins as my determination to turn her into a chicken of humiliation became stronger.


    Naya''s voice echoed in my mind: "Hold on tight, girl. We''ve got this." She mmed into me, and her crazy-long ws grew out of my hands. It tore out of my nails, causing me to growl in pain and ecstasy.


    Seamlessly, I dodged Mrs. Lau''s initial attack, moving with an agility that surprised even me. I hadn''t anticipated this at all. The purple energy surrounding me pulsated, matching the rhythm of my heartbeat.


    I smirked when Mrs. Lau snarled. She must have realized that this wasn''t going to be an easy confrontation. Oh yeah, it wasn''t.


    "Give up, Naya. You can''t defeat me!" Mrs. Lau taunted.


    "Oh, we''ll see about that." whispered, knowing she would hear me.


    "Wait a minute." Zeke''s deep, heated voice stopped me from going any further.


    I blinked. Huh?

 Chapter 155

    Naya''s POV


    Oh. I had an audience.


    "Wait a minute." Zeke stopped me from speaking further.


    I blinked. I was in his room, on his bed, sitting with crossed legs and telling him the whole thing that happened at school. I wasn''t finished yet. "What?" His room was warm and smelled like him. This was the second time that I was here. Or the fifth? Who was counting?


    "Mrs. Lau did all these." Zeke asked in awe as he rxed back to the head board. We were sitting side by side, discussing like actual mates. I hid a small smile at how intimate this was.


    Zeke suddenly snorted. "The purpledy-that''s what we are calling your powers now?"


    I rolled my eyes. "You definitely knew about this. You had to know."


    He smiled. "Yeah, I know. You need to tell me everything.


    How did the story end?"


    I clicked the roof of my tongue as I tried to remember more of the incident.


    "My brother must have been so tired." Zeke muttered. I ignored his words, reaching out to my memories of yesterday.


    I closed my eyes to feel the purpledy zapping under my skin like little electric bolts. They gave me little shocks as I balled my fists to contain them. The desire to kill rose up in me. I allowed it to trail over my body, into my head, and into my eyes. I could tell at this point that my hair was purplish in color.


    The rest of my body? I wasn''t so sure about that. Maybe I was looking monstrous for all I cared. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Tim, Sam, and Vic''s jaws drop open in awe, shock, and horror. "Can you feel it, Naya?" I whispered.


    Naya''s eyes rolled to the back of her head. An ear-splitting growl came out of her lips. It took a while for me to realize that I was the one who made such a thunderous sound. "Oh yeah. This feels really good."


    I nodded in agreement. Deep down, a part of me wondered what brought the purpledy on. One thing I knew was that she was a little inconsistent. The time I needed her the most, she was... "Always there." Nayapleted for me much to my embarrassment. "She has been there. You just don''t know how to summon her."


    There were so many things I was grateful for. The first was the fact that I was an elder. If I were just the mate of Kyle and Zeke, I would probably hide behind them.


    This was an added opportunity. I wasn''t as unlucky as I thought!


    "But how did I do this?" I asked, a bit distracted by the amount of power coursing through me. This was better than I expected from the purpledy. not that it was actually good. I felt good for the first time in many years. Last week, I would never have done anything.


    "Let''s leave that question forter!" Naya screamed in shock as Mrs. Lau''s wolf mmed into me with tremendous force. It threw me backwards toward the wall, and my back hit the wall. I heard a sick crack. I hoped it wasn''t my backbone. I didn''t feel a thing.


    I was on the floor, trying to get up, when Kyle kicked Mrs. Lau to the side. It was fast, and the power behind that one kick was painful. She hit the other side of the wall, the force cracking the surface of the wall.


    Her sharp cry nearly prated my eardrum. However, she stood up with vigor, shaking her head to ward off the dizziness. I was on my feet before that.


    "That''s for doing that to her. It wasn''t fair." Kyle dusted the tip of his shoe like he did nothing to her. Then he winked at me.


    He should help me up! I stood on my two feet, using the wall as a prop.


    "The purpledy just proves how useless she is. I was thrown like a twig!" I sneered in anger.


    Naya chuckled. You didn''t break a bone. Last week, you would have broken your spinal cord and your ribs."


    She had a point there. I cleared my throat as my leg wobbled weakly. I caught Kyle''s concerned eyes as he watched me. He wasn''t exactly surprised at my aura and show of power. Or rather, he didn''t look as shocked as his friends were, frozen and jaws to the floor. The only time I caught his shock at my power was when I appeared fine to him without any broken bones. I could sense his silent support, and it fueled my determination.


    I swallowed when Mrs. Lau sighed in boredom.


    "Alright. ytime is over." She turned to Kyle. "If you interfere, then it would confirm something. I will send the message back to my people, and you will never get rest." Kyle shrugged. "I am not hiding it. She''s my mate."


    Everyone stood still.


    "What?" That was when I heard Vic''s voice. It was gruff, and he sounded like he just woke up from sleep.


    "Your mate?" Sam muttered, but I heard.


    "That''s freaking... freaking..." Tim was looking for the right words. "Freaking, terrible, and okay?" He finishedmely.


    I scoffed. He didn''t tell them I was his mate? It must be shocking! Note my sarcasm.


    "I had my suspicions. What a pity; I would have to take the one you cherish the most." She ran towards me with unfathomable speed.


    Kyle merely chuckled. "Boys. There is a reason why you are here, and it''s to protect my mate. Protect her."


    I narrowed my eyes, understanding why they were here in the first ce. Oh. My fear came back when, at that point, the purpledy began to shimmer. "No, no, no, no, no."


    "I don''t feel her energy again! We didn''t even get to fight!" Naya stamped her feet on the floor in anger as we both watched Tim, Sam, and Vic try to fight Mrs. Lau. I stood there, useless, with all my former disys of power fading into the air. No!


    I could feel the weight of each of her punches on the boys, who I was sure sparred with their fathers. They weren''t ordinary children, as Naya exined to me. I definitely wasn''t paying attention when Naya was gathering information. It secretly made me wonder if she wasn''t preparing for the role of Luna. That sly wolf!


    Tim turned into his wolf, which was silver and had hints of ck under his paws. He was the first to turn into his wolf, and I knew he was taught that way. He took a dangerous swipe at Mrs. Lau, who easily dodged him. She slipped below to meet Sam''s heavy punch. She stopped it from getting to its destination, using her other hand and leg to kick a vicious-looking Vic to the side.


    He looked like an ape at the moment since the hair on his body grew out like fur.


    Then she saw an opening toe to me.


    Even when the purpledy was fading back into her source, I refused to back down. The corners of my lips curled up as taunting words dangled from the top of my tongue. "Come on, old wolf. Show me what you''ve got."


    Kyle''s hands were in his pockets, and his posture made it seem like he wasn''t watching. But his eyes were alert and as keen as an eagle''s. He was a wolf, so...


    "p your hands." A voice whispered in my head. It sounded like the elderly one.


    I did as it said immediately. The moment I pped my hands, the purpledy responded with thunder. That scared Mrs. Lau a bit as she growled, realizing that I may be stronger than she thought I was.


    Rage clouded her features as she continued her advancement.


    "p your hands twice." The voice whispered again, and I tried to do so, but before my hands could reach each other, Mrs. Lau grabbed one of them and twisted it to the back.


    "Naya!" Kyle screamed in horror.


    How did she even get to me so fast?


    "You were too slow." The voice scolded dryly.


    Mrs. Lau grinned wickedly. "That little trick won''t work on me. I know you can stop time, you little piece of s**t. With you gone, I can be who I want. Extra bonus? Your powers!" Her ws grew longer, and she prepared to dig them into my chest. I could see her doing it already.


    While Kyle was on his way to get me, I thrashed around her hands.


    "Let me go!"


    "I was in your shoes once, but I won''t let you go."


    "Bite her!" Naya urged me, and I lowered my razor teeth to her hands, biting a chunk off. She dropped my arm, screaming in pain as blood sprayed out of her left hand.


    I pped my hands, and a burst of energy sent Mrs. Lau backward. I stood panting heavily, feeling victorious. The purpledy was beginning to take its toll on me. I was a vessel for her strength, but right now it was failing me, even as they were fading away. Mrs. Lau''s eyes gleamed with malicious intent as she approached, her every step echoing a threat. The purpledy hadn''t done much harm to her. She was still moving strong.


    Tim was still on the floor, groaning in pain at Mrs. Lau''s onught. Vic was crouched in the corner while Sam was beside Kyle, who stood tense. I could feel Naya''s energy surging within me, a fierce purple glow enveloping my form.


    "Do you think you could challenge me, little girl?" Mrs. Lau sneered.


    "I may be little, but I''ve got something you don''t-strength and determination." The energy under my skin made me confident. In a way,


    "You''re not the only one with tricks," Mrs. Lau spat as she turned into her wolf. We could no longermunicate as I shifted into my wolf.


    "You didn''t have to." Kyle sighed when he saw that his words wouldn''t get to me.


    I had my own n. The will to fight now was stronger than I have ever encountered. Naya''s strength, coupled with that of the purpledy, was making me a bit invisible.


    "Meet my inner strength," I dered, pouncing on Mrs. Lau''s heavy wolf. It was like hitting steel with full force. My bones should be broken by now, but somehow they aren''t. It met her strength. I could feel how surprised she was at my sudden hit as she tried topose herself. Her disgusting frustration went through my nose. "That''s my girl." Kyle''s silky voice reached my ears.


    I gave him a wolvish grin, remembering his deration. He just told the people here that I was his mate! I knew he only told his friends, but it was a step forward!


    "Is that all you''ve got?" Naya taunted.


    "You are just a pup!" Mrs. Lau''s wolf growled at Naya, who scoffed in the way of wolves.


    I nodded. "Yeah, I am a pup." I stopped talking when I figured she wouldn''t hear me. She wasn''t worth my voice.


    While she was distracted by goddess knows what, I changed back to my skin. It was painful as always, but this was a bit bearable due to the fact that the purpledy was with me.


    I took a deep breath as Mrs. Lau turned to strike me. Then I pped. The voice didn''t have to tell me. I just knew that this was the right time to do so.


    A puff of air surprised me and the rest of us. When it cleared away, I waved it aside to find a brown rat on its back, trying to get moving. It couldn''t because it was stuck.


    The f*vK?


    Before it could run away, Tim trapped its tail between his feet. We all knew it was Mrs. Lau because she was still wearing the same clothes she was putting on. Except it was smaller, and...


    "Hi, Mrs. Lau." Vic teased, and an angry squeak flowed from the rat. It definitely showed its displeasure at having turned into something it could not fathom.


    Sam chuckled, getting up from the floor to dust himself. He stretched out his hands to help Tim up. I eyed Tim''s mangled body, making a mental note to do something about it. Kyle quickly approached me with relief and admiration in his eyes. "Naya, you are something else," he remarked, pulling me into a soft hug.


    "Thanks to her," I said, nodding towards the squeaking rat.


    "And my wolf, and you know." I touched my purple hair. He would never know the amount of doubt I had in my head.


    I thought it wouldn''t work.


    "You were amazing. You are." He rubbed my back in the most reassuring manner.


    I buried my face under his neck, where his scent was the strongest. It stirred up my desire for him, but I pushed it down. Not here, not now. "You called me your mate in their presence. I do not know how to act." I peeked from his chest at the boys, who were chatting among themselves about what they had just seen with their eyes. "What are you going to tell them?"


    "I am nning something with them. Don''t worry, they won''t say anything hateful to you."


    I closed my eyes, willing the embarrassment to go down. I turned my heated cheeks away from Kyle''s warm body. He chuckled at my abrupt shyness, and the sound reverberated through my body, touching me in ces where it shouldn''t.


    It was a delicious feeling. The desire for him skyrocketed and I felt the insides of myps pooling with my juices. I pressed myself against him, rubbing my mound against his jeans and whimpering when I couldn''t get more of that delicious friction.


    Kyle looked down at me with amusement. "Woah. What''s going on?" He nced at his friends, and I followed his eyes, but they were too busy watching Mrs. Lau struggle under their gaze and prodding. It seemed like they were more fascinated with her than with us. I took that as an opportunity.


    I hugged Kyle tighter, who granted as soon as I met his hard on. He turned on me too. Great. "I don''t know. You tell me. I need you right now." I panted, swiping my tongue over my lips. They were suddenly dry.


    Kyle ced his hands firmly on my hips to stop my movements. His face was scrunched in desire. "Baby, if you keep doing this, I may take you here, and I won''t stop until you scream my name. Yeah, I won''t walk for days." He promised under his breath.


    My body shook with those words. I could taste his promises before they even happened. What''s happening to me? I knew I was spent from all the energy and fighting, but I was being a w***e without control now.

 Chapter 156

    Naya''s POV


    Zeke sat up immediately, raising his right index finger to my lips to shush me. "You turned Mrs. Lau into a rac?"


    I sighed, grateful that he had interrupted me again. I locked my dry lips. If he hadn''t stopped me, I would have told him the remaining part of the story. The part I was supposed to keep to myself, especially staying in a room with horny Zeke, was always ready to go. If I wasn''t careful, he was going to smell my arousal and make advances on me.


    "She deserved it."


    Zeke pulled me closer to his side. It was then that I felt his concern. "I was so worried; you were not back from school yet. But knowing Kyle was with you put me at ease. A lot must have happened to you. You couldn''t even sleep." He wasn''t entirely wrong. Actually, what had woken me up was something I should keep to myself. Now, I was painfully aware of my plush n**ipples rubbing against his thin shirt. There wasn''t much between us anyway. Goddess, what is wrong with me these days? I mped my mouth shut to suppress the moan that was tening toe out. Updated by


    Please, Naya, stop this. I snapped at my wolf, whose thighs were already leaking.


    "Baby, if you keep doing this, I may take you here, and I won''t stop until you scream my name. Yeah, I won''t walk for days." He promised under his breath.


    At the sound of Kyle''s sexy words, my teeth tugged on my lower lips, trying to hold back my desire to reach out and palm his hard, which I could feel already poking my belly button.


    Damn, Naya We are shorter than him. Naya panted. It was a surprise that she still had a working brain "You are ying with fire, baby." Kyle said, grabbing my ass cheeks and kneading them gently. I whimp loud cough stopped me. I turned towards the source, feeling mortified when I noticed Tim, Sam, and V They were exchanging nces that ranged from amusement to awkwardness. I turned my zing chee say now?


    Wolves were known to tease others about their sexuality, even though s*x was nothing to us.


    all these pheromones swirling in the air. We both needed Kyle to f**k us raw and into oblivion.


    ny pent-up desire. He was fond of using endearing terms whenever he was really aroused. It sounded just right in my ears. I was about to kiss him when a e still here with us.


    ay from them. One minute, I wasmenting how they saw me at my weakest. Another minuteter, I was here, humping dryly at Kyle''s legs. What would they


    S*x was nothing new, as we could f*vck each other in their presence, and all they had to do was give us privacy. It was that ironic.


    Of course, one of them couldn''t resist casting a yful grin at me. "Well, well, it seems like the action isn''t limited to supernatural powers."


    A lot of questions must be in their heads. They would ask themselves if I was a witch in extinction or something. I found out from Elder Rosalie the other day that witches no longer existed because elders annihted all of them. In the lectures of other creatures, which was one of my favorite subjects, they were annihted because they practiced one of the most dangerous rituals of all time. You could say that they were creatures who descended from the line of elders but deviated when they killed for rituals. Blood moon magic.


    Many say that''s where the blood moon pack originated from. which is why the wolf cove and the blood moon were never on good terms. Elders came from the wolf cove pack, witches came from the blood moon pack. I gasped. Could that be the origin of those monsters?


    The history was never clear. There were loopholes that had us wondering if our teachers were telling the truth. Whenever we asked deep questions, they would dismiss our questions as irrelevant and use it as project work. And project work ruins things, I tell you.


    The quiet boy Naya told me was Sam, who chuckled. He wasn''t as quiet as I thought he was. "Yeah, the sparks are flying, just not the way we expected."


    "I swear, this pack is never boring." Vic said. His eyes were still on Mrs. Lau, who had turned into a rat. She was withheld by Tim''s heavy shoes ced on her tails. What humiliation was greater than this? He shook his head with curiosity filling his eyes as he directed them at me. "How did you do this? What are you? A witch? No elder has done this before."


    My face flushed with embarrassment as I tried to tell them what really happened within me. The story of how I did it was beyond me. I mean, I didn''t exactly conjure up the purpledy like that. My bones were almost shattered. "We should talk about how absurd the fight was before talking about my powers."


    "Your powers?" Tim tilted his head. "That means you knew about them. You have had them all along!" Yeah, he should be shocked since they all ganged up once to bully me.


    "We have a good heart, Naya. Remember what I wanted to do to these three?"


    Naya sighed. "We can still do that. The purpledy hasn''t entirely faded away."


    "We know now that if we p our hands, someone gets turned into an animal on the third strike."


    "How about we turn them into chickens?" Naya proposed.


    I frowned. "No. That was reserved for Mrs. Lau."


    "But she is a rat."


    "So what? We can turn her into a chickenter."


    A jab to my shoulders stopped me from talking to Naya. It was Kyle, and he was smirking. "Naya, are you listening?"


    I blinked out of my conversation with Naya. "Yeah."


    Kyle continued. "We were dealing with a serious threat, guys. This is not what it looks like."


    Tim raised an eyebrow. "Dealing with threats or creating new ones?"


    I narrowed my eyes at Tim, preparing to p my hands three times, when the door suddenly burst open. shit, someone has finally broken through the barrier Kyle left at the door. I guess the soundsing from here weren''t kept in. This was the sports hall, so it wasn''t supposed to be loud. The entire ce was supposed to be soundproof, even to wolves. How then...


    Brooke stormed in, looking rmed. "What''s happening here? I heard crashing sounds, and I thought it was another monster attack!"


    Oh. My frown fell. It was Brooke. Trust her to always enter whenever she''s not needed. Speak of the devil, and she would enter. I turned to Mrs. Lau, wanting to ask if the room was supposedly soundproof, only to see her squeaking with all her might. Rat sh*t sprouted from her buttocks, and one of the boys tried to hide his snort. He couldn''t, because we all heard it.


    "What''s that?" She pointed at the brown rat, wearing Mrs. Lau''s clothes. Her face was sown in disgust at the sight of the rat.


    Tim shrugged. "A rat. What else would it be?"


    The room fell silent as Brooke''s sharp eyes surveyed the scene. She was smart per se as her eyes widened, taking in the aftermath of the rec were cracked beyond repair. It was a shock that I didn''t have broken bones.


    I watched Vic limp to the nearly destroyed equipment in the sports room.


    "What happened here?!" Brooke panted in horror. She could only see me looking normal while the rest of the boys had their clothes torn bey transformation into my wolf.


    There were so many advantages to having her energy in me. The only disadvantage was, well, being extremely horny. If not for the scrutiny of I was still thinking about that when Teacher Karr and M walked in with another bunch of concerned students and staff into the hall. Mrs. M promiscuity with teacher Karr, her responsibilities were tremendously reduced. However, we left certain duties to her.


    I was certain her attraction to certain unmated young wolves hadn''t reduced one bit. Sometimes I still see her eyeing Teacher Karr''s a*s as h

 Chapter 157

    Naya''s


    POV


    "What in the world is going on here?" Mrs. M''s unattractive features were marred by the situation she was witnessing. Yeah, I could rte to what she was thinking. How did the entire sports hall be this deste?


    Vic, still looking dazed, pointed at me. Bad habits never die, right? Everything that happened wasn''t me. It was that squeaking thing below that was at fault. One hard look from Kyle had him dropping his hands. He sighed in defeat. "Well, Mrs. M, it seems the lovebirds here decided to spice up the usual monster fight."


    The room erupted inughter while others whispered to themselves. I clicked the roof of my tongue in irritation. It was obvious they thought he was referring to Kyle and Brooke; after all, she was just standing a few meters away from us and had entered before they did.


    They just missed her shaking eyebrows and sneaky, horrified nces she stole from me. Her little brain mist has connected everything to me. Besides, it wasn''t long before I threatened her in the closet. I had used my powers calmly. How much more now? I didn''t even know the impact of the fight until now. I nced at Kyle, who nodded his head in approval of what Vic said. I leaned closer to him. "I thought you said they were aware."


    He leaned back to whisper. "I only told them of my suspicions about her working with the blood moon pack. I didn''t exactly tell them about us and the powers and all that stuff." He looked at me like I had five heads. "When did I have the time?" I shrugged. "I don''t know. They are your friends.


    "I sense you are not happy with them." His voice was low.


    He knew I wasn''t and wouldn''t be until I turned them into chickens for a day.


    "I am not." I gritted out, facing Mrs. M, who was inspecting the area, and the other students who were whispering among themselves.


    "Enough with the jokes. I want a clear exnation now." Mrs. M ordered theughter and whisperings to die down. Her stern expression softened slightly when she faced me. I was not her student, so she didn''t know me. "What''s your name?"


    Teacher Karr stepped up. "Naya Cod." It was obvious who I was to him. His student.


    Mrs. M gave him a subtle smile before turning her attention to me. "Now, Naya Cod. Can you be a dear and exin to me what happened here?"


    I nearly rolled my eyes. Why would she pick the omega to exin things to her? The hierarchy of things here was rming, and I knew that. She thought I was weak enough and below the others to exin what happened, not because she thought I was superior or equal. I nced at Kyle, expecting him to tell me to keep quiet. He didn''t, as he gave a stiff nod of ''go ahead.


    If I didn''t exin things to her, I would be in sh*t. We would all be in sh*t. It may get to Zeke''s ears and the elders'' ears. I shuddered, pondering the fact that Elder Freya may use this opportunity to get her powers back and torment me for putting the school in danger. "It''s not what it looks like. Mrs.


    Lau attacked us, and we had to defend ourselves."


    "We were discussing the situation when it escted. The lovebirdsment is just a tease." Kyle added, like that would clear what Tim, Sam, and Vic had seen us do to eat others in their presence. That cough saved us.


    Mrs. M''s eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, Brooke interrupted with a concerned expression. "Wait, what about the monster attack? Didn''t you hear crashing sounds?"


    Teacher Karr gave her a stern re, to which she recoiled.


    "Clearly, it came from here."


    The students exchanged puzzled nces.


    "What really happened?" Some of them asked themselves in fright. A simple wolf fight wouldn''t have caused the walls to crack to the point of destion. It had to be a monster''s attack, ording to them.


    Tim, seizing the opportunity for more banter, pointed at Mrs. Lau, still squeaking in rat form. "There''s your monster, Brooke. Mrs. Lau decided to be a rat today."


    Teacher Kar''s eyes widened in surprise. He exchanged the same look with Mrs. M, who approached the rat cautiously.


    "Laura? What happened to her?" She squatted to watch Mrs. Lau squeak her displeasure at being watched like a circus animal. She deserved it.


    Sam sighed. "Long story short, she attacked us, we fought back, and she got turned into a rat. Don''t ask."


    The room was filled with a mix of shock,ughter, and disbelief. Mrs. M rubbed her temples as she got up. Her legs trembled, but teacher Karr was there to help her up.


    "I need a detailed report on all of this. And, Kyle and Naya, we''ll discuss your intimacyter. Focus on the matter at hand."


    I casted a re at the one who made mention of our intimacy. It wasn''t to be taken lightly at school. Great. Just f*vcking great!


    ********


    "Oh!" Zeke cackled, and his body followed his happy movements. It wasn''t funny to me. The entire situation wasn''t funny to me. Although I had omitted the intimacy part, I didn''t want to ruin this intimate time with Zeke with s*x.


    I stopped talking just to watch him smile like the god he was. His pearly white teeth shine like the bright moon in dark skies. I had to stop myself from asking the question,


    "Why are you single?'' to him. It was baffling. I mean, why would someone like him be single after this month? He was popr, brilliant, and the next in line for Alpha.


    Lastly, he was mateless. He could have approached any girl without the need to wait for his mate. He could have f*vcked anyone and waited until his eighteenth birthday to proim his mate and dumb the girl. Why didn''t he?


    "That was the funniest thing I have heard in a long while." Zeke said; wiping the tears from his eyes. His eyes were dark with exhaustion. I wanted him to go to sleep and leave me thinking on the balcony. "It wasn''t funny at the time." I lowered my voice, making it sound soft instead of snarky like before. "Your brother is very wise."


    "Whatever he is, he took from our mother." He replied. I could see the pride in his eyes as he talked about Kyle as his mate. I grinned; they were perfect for each other, just as we were all perfect for each other. "Aren''t you jealous of him?" I asked carefully.


    "If there is anyone who should be jealous of the both of us, it''s Kyle. You may not know it, but he is a jealous motherfvcker."


    I narrowed my eyes, suspicious of the way he quickly said it. "So are you." I pouted, remembering the time at the blood moon pack. He was damn jealous, alright?


    We were quiet again, both forgetting about Mrs. Lau. It was afortable silence. Not that I forgot or something. I just didn''t see the need to bring her up until Zeke did so himself.


    His voice was more serious than thest time. "Where is Mrs. Lau now?" I knew he was angry and concerned about the spy. "Kyle said he was going to bring down the spy, and he did." He mused, but I heard him. "Trapped in the scienceb *s. She was kept there for safety, and so the children won''t be okay with her."


    Zeke didn''t look pleased. "You should have brought her home with you. Let''s go and get Kyle. We are having a meeting asap." His long legs touched the floor.


    My ears perked at the word ''we! "Am I going to join in?" He paused at the door. "If you want to." Then he opened it and left.


    I sat on his bed, inhaling his pillows and all, before I stopped beingme and followed him out. I just ruined another night of his. I wondered if he would be happy or sad.


    "You did not ask him to have a meeting. Stop giving me a headache." Naya snarled from the realm.


    I nodded. "Fine."


    His back could be seen in the distance as he took a sharp turn to the right into his study room. I followed him, noticing his lower jeans hung lower than expected around his waist. I could see his bubble b**t moving up and down as he sashayed into his office. His feet were bare, and his strides were powerful.


    "Dayum!" Naya croaked tiredly.


    I agreed with her. Dayum indeed. Zeke was a piece of flesh that needed to be ravaged. I followed with determination to get what I wanted. I was still horny anyway, and sleep was no longer in our eyes. It wasn''t my fault, like Naya said. I matched up with him in the office, shutting the door and locking it behind me.


    He was about to punch the numbers into his phone for the meeting when he noticed me staring at him lewdly.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "I want you." I panted, my heartbeat increasing in tempo. I trailed myps, touching my wetness and moaning in desire as I spread the wetness around my fold. Then I ced a finger inside myself, whimpering when it wasn''t enough to get to my spot. Only Zeke and Kyle''s c*k could fill me the way I wanted.


    Dark lust swirled around Zeke''s eyes as he dropped the phone to watch me. His face was nk, but I knew he was experiencing what I was experiencing. My thumb brushed against my clit, causing me to jerk at the sense load. Then I brushed harder as my wetness came in, pouring down myps and preparing itself as a natural lube for Zeke''s c*ck.


    Zeke''s breath came out in shorts.


    "Go on, baby, don''t stop."


    I added another finger to my soaking c**t and furiously dug in and out. The confidence excluding me was something I had never experienced. partly because Zeke was my audience, and his face alone fueled my fantasy.


    A loud, sexy growl filled my ears. I didn''t know when he picked me up and ced me on his desk, scattering everything on it. His belt made a clunking sound as it dropped. Without words, he tore my pants, roughly nting his face into my c**t.


    His rough tonguepped my essence mercilessly as I cried out to the heavens. He sucked like a mad wolf, drawing me to my end. And when he did, he pulled away, causing me to groan in frustration.


    "Don''t worry, you will be filled soon." He muttered, pulling out his thick, ten-inch c*ck, fully engorged and squirting precum. I swallowed like it was the first time we met.


    Putting his hands under my thighs, he raised them up, sessfully impaling me in his c*ck, filling me to the brim.


    It was the best feeling.


    He pulled in slowly, watching sadistically as his c*ck went out, and then mmed in with force.


    Then he started pounding harshly.


    pping sounds and grunts in the air fueled my ecstasy as I neared my release.


    "Oh, my f*vcking goddess..." my eyes rolled back to my head as he touched my spot, which multiplied the pleasure already coursing through me. I opened my mouth in a silent scream as he assisted himself, mming in and out of me with unusual speed. I didn''t even have time to breathe as he rubbed my c**t wickedly. He kept the pace, taking me to the highest mountain and throwing me the f**k down.


    He didn''t stop as he continued pounding into me senseless.


    My clit was sensitive, yet he kept rubbing, bringing me to another close.


    "Harder! Come on, baby... f*vck me right there!" I yelled, taking his big wolf c*ck like a champ.


    He grunted, and his movements became sloppy. "f*vck! Take my c*ck, baby. You are mine!"


    I whimpered as I neared the edge of my pleasure. "I am yours." Hisrge palms pped my cheek b**t, further intensifying the desire. "I am cumming."


    "c*m with me, baby." He growled, getting more sloppy in his movements.


    Suddenly, I felt a jet of warm liquid filling my chest. Itnded right on my spot, and I screamed to the heavens as my release came.


    Darkness filled my vision as I trembled,ing down from the pleasure overload.


    ************


    I expected to wake up in Zeke''s room, but instead I found myself at the scene of the fight between Mrs. Lau and me in school. It was a memory-the part I didn''t tell Zeke before the hungry s*x. It was as if we had been starving for it for a long time. Frankly, it had been a long time.


    It wasn''t over yet, as Mrs. M asked us into her office for the report. With us here were Teacher Karr and, of course, Brooke, the unwanted guest, or rather, spectator. Why did she have to be here?


    The room buzzed with voices as Mrs. M attempted to restore order. Once in a while, Tim, Sam, and Vic would throw in a ridiculousment that got me angrier. My hands tightened in disagreement with whatever they threw at me and Kyle. And Kyle? Kyle only smiled. He was enjoying seeing me flustered by the minute.


    "So, let me get this straight," Mrs. M said, attempting to make sense of the chaotic narrative. "You were attacked by Mrs. Lau, fought back, and she ended up as a rat?"


    I nodded. "Yes, that''s pretty much the summary. It sounds crazy, I know."


    "Why would she attack you? Are you sure it was not a monster? Because thedy time, we had dismissed that fact." Mrs. M looked like she was having a headache. Teacher Karr was by her side in an instant. Come on! We were still in school! "It won''t happen. They know what they saw."


    Brooke scratched her head. "And what about the monster attack? I heard crashing sounds. I was sure."


    Everyone rolled their eyes. I take back what I said earlier.


    Brooke is dumb. A dumb blonde.


    Mrs. M sighed, rubbing her temples. "I never signed up for dealing with rat transformations when I became a teacher." She was eying Mrs. Lau with fraud, like she was the cause.


    While she tried to maintain a serious demeanor, the absurdity of the situation made me snort. Why would she say that? My snort became infectious, spreading through the room like wildfire, and soon even teacher Karr was chuckling.


    The door opened, and another teacher walked in. She was wearing an angry frown. "Enough of this nonsense!" She scolded us and turned to Mrs. M. "I heard." Everyone couldn''t keep the good news of Dean being turned into a rat by me!


    We subtly rolled our eyes at his appearance. It was the stern Appleby, the strict creature teacher. He was the only one I didn''t like because whenever I was bullied, he would ignore me. The others apparently had their own reasons for rolling their eyes too. He wasn''t loved, I see. He wagged his little fingers at me. "I don''t care if Mrs. Lau turned into a rat or if you discovered a new form of entertainment. We have a school to run, and this is uneptable!"


    Yeah, I remember why we call him Appleby. He loved apples! I held in another snort.


    Mrs. M nodded. "Right, Appleby is correct." She had unknowingly used his nickname in school. This time we couldn''t hold the snort in.


    Teacher Karr even joined. "M... you called him Appleby!" The shock on Mrs. M''s face was priceless, and the shock on Appleby''s face was even more.


    However, she continued. "We need to focus on ensuring the safety of everyone. Mrs. Lau being a rat is bizarre, but we can''t let it distract us from our responsibilities. Let''s report this to the alpha. Can you undo what you have done to her?" Everyone turned to me. I shook my head. "I don''t know how to."


    "So she was the one who did this." Appleby snarled. "You better have a tangible exnation when we get to the alpha and undo this sorcery. You just managed to ruin everything on your first day back."


    Kyle stepped forward in warning. "Don''t."


    Appleby took two steps back. "Right." His ring eyes didn''t leave me, though.


    As the teachers discussed the next steps to reporting this bizarre incident to Zeke, Vic and Tim were still stifling theirughter. Just today alone, I found myself in the spotlight.


    Tim nudged Kyle with a mischievous grin. "So, when''s the wedding? Rat-Lau can be the ring bearer."


    Kyle rolled his eyes, but a small smile yed on his lips.


    "Very funny, Tim. Let''s just get through this mess. It''s my fault for bringing you guys in. My brother won''t appreciate my effort that much."


    I knew everyone saw him as the teenage king. He would be pressured to punish us. Me especially.


    Vic joined in, "Maybe we should start a new tradition-wolf weddings and rat rings."


    "Just another day in this stupid academy." Sam whispered.


    I raised an eyebrow at his words. He was a good fighter!


    This was totally unrted to what he said.


    Sue me.


    The banter continued, lightening the mood in the room.


    "He is still a kid; what type of judgment would he proim in a matter like this?" Appleby''s words caught my ears. I frowned, knowing who he was talking about.


    "Have you seen Alpha Zeketely? You will regret your wordster if you don''t change that mentality." Mrs. M snapped angrily. She sighed, drawing them closer to whisper. They spoke in a way we wouldn''t hear to gather information for the report she would undoubtedly have to submit to the higher-ups. While Zeke was f*vcking me, I didn''t know that the news of Mrs. Lau''s transformation into a rat had spread faster than wildfire, reaching the ears of the elders.


    And the blood moon pack.

 Chapter 158

    Zeke''s


    pov


    The sun filtered through the window, announcing its presence.


    Iy by her side, watching her sleep like an angel. This was the calmest I have seen her. Unlike thest time, when her brows furrowed as if she were worried about something, Her features screamed peace and love. Innocence too.


    I chuckled, rxing against the headboard as I remembered this morning. She hade up to me like a wolf in heat.


    I froze at the thought of that. Naya was a shy girl. Would she have done that if she wasn''t in heat? I dismissed that thought, tracing her red hair that covered half of her face.


    She was beautiful, and my wolf knew that.


    Sighing, I got up from the bed. I would want more than anything to stay with her in bed, but duties called. The earlier I prepared for the meeting, the better before theye swarming into my office, expecting me to fail. I haven''t kept any of my promises because there is no one in ce for them yet. My brother.


    I needed to see Kyle. Before I could tiptoe out of the room, Kyle opened the door. His gaze went straight to the red bundle on my bed. He instantly gave me a knowing look.


    "I missed again, didn''t I?" He frowned, walking me out of my room.


    I scoffed. "When have you missed? She''s always with you." Kyle rolled his eyes. "We will talk about thister." His voice sounded serious. "Did she tell you before you two f*vcked like bunnies?"


    I could hear a hint of jealousy in his voice, but I waved it aside. Now was not the time. "Yes, she did." I ushered him back to my office.


    He scrunched his nose immediately. "You guys did it here?"


    I nodded. "I prefer her scent here to that of those sweaty wolves."


    Kyle nodded in agreement. "I do too." He sat down without me asking. "What do we do about Mrs. Lau?"


    I scratched the back of my head. "I was about to call for a meeting."


    "When you chose to f**k her."


    "Drop it, Kyle." I snapped, focusing on the issue at hand.


    "Naya made the mistake of turning the dean of the school into a rat. But we won''t me her. We just have to exin that she was a spy. Do you have evidence?"


    Kyle nodded, bringing out his phone and dropping it on the table. "There is your evidence. I don''t want the peoples voices to cloud your judgment. Don''t let them hurt her."


    "After this hot sex? Never." I chuckled. My brother was clearly concerned about me turning her away like I always did. Not this time, though. I would protect her. She wasn''t loved in the pack, but I will make her loved. "I''ll announce her powers." Kyle snapped his head at me. "What?"


    "Yes. It''s time the pack loves Naya for who she is."


    "They might say she is a descendant of the blood moon pack. Her powers turned someone into a rat!"


    "Everyone in this manor saw the elderly one talking through her. We have witnesses, so she will be fine in that aspect."


    "She is a powerful vessel we need to guard with our lives."


    "I agree."


    "Can you pick up those files on the floor? Those are the new rules I put together. By afternoon, I want you to be ready to back me up. Anyone you don''t think is good, scratch it out. I ran them through Beta Brooke and Marley the other day. They said it was okay." But I still needed him.


    Kyle grinned knowingly. "You still need my judgment."


    "You are a brilliant wolf too. So check it out; let me freshen up."


    "It will be my turn soon!" Kyle yelled after me as he picked up the files, going through them with his sharp eyes. I knew that ''turn'' meant he wanted to f*vck Nayater, but that was not my choice. That was Naya''s choice to make. She came up to me, telling me she wanted me. This won''t be different either.


    ********


    By afternoon, the staff had already spread the word that there was to be a meeting with the stakeholders in the pack. This time, it wasn''t just the elders but also the teachers flooding in. The elders themselves, in flesh, and a couple of leaders from the warriors, hunters, harvesters, and hospital created an assembly that seemed more fitting for a conference.


    We were ready for the meeting that would change the hierarchy of the pack and might cause conflicts.


    A knock by the door stopped Kyle''s whispering of the next course. I raised my head to see Lily at the door. It must have taken her a while to get here.


    "Alpha Zeke, they are all seated." I sighed, turning to Kyle. "It''s time."


    Kyle smirked. "Let''s do this brother. With those old folks, none of this is going to be easy."


    "And they hate me already," I replied.


    "No. They hate that you are younger than them. No matter how experienced they are, none of them were chosen to guide you. None. It must have hurt." Kyle chuckled.


    I stopped mid-way. "You are having fun with this, right?" Kyle shrugged. "Yes, I am." He didn''t even bother to lie! But his words made me a little happy. They didn''t hate me as the Alpha son; they hated that I was young and allowed to rule over the old ones. They could go to hell for all I cared.


    True to Lily''s words, they were already seated with a cup of tea by their sides. Close to twenty people watched with sharp eyes. They were our packs finest. Among them was the Gossip, who spread words like never before from the manor. Last week, I made sure to filter her out before she told everyone what happened in the manor. She also had her purpose in the pack, working at the packs hospital, where it was easiest to spread information.


    At the sight of me, everyone stood. I scanned the crowd, hoping to see Naya, and then I remembered she was satiated from this morning. I smiled, taking my seat.


    Everyone followed suit after that.


    Mrs. M, one of my least favorite teachers, took her seat with a bundle of files in her hands. She came prepared, didn''t she? Everyone seated here was higher than me in knowledge and had a lot to say. "me, we are in deep shit." I whispered to my wolf, who was calm.


    "No, we are not. We are Alpha for a reason. You will see." Hemented, going into the dark. I wish we could trade ces.


    I chose to trust his words and those of my brother, who was nowhere to be found. sh*t. He must have gone back to Naya. That sly brat. He was behind me just now!


    "Alpha Zeke, may I speak?"


    I nodded to Mrs. M, who was eager to speak.


    She stood up, bowing slightly. I raised an eyebrow at the stiff bow. "One of our students turned someone into a rat."


    Everyone began to snicker. I bit my inner chick to keep my stoic face on. I didn''t receive poker face training, so don''t me me for trying tough. But I think I am doing a good job keeping a nk face on. It was hard. "Who?" Elder Rosalie was a bit puzzled.


    It was obvious; Mrs. M was a bit hesitant as to who. "Our Dean." She finally said.


    Elder Rosalie shook her head. "I mean, who turned the Dean into a rat?"


    Mrs. M sighed. "I don''t know how to say this, but..." Being addressed by an elder must have made her so flustered to remember who turned Mrs. Lau into a rat and what could be done to rectify the curse. "Naya Cod did. I asked myself a thousand times how an omega could have done this. It''s so unheard of and uncalled for."


    A man I wasn''t aware of stood up rudely. "How could a miserly omega do this to the dean of the school? She needs to be punished!"


    "Sit down, both of you." Imanded.


    They both did.


    "We should be looking into Naya''s power instead of seeking to punish her. Who here can tell me what happened that day?" I asked. I have to protect my mate no matter what. If this was fate, let it protect her. Teacher Karr raised his hands. "She disturbed the school."


    "Was she the only one there?" I interrupted with a frown. Do they think I do not know the whole story? How dare they lie to me?


    The representatives from other packs exchanged puzzled nces.


    Beta Brooke shook his head in amusement. "A rat of all things? What kind of supernatural altercation turns someone into a rat?"


    They were making me lose the point of holding this meeting all because my mate was an omega. I could feel me''s anger rising within me.

 Chapter 159

    Zeke''s POV


    I was about to explode when a figure at the door stopped me and others from talking. They knew an omega was in the room with us. a special type of omega. The weak type.


    "Hey! Don''t call her that." me thundered, giving me a headache.


    I rolled my eyes. "It wasn''t intentional. I didn''t mean it that way." It was true. I didn''t mean it that way; I was only stating the reasons why her presence was so obvious. "Because she''s your mate and carries about the same aura as an elder." me exined, prancing all over. "I am worried they will eat her up."


    They will, if we are not careful. It''s our duty to make sure these people here don''t. I mused, looking at Kyle for help.


    During times like this, he always knew what to say to steer people away from their intended conversation.


    "Laura attacked me and Naya." Kyle began, daring anyone toe under his statement. He had called Mrs. Lau by her first name. He was intentionally dering war on teachers,


    "and we had to defend ourselves." He pointed at Tim, Sam, and Vic, who were quiet and watching. "They came to my aid. The result is what you see." Everyone turned to Mrs. Lau with a frown.


    "Is there any way to undo this?" Someone asked.


    "We already asked that omega girl; she said no, she can''t undo it. Mrs. Lau might remain like this forever." A teacher whispered to the ears of everyone.


    Elder Freya raised her hands. "Well, it can be undone, so we hear the other side of her story and decide if Naya should be punished."


    The people nodded their agreement.


    Elder Freya turned to me with a smirk. "For that to happen, I need my powers."


    "No." Naya''s small voice froze the atmosphere.


    "What?" Elder Freya looked bbergasted.


    "Aloha Zeke isn''t obligated to give you your powers. I took it, and you will have to use the magic word to get it back.


    As for Mrs. Lau, she will be returned to her original form, but I can''t promise her wolf to return." Naya eyed Mrs. Lau, whose squeaking resumed as soon as sheid eyes on her. Appleby''s eyes narrowed at Kyle, basically ignoring Nayas words as insignificant. "Even if Mrs Lau attacked you, you could havee to me... or teacher Karr, even Mrs. M! This is a breach of the teacher''s code. Turning the dean of the school into a rat is a serious matter."


    I sighed as Naya bit her lips in thought. I followed the movement with eagerness. She didn''t even check her appearance before running out into a meeting filled with importance. Her hair was disheveled, her eyes were sleepy, and her lips were red, swollen, and pouty from the kisses this morning. My breath hitched at the sight of my shirt on her. It was big for her, covering her knees and thin, smooth legs. The shirt hung over the side of her shoulders, showing her creamy shoulders and a hickey no one should have seen. Elder Derek stepped forward, his gaze locked on Naya. I felt my wolf raise his shackles on defense. "Naya, we need a detailed ount of what happened. This involves not only your pack but the entire supernaturalmunity." His voice was soft on her, so I willed me to rx.


    I exchanged uneasy nces with Naya before she stepped to the front, beside me, where she should have been. All eyes were on her. As she was about to speak, I held her hands so she would stop and allow me to talk. I was at the center of an inquiry that would have consequences if I didn''t address it properly. I was Alpha, and I would address it in a way that the pack would benefit. Then the teachers would go home before I talked about the rat, which suited Mrs. Lau or rather, Laura.


    If I wanted to make everyone happy, I would have to set aside my personal rtionship with everyone. I averted my gaze from Marley''s piercing ones on the hold I had on Naya. Holding of our hands was deeper than she could ever imagine.


    The room had expectant faces looking up to me to resolve the issue. The teachers wanted me to punish Naya for turning a Dean into a rat before reversal. They im that if 1 didn''t punish her, the students might do it to just anyone.


    The elders wanted me to return elder Freya''s power, so she would use the power of the skies to return Mrs. Lau to her original form. Elder Rosalie and the other elders weren''t bothered about that, but they wanted to know more about Naya''s powers. I had a feeling they wanted Naya as a student.


    I would never permit anyone to return Elder Freya''s powers.


    She has caused a lot of trouble and will have to live with it.


    If two days at the dungeon didn''t teach her a lesson, this will.


    The rest of the students and staff were there as witnesses and evidence to get to the whole pack. Even the Gossip was quiet, furiously writing down her next points for the media and press.


    This was a headache.


    "Our mate is Sassy and Omega; she is supposed to have a headache." me grumbled, paying on the floor. "But I am notining, are you, Zeke?"


    I shook my head with a stern expression. "No." I fixed my gaze on Naya. "You understand the severity of the situation. Mrs. Lau''s transformation raises questions about your new powers." I turned to the crowd. "Naya is an elder."


    Just as I expected, the room erupted into whispers, gasps, and shock. The elders, for one, didn''t look shocked. I guess they were just in denial, as a new member would be joining their crew soon to make them six in number. Naya blinked.


    "You nned this, didn''t you? Nobody tells me anything!"


    I chuckled. "This may save you from the teachers, especially that one ready to gobble you up." I pointed at Appleby, who was looking dazed.


    "How-how can this be? Elders are not born, and shes, she''s and omega....


    I pointed at the rat. "That''s the result of her powers."


    "But that is sorcerery, impure and dishonest form of magic!


    It''s blood magic." He yelled, but Sam stood up.


    "I was there; there was no blood." He muttered lowly.


    Vic followed suit. "There was no killing of anything except she saved me, and Mrs. Lau was being a b*itch!"


    "Come on! She was terrified and probably thought of something small. A rat came to mind." Tim said, and I hid augh.


    Marley raised her hands to my surprise. "Don''t even dare ask about her origin. I gave birth to her after nine months in my womb. She''s from me, as you can see."


    Nevertheless, I turned to Naya, crossing my arms in mock anger. I frowned when I saw her eyes on Marley. Something unreadable crossed her face. I cleared my throat to start my judgment.


    "The Council of Elders will discuss the matter of reversal.


    Your actions affect the entire pack''s activities."


    Naya exchanged a worried nce with Kyle. "I am sorry, Alpha zeke."


    I wanted to smile but held it in. My stern expression was important for this to work. "Apologies are not epted. You will be punished. Alpha Kyle will be in charge of your punishment. Since he came to your aid, he will be in charge of the punishment. Sam, Tim, and Vic, you are not excluded. Alpha Kyle will speak to the teachers to know what punishment will be suitable for you." I gave Kyle a wink, to which he smirked.


    Beta Brooke nodded approvingly. "That''s a start. Rest assured, the Council of Elders will be seeking an exnation for this anomaly." He added to my satisfaction.


    "The rules and regtions of the pack will bemitted to everyone by tomorrow evening. We are all expected to attend the ceremony ted for tomorrow. That''s all." I cleared my throat, signifying the end of the discussion. One by one, the teachers left with both satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Who cared? Their opinions didn''t matter because Mrs Lau was a spy, ording to Naya''s revtions, so this wasn''t just about defending themselves against Mrs. Lau; it was about the delicate bnce between betrayal and trust. Mrs. Lau betrayed my father''s trust by allowing an enemy into the pack-into the school-to attack the children. What if Kyle and I weren''t there?


    Our mate would have died in the hands of a monster.


    Stacking her files, Mrs. M turned to Kyle and Naya with a stern expression. "I expect to see you, Alpha Kyle, and Naya in school tomorrow." She had a pleading look in her eyes.


    "This incident has made our school even more dangerous and under intense scrutiny. We need to be careful." To me, she bowed. "Alpha Zeke."


    I waved her off. Naya and Kyle nodded in agreement. As soon as the room cleared out the students and teachers, the elders faced Naya.


    "So tell me. How did you do it?" Elder Freya began.


    "First of all, I need to know why you haven''t been fulfilling your duties since your powers were taken away from you.


    And what was that ridiculous demand in front of the pack?


    Haven''t you learned your lesson?" I thundered, thinking of the things I could do to her from where she sat.


    To my surprise, Elder Freya sighed. "I am sorry, Alpha Zeke.


    It is just so hard to..


    I tilted my head. "But it wasn''t hard for you to visit Tyta and say things about bringing the dead back to life."


    She was quiet for a while, observing me just like I observed her. Then her eyes lowered in defeat. "Fine, I was just desperate to console those children."


    I banged my hands on the table, remembering my encounter with Tyta and her children. It wasn''t pleasant.


    "No, you were not trying to console them; you were sending me a message. I didn''t tell you to act crazy and attract the attention of your creator. I didn''t ask you to go there and make a mess of things; I asked you to stay with them and empathize with them." I pointed at Marley, whose eyes widened. "You! What were you doing? I asked the both of you to work together."


    Marley took a deep breath. "I went to check on the children who were recently attacked, bringing the attention of Dr. Ali.


    He just rushed over them now."


    I rubbed the bridge of my nose. "Good." I had no option but topliment her. The women in this pack gave me more problems than the men. "Beta Brooke, what''s happening with the children, and why wasn''t I told about it?"


    Once again, Marley had taken matters into her own hands and proven capable of handling things.


    "The blood moon pack." He simply replied, and I nodded.


    We needed eyes over there to know their next moves because they can''t keep distracting us from our duties by going after the children at the hospital. I leaned over to Naya.


    "We need Ren¨¦e and those guards. Can you summon them?"


    "We can teach her if she promises to tell us everything about her powers." Elder Rosalie chirped in, earning my re. Has she ever heard of privacy? One of the reasons I needed to establish a mind-linking rtionship with my mate.


    We would know about all that on my birthday. Without having eyes on the blood moon pack, Naya may not live to see my birthday. Everyone wanted her death. It was as if everything wanted her dead. No one wanted us to be together. I was tempted to pay her hair down, but with the elders eyes on her, it would look ridiculous. She had her attention on them, telling them about her wonderful powers.


    She has four of them now.


    four powers in one.


    My mate was just as powerful as I was.


    If I thought the battle for my mate was over, I was wrong.


    The next morning proved just that.

 Chapter 160

    Naya''s


    POV


    I dreaded the next day and what it would bring. Today was my second day in school, and guess what? Zeke and Kyle''s birthday. It was the reason why my a*s was firmly nted on the bed. "Get up,zy a*s," Naya mumbled,ying on her own a*s. She didn''t want to get up, either.


    "Today is the day. Today we get to see the alpha pick his mate."


    Naya rolled her eyes. "We are their mates. When did you think we found out?" She added curiously.


    I tried to remember when. "Oh, the time we slept and ended up ''watching. The night at the blood moon pack."


    "What do you think they are plotting now?"


    "Renee." We both said at once that we were missing our best friend.


    "She has been quiettely."


    "What did you expect? I bet her house is under surveince."


    "The whole pack is buzzing with the celebration in the air."


    I sighed, looking out the window. The fog fromst night was starting to disperse. "I wish their parents were here. It would make things a bit easier...


    "Would it?" Naya sighed with me as we both rolled over the bed, and she was on her mind.


    Theziness was getting to us. "Should we cast an invisible cloak at school? We only need to learn and get out." Naya suggested, putting pressure on the purpledy.


    "Impossible." I shook my head. "Even if I know how to do that, we must humor Zeke. For the first time, he defended me against a number of people. I am so happy I could burst." Naya pouted. "He asked Kyle to supervise your punishment."


    "No, he asked Mrs. M to... yeah. He did." I mentally palmed my head. "Kyle!" I groaned in frustration. "He caused all of this. But without him, I would never have figured out that I could turn someone into a rat!"


    "A rat... what a wonderful option. I nearly sh*t myself when she took a lunge at me. We were brave, Naya, so brave..." Naya''s eyes were filled with terror as shes of yesterday''s fight filled our heads. I chuckled at her way of saying we were stupid. After all, there was a thin line between bravery and stupidity. We wanted to prove ourselves, and we did so against Kyle''s words. I guess that would be the reason why he was asked to supervise my punishment.


    Over to Elder Freya. I had no freaking idea how to reverse her powers. I''ll have to see the elderly one or elder Rosalie for that. We all haven''t been talking much. It was no one''s fault. I was busy trying to control my mates and powers; they were doing their thing.


    Zeke was definitely furious at her for disobeying his orders.


    "Orders about Tyta."


    "Who is Tyta?"


    "Reid''s mate we never saw or heard of." Naya covered for me.


    I gasped. "That''s messed up."


    "I know."


    We both sighed again when my rm began to ring. There was no time to grumble and mumble about how unfair life was. I was slowly getting pulled into the politics of the pack without even knowing it. I was well aware of that, but none of it was my own doing. "Do you believe in fate, Naya?" The voice spoke in my head, reminding me of the times they spoke during the fight.


    "Was that you?" I tapped my wolf, who waszing around like a loafer.


    "I don''t want to go to school." Naya muttered under her breath. Her voice was different from the one I heard.


    "No, I mean, did you ask me a question about fate?"


    Naya groaned. "No! I have to brace myself for another bully fight, right?"


    "We are under the protection of our mates. Why are you so afraid? This should be your line! You should be consoling me!"


    Naya cleared her throat, taking a defensive position. "Sure!"


    giggled at her form of y, forgetting about the voice that spoke to me earlier.


    We didn''t waste much time preparing for school. A simple ck hoodie to signify what a gloomy day it was, and rainbow-colored joggers to celebrate Zeke and Kyle''s birthday. It was a way to show that, whoever they chose to officially mate with, I wouldn''t fight for it. If they rejected me, I would not ask them to ept me and fade into a life of grief.


    I would die peacefully.


    "Naya, do not include that in the menus today. I have had enough." Naya snapped angrily. She was even growling for no reason I could ce my hands on.


    "Alright." I threw the hoodie over my head, dragged the joggers up my waist, and slipped my legs into a van. I nced at the mirror, wondering if I should tie my hair up into a little pony or a bun. I don''t have long hair, so it was kind of a dilemma for me. "Pony tail." Naya said.


    "Bun."


    "Pigtails." We both said it at the same time, and I smiled.


    Truly, there was no difference between my wolf and I. We may have different opinions, but we are one.


    I bent my hair over while eyeing the mirror to get the correct cut. After doing that, I tied it in two ces. I ced both hands under my eyes, expecting to see a purple rim around my blue pupils, but nothing was there. I was safe for now.


    "Do you think we should get contact lenses? The color of our eyes." Naya asked.


    I shook my head. "I am not ashamed of the purpledy.


    Even if something bad happens, we will take it."


    Naya nodded as I grabbed my bag. I was conversing with Naya more than necessary. One would think she was my mate! But that was the bond between a wolf and its host.


    I came out of the manor to see everyone with a bright smile on their faces. The women in charge of linen and washedundry walked past with their chores neatly arranged in their hands. The cleaners were scrubbing the walls until their hands bled, while the interior decorators were decorating based on the mood of everyone today.


    It was our Alpha''s birthday.


    "Excuse me!" Someone yelled, and I narrowly dodged a heavydder being dragged to the other side of the room. I scanned the room for the twins, but they were nowhere to be found. I surely didn''t hope Kyle would cancel going to school today.


    I would be the happiest person in our realm if he did! Then I frowned, remembering I did not get anything for my mates.


    "Crap!" Naya paw-palmed her muzzle. "We forgot."


    "Our greatest gift is.."


    "Not sex."


    "You beat me to it!" I argued with Naya, who rolled her eyes.


    "We need to get them something special." Macau interrupted me before I could say any more stupid things.


    "My eptance is enough." I firmly said.


    "What if they reject..."


    "Naya!" Kyle called from the first floor. He was wearing a dazzling grin. I didn''t wave or acknowledge him. I only stared until he came down. I gave him an awkward smile.


    My lips trembled at the sight of his face. His wavy hair was packed up in a ponytail, a day-old stubble scattered over his face, and I could only imagine his reaching out to whisper sweet nothings into my hair. The tingles those would give...


    His perfectly bowed lips. Though thin, they were softer when kissed. I have tasted them before. His skin was so smooth.


    A quick snap brought me out of my thoughts. Huh?


    "You are checking me out." Kyle whispered the obvious.


    I cleared my throat, averting my gaze. "You are crazy to think that for a second."


    "Zeke f*vcked you." He shrugged, walking off like he did not just say something no one should hear! I chased after him immediately.


    "What the f*vck, Kyle? Can''t you be more discreet? People were everywhere!" I jabbed in hushed tones.


    Kyle gave me a simple smile. "My love..." I felt my face heat up again. It seemed like he was happy with my reaction, so he continued. "I could smell you all over Zeke''s office. Don''t act so innocent now."


    I pouted. "Don''t get the wrong idea. I wasn''t in control of myself. I barely remember what happened."


    "Everyone could smell Zeke rolling off you. That was why they didn''t attack you as much as I thought. They must have figured you were sleeping with him."


    "You are my mates. My body reacts to you both without realizing it. I feel like I am in heat since I have been noticing some crazy details..."


    Kyle was in front of me in an instant. "In heat?"


    I frowned, a bit curious as to why he was so interested.


    That was when I saw the creepy smile on his face. "Don''t you dare."


    "Good luck resisting my advances, then!" He chuckled, putting both hands in his denim jeans pocket and getting ahead of me.


    Today, someone else was driving. It was one of the guards I rescued from the blood moon pack. I narrowed my eyes on him. "Why are you driving today?"


    Maybe Zeke asked him to or something.


    "I don''t know. Alpha Zeke asked me to take both of you to school."


    I turned to Kyle. "We would be asked if Mrs. Lau has returned to normal. It may affect my."


    Kyle wasn''t listening anymore. He was just staring at me with a smile. "You look good today and even smell good today."


    Things were always different with Kyle. Unfortunately, forces might stop us from being mates today.


    kk


    I expected the school corridors to buzz with excitement as rumors spread about Kyle and Zeke''s uing birthday.


    The news spread like wildfire. We had just entered the school premises when a group of girls huddled close to their lockers, exchanging heated whispers.


    I turned to Kyle to check if he was listening. His face seemed neutral, but I knew he was listening to what they were saying. I guess they haven''t seen him yet, since their focus was on their conversation and not who was walking in and out of the school. How foolish of them! "Did you hear girls? Our Alpha''s birthday is today! which means they get to choose their mates."


    "Both of them?" Another asked. I didn''t know who spoke. "A mate for both of them?"


    "No, silly! They would need a mate each. One for Alpha Kyle and one for Alpha Zeke." She giggled irritably. Her voice sounded like chalk against a stone.


    Irking.


    "Emma! Seriously? Brooke is first in line already." The third girl''s voice was low and sad. I scoffed.


    I pretended to look for my books in my locker. I nced around to see that Kyle had gone to-who knows where?


    He didn''t bother to stick around to listen. Although it would be weird to see him at the girl''s locker,


    The first girl, who''s probably the leader, rolled her eyes.


    "What''s the big deal? I was thinking it would be that Naya girl, but he''s just using her."


    I froze. Using me?


    "Today would be the day to pick the one to spend the rest of your life with. You and I could be his true mates! Do you know how glorious that would be? You couldmunicate through mind-linking. Just you and your mate, not just your wolf." The girls sighed dreamily.


    "So let''s get him something. not your body. Do you have Brooke''s book about Alpha Kyle?"


    I rolled my eyes to the heavens. It is typical of Brooke to jot those types of things down.


    "I do." She fished it out.


    "What about Alpha Zeke?" Another asked.


    "Let''s ask Naya. She''s the slut''s sister."


    I swallowed as soon as I realized that I wasn''t the only one who was desperate for Zeke and Kyle''s true-mate bonding. I mmed my locker door, shocking the girls.


    They all red at me, not able to do anything about how obnoxious I was. They started it first!

 Chapter 161

    Naya''s POV


    Immediately after they returned to their discussion like I didn''t just interrupt them. It was insulting to me. I scoffed at how ridiculous I sounded in my head. When did I really start to care what other girls thought about me? "Since the day, Alpha Zeke and Alpha Kyle became your mates." Naya imitated one of the girl''s voices so much that she sounded like a dying whale. Not that I had any idea what a dying whale sounded like.


    "Yeah, no sh*t, genius." I deadpanned.


    "Is that not the girl we were talking about?"


    "I don''t know. We just have to ignore her for now."


    "But she is right there staring at us!"


    I rolled my eyes at their excited tones. They didn''t mind if I was their sworn enemy because it would get them the love of their lives. Or so they were thinking.


    One of them, probably Emma, walked up to me. Her hands gently rested on my shoulders. It was surprising to see her demeanor change just because she wanted something from me. This wasn''t how I expected the meeting to go. I shouldn''t have caused trouble and avoided them all day. It was as if she never said anything bad to me.


    Naya scratched her head awkwardly. "What''s the fun then?


    Emma wants tips on how to win Alpha Zeke''s heart. That''s the dumbest thing I have heard. For goodness sake, we are talking about mates and not some boyfriend''s birthday party."


    "So what are you proposing?"


    "Help the girls." Naya said. Her time suggested something else. It put different ideas in my head. Wicked ones.


    "Help the girls? Sure, I''ll help them all right." I grinned, mischief dancing in my eyes. I turned to Emma. "Now listen closely, because I''m about to drop some wisdom bombs on you. First things first, always agree with whatever Zeke says. Even if he tells you the sky is green, nod vigorously and say, ''Oh, I''ve always thought so too!''


    The girls exchanged puzzled nces, but I continued with my twisted advice.


    "Really?" One of the girls asked, really intrigued by my words. Seriously, what was the greatest height for dumb?


    That was where she was.


    "Secondly, stalk him. I mean, really go all out. Show up at his favorite ces..."


    Another girl pouted. "But I don''t know his favorite ce! Do any of you know?"


    I hid a genuine smile. I once had a favorite ce. That became Zeke''s favorite ce. I no longer went there, but I was sure he always went there. The girls would be Rabbergasted if I told them that Zeke made my favorite ce his favorite ce. "Hm, can you tell us a ce, since you know him so well."


    "See, they don''t trust you, Naya. Let me take care of this, allow me."


    I chuckled. "Nice try." To the girls I feigned a tired sigh. "I would love to tell you, but you see... I am starting to lose my memory."


    They all gasped. About five of them.


    "What can we do to help you remember? I mean in no time because after school, my parents said I shoulde over to the manor. That would be my first time seeing it up close."


    "Me too." Emma, who had bragged, didn''t know when she said her thoughts out loud. From the little discussions and her irritating personality, I knew she wanted Zeke for herself alone and was using other girls to get what she wanted. It was quite obvious, but I doubt the girls even understood the situation at hand.


    "I tell you what you all can do to make me remember."


    I searched my mind. These girls were bullies the popr bullies and not ones from my ssroom who didn''t know how to approach me after the day Kyle announced his f*vcking protection for me. Then an idea shed through my mind.


    "Someone has been troubling me recently. Jinnah and her friends. I just need all of you to teach her a lesson.


    Immediately you do, I will give you everything. Everything I know. And don''t forget, I will be there watching."


    Uncertainty passed through their eyes.


    "But Jinnah is dating Darren now. We can''t just..." Someone spoke. I didn''t know their names except the name ''emma'' that was mentioned earlier. I would call this gang, Emma and her friends.


    "You have to or lose the chance of getting Alpha Zeke. Let me assure you that the book of whatever for Kyle won''t work. Brooke doesn''t know him as much as I know. They are my brothers, I live with them everyday."


    "Real smooth," My wolf mocked from her chambers. "Your brothers huh? Do you live with them everyday?" She scoffed, expecting the girls to ignore, but one look at their faces again showed her that they believed me. "They believed you? Aren''t they afraid you are going to tell them the wrong things?" Updated by


    "They are not afraid because they think I was afraid of them. Look at me, a sheep in the midst of wolves. Whatever emotion is on my face right now, I tell you, It is intentional." I jutted out the bottom of my lips to look pathetic it was working effectively. Emma huffed, "Fine, fine, fine!" and puffed as she turned to her girls. "Girls, we have the power to protect Alpha Kyle and Alpha Zeke''s step sister. I am not sure if this is a good idea or if they would appreciate us, but we have to...


    "Didn''t Alpha Kyle and Aloha Zeke bully you?" One of them threw the question so fast that I didn''t even have the time to reply.


    "Er. you are right, but things have changed now and you witnessed it." I swallowed my pride. "I am here to stay babies! Are you in or out."


    It took Emma seconds before she jumped right in. Same with the rest of the girls.


    "We are doing this!"


    I sighed in relief. Emma and her girls were going to teach Jinnah and her girls a lesson. It was pink against ck. I was eager to see whose side would win, either way it would not bother me. That was the fact Emma and her girls could not see. It would definitely be entertaining and if there was something I knew about Emma and her girls, they lived to announce their presence. Mrs. M would hear this one and Mrs. M wasn''t Mrs. Lau. The difference was clear.


    It should be enough to cause a distraction against my punishment into probably a lighter one.


    ********


    Meanwhile...


    Zekes pov


    "Are you excited, me?" I asked my wolf who was sitting on his hind legs.


    "I guess?" He shrugged. "We get to pick a mate today."


    "Naya might reject us too, don''t forget that." I sighed, entering into the bathroom, turning in the shower and stepping under it with my clothes and all. "Helps my ct*k cool down." I exined before me would ask. "Zeke, the professor shouldn''te in today for your...


    "School shouldn''t exist on a day like this." I smiled. "But everyday requires school. He wille after the ceremony to cool my mind too." I said and my words left no room for argument.


    I had just turned off the tap when smooth feminine hands were wrapped around my waist, tightly.


    "Zeke, I have something special nned for your birthday." She whispered in my ears. I knew that voice, that scent.


    They went everywhere I went. It was motherly, which earned her the title of Luna faster than anything I have seen. Marley.


    I chose to humor her. "What is it?"


    "It''s a surprise. Just you and me." There was no mistake.


    Her tone was definitely seductive. What the hell is she thinking? I thought we went over this, again and again. For how long would I continue to resist her?


    "As long as you can, we can." me said firmly and I unwrapped the hands over my waist.


    "Tread cautiously. We can''t be seen in a room together. You aren''t thinking what I think you are thinking... right?" She was a smart woman, she would know what I am talking about.


    I hope she did because I didn''t want to spell it out for her inly.


    "But today is the day." She allowed me to pry her hands away. "Or are you feeling the pull already? If you do, let me know the lucky girl. You''re still young, so you might be confused. Let me help you."


    Her f*vcking helps weren''t real at all. I sighed. "You love assuming a lot of things. This time, I have nothing to say to you."


    I gently shoved her to the side before shutting the bathroom door and locking it against her. I should put a passcode she wouldn''t know to stop her from entering my room however she pleased.


    "You did great. This is just getting moreplicated isn''t it? You have an older woman pining for you. Why don''t you say yes to her advances?" me teased in a bored tone.


    I chuckled eviliy before locking him out of my mind. No matter how I thought of Marley, she would never be my mate.


    The problem was how to stop her. She was a powerful woman.

 Chapter 162

    Emma and her girls matched up in the cafeteria. It was too early for this, I knew, but who would want to miss out on the drama that will soon unfold? I followed quietly behind.


    Emma led her girls straight to Jinnah''s group. I maintained a safe distance in case things went wrong.


    "Hey, Jinnah!"


    Jinnah was in the middle of telling her friends something when she heard a shrill voice. It interrupted her, and she turned in rage. "Hello Barbie." That didn''t sit well with Emma. "I need to speak with you, so I need you to.."


    Jinnah didn''t let her finish, interrupting with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Speak? Oh, the drama queen wants to speak. Well, spill it, then. I have better things to do." She high-fived her friends as they hid their snorts. This was certainly interesting.


    Emma''s face reddened in anger, but sheposed herself.


    She had a goal, and that was to humiliate Jinnah on my behalf. All these for Zeke and Kyle? I rolled my eyes.


    "We are getting what we wanted. Jinnah won''t go unpunished for her stunts. She has beenmitting so many atrocities with Brooke."


    "I mistakenly showed her what I was..." I sighed remembering the time in the closet. "I need to be more careful."


    "She has been avoiding you quite all right. Thats what we wanted." Naya repeated with a satisfied sigh. "We should get popcorn for this." She rubbed her hands together with a mischievous smile on her face. "What are you nning?" I asked suspiciously.


    She grinned widely. "Let''s get something to eat while we are at it."


    "Jinnah has an ego. Emma is a beauty queen... Who will win?" I asked, nting my b**t in a nearby seat.


    "I am cing my bet on Jinnah."


    I gasped. "How could you ce your bet on our enemy? Our sworn enemy?" I emphasized. "I am cing my bet on Emma. That''s it."


    "Oh, Naya. We are cruel." Naya cackled from her space.


    I nced at their table just in time to see Emma banging her hands on Jinnah''s table, spilling her orange juice. The girls around Jinnah gasped in shock. "What the hell, Emma?" Jinnah screeched like a bird.


    Emma folded her arms across her chest. "You know what you did, Jinnah. You can''t just go around spreading lies and think you can get away with it."


    I raised an eyebrow. "What lies? Did Jinnah spread lies behind Emma''s back? Is this something I know about?"


    "You never know about anything. Forget it." Naya narrowed her eyes in both groups. "I think Emma didn''t tell us the whole truth, and she is just using this opportunity to settle past scores with Jinnah. Jinnah smirked, leaning against the cafeteria table. "Lies?


    Sweetie, I only speak the truth. If you can''t handle it, maybe you should reconsider your life choices."


    Oh, they certainly know something I do not.


    I sat there, amused, as Emma took a deep breath, her frustration evident.


    "Life choices? You''re the one who needs a reality check.


    You can''t just ruin someone''s reputation for fun."


    Jinnah rolled her eyes dramatically, putting aside the empty cans and tes. "Reputation? Honey, your reputation was already in the gutter. I just helped it find its way there faster."


    "Stop calling me those names, you lesbian!" Emma yelled. I gasped alongside other girls. It didn''t seem like Jinnah took such usations well. We all knew Jinnah had a boyfriend, so where was thising from? I only knew that Emma''s patience was wearing thin. She stepped closer to Jinnah, even though we would still hear what she was saying, just to taunt her.


    "You think you''re so clever, huh?


    spreading rumors and talking behind people''s backs. Well, guess what? It stops now."


    Jinnah chuckled mockingly. "Oh, please. Like, you can stop me. You''re nothing but a tiny speck in this realm. You are nothing but a Barbie."


    Emma heaved as she picked up a tray and smashed its contents on Jinnahs head. Food and other slimy stuff slipped down Jinnah''s hair.


    "Whoa!" The whole group of girls cried out in shock, including me.


    "Wait a minute." I got up to watch Jinnah''s next action. She seemed really frozen on her seat, hands in the air, and ck olives dropped from her hair. The tension in the air was so sharp that it could be cut with a knife.


    Each of Emma''s girls faced at least one of Jinnahs girls.


    "You hurt a friend of mine." Emma snarled. "Now, she can''t even give me what I want the most unless I do this. Naya!"


    I stood still as I heard my namee up. What? I asked her not to call my name!


    "Shut up, Naya, and im your victory. Everyone will fear you now." Naya urged with a smile. Seriously, I wonder what I would do without my wolf, I thought dryly.


    I had barely gotten to Emma''s side when Jinnah growled. I nearly jumped out of my skin. "You caused this. You should have stayed under the protection of the manor like a f*vcking wimp!"


    Okay, she was definitely going to attack Emma. Her next step confirmed that as she advanced towards Emma and me. As we both took hasty steps back, I whispered into Emma''s ears.


    "Why did you call my name? Now I will be associated with this."


    "Isn''t that what you wanted?"


    I shook my head. "No, it was obvious when I did not follow you to her seat!" The fight began before I could finish my words. Jinnah mmed a tray into one of Emma''s girls, and she shrieked in agony.


    "Take that b*itch!" Another yelled, throwing our expensive meat burger at an unsuspecting girl. Itnded t on her face, soiling her Barbie make-up. Who even coined such a word as Barbie? It was funny as hell. I couldn''t help but chuckle from the sidelines, enjoying the verbal and physical sparring match between Emma and Jinnah.


    Emma clenched her fists. "I''m done with your nonsense, Jinnah. You''re not going to get away with it this time."


    "Get away with what?" Jinnah''s eyes caught my movement.


    "You. I don''t care if you are under the manor''s protection.


    You are dead." She straightened up, a sly grin ying on her lips.


    "Not really." Emma frowned.


    "And what are you going to do about it, little Barbie? Cry?" That was thest straw for Emma. With a swift motion, she lunged at Jinnah, and more fights erupted in the cafeteria. I didn''t know ''princess'' Emma had it in her. There must be something other than my problems to make her this mad.


    Maybe after this, I will ask her. I watched as they exchanged heated words, their argument escting into a full-blown girl fight.


    Emma''s friends and Jinnah''s group formed a fighting circle around them. Others either cheered at the winning team or jeered at the losing team; it depended.


    Soon, the cafeteria staff rushed out to check on themotion. I crawled my way out of there. Not even the staff could stop the girls from food fighting. They all tried to intervene, but it was like trying to stop a hurricane.


    Finally pulling away from the fight, I leaned against a nearby pir, still amused but knowing that things had escted beyond mere words. Another great idea shed into my head. I climbed one of the cafeteria tables to address the chaos beneath me. I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. When I felt okay enough, I closed my eyes and opened my mouth wide. "Enough!"


    I did not know that my voice had so much effect on the girls that they all stopped what they were doing, freezing in the air. I breathed out. "I know you all want to be the next Luna. Am I right?"


    This caught the girls attention as they stopped what they were doing. Just then, Kyle and Darren walked into the cafeteria. They came with some other boys. The hall had been filled with girls because the boys were busy sucking up to Kyle. They all wanted to know who they were going to pick for beta. It was such a big deal among the boys while the girls fought for the next Luna.


    It was really exhausting. If I wanted to be cruel, I would just let them know that I was his mate, both of them. They would never stand a chance against me.


    "What''s themotion about?" Kyle asked the staff, who were all pinching the bridges of their noses and giving me the stink eye. I had saved them from an impending doom...


    "Which we caused in the first ce." Nayaughed like a maniac, slipping into the darkness.


    I smiled at Kyle. "I was just about to tell them how to win your heart and Alpha Zeke''s." I jumped down from the table as Darren rushed toward his girlfriend, Jinnah, who had bits of food all over her. She burst into tears immediately, engulfed in his embrace. I wish I could do that to Kyle openly.


    Kyle shrugged and was a bit amused. "Okay. Tell them I am listening. Maybe it would stop this foolishness. See me after you are done here." With that, he walked out with the boys. It was as if they never came in the first ce.


    I nodded, happy at his approval to humiliate those foolish girls.


    "Don''t you dare, Naya." Emma growled under her breath.


    "You promised to share it with me alone."


    I scanned the room, noticing the girls were eager to hear.


    Fools. Doesn''t she know that it wasn''t even a real secret? If I were the one, I would suspect Kyle''s weird cooperation.


    Jinnah peeked from under Darren''s arm. Hypocrite. She wanted to know too.


    "Where did I stop?" I smiled at Emma. "Ah, yes!" I snapped my fingers. "Memorize his schedule and be there waiting.


    He''ll love the dedication, trust me."


    One of the girls, probably from Jinnahs group, hesitated.


    "Isn''t that a bit... creepy?"


    I chuckled at her stupid question. "Oh, love knows no bounds. Now, start rumors about his other mate, Alpha Kyle. You know, spice things up a bit. Drop hints that Kyle is secretly plotting to overthrow Zeke as the alpha. Drama is the key to any great love story." Their eyes widened, and I reveled in the evil I was causing.


    "Wait, seriously?" one of them asked, uncertainty written all over her face.


    "Absolutely! Trust me, Zeke loves a good conspiracy theory.


    It''ll make your bond stronger." I shed them a wicked smile.


    As they all exchanged nervous nces, I sauntered away, leaving them to contemte the havoc they were about to unleash. They would all meet their ends soon.


    "Alright, girls. You heard the Alpha earlier. You all are on cleaning duty today." One of the cafeteria staff members ordered her people to block the doors. I was out before they could lock me in. But not before I heard Jinnah''s angry voice over the grumbling of everyone in the cafeteria.


    "What?" Jinnah tried to defend herself. "I didn''t do anything!" She eyed Darren, who was unusually quiet. "Say something and get me out of this mess."


    "I am sorry, baby. I have to go with the boys. Just do it with other girls. I will be right back to save you, okay?" Darren kissed her forehead, running out to follow Kyle and the others.


    I shook my head. Things were better than yesterday.


    ********


    "That was epic! We should do it again." Naya cheered.


    "No, we should never do it again. It could have gone bad in many different ways. We were lucky."


    ying with the lion''s tail was dangerous. We were lucky to get out of this one.


    "No, they were lucky to get out."


    "Naya." Kyle''s voice behind me startled the sh*t out of me.


    "What the f*ck, Kyle?" I whisper-yelled. "I didn''t even hear you."


    "That''s because you are in your head." He sighed. "Why did you do that? They could have crushed you, or worse, you would have lost control and killed them all."


    I chuckled. He was taking it too far. "Killed them? That''s too far. I would have crouched low at a corner, scared to death."


    Kyle shook his head. "But I must say, you are brave. How did you manage to make two rival girls fight each other?" He paused as realization passed through his eyes. "I see... it was over Zeke and I, right? They all want to be the next Luna."


    "But you can only pick one." I shrugged nonchntly, like it didn''t affect me.


    He touched my shoulders. "Calm down, Naya; I am not going anywhere."


    I swallowed. "We will see." I pushed his hands off me, walking off. "I am going home early today." I was sure the hurt was evident in my face. Today may have seemed amusing, but I knew the girls would go extra lengths to make themselves Luna-like, like my mother. I didn''t have such determination in me. I would lose in a heartbeat.


    "Let me take you, or let the other guy take you home." I shook my head. "Il take the forest. I am walking today."


    "Why? Why are you unhappy?" He asked again.


    It was then that I noticed. No one was with him, unlike earlier, when I saw him with almost all the boys from the academy. It was his birthday today; wasn''t he supposed to be having fun or something? "Why are you alone?"


    "I am not alone." Kyle said. "I am with the boys."


    I raised an eyebrow. "That''s not true. You are alone here... with me." I nced around, not seeing anyone else in the hallway. Although I didn''t hear him walk up to me.


    "I am not, Naya. Wait a minute. How am I even talking to you when I am with the boys? We are on the fourth floor."


    "The fourth floor?" I yelled. "The fourth floor? I am on thest floor because I am going home."


    "Naya, please don''t leave. You still have to be punished."


    "Mrs. Lau was a spy. How about you let me go? Zeke didn''t tell the truth to everyone to protect the pack and our interests. But I cannot, and I repeat, I cannot be punished for a crime I didn''tmit." Kyle looked shocked. Where is thating from? Why are you saying all these now?"


    I scoffed. "Yeah, you really take me for a fool, right?"


    "Hey man! What are you thinking about?" Tim''s voice rang into my head, causing me pain.


    "Argh!" It was so unbearable.


    "What''s happening?" Naya suddenly asked. "Someone is here with me."


    "Kyle! Kyle is in my head! He is not supposed to be in my head... how is this happening? He is on the fourth floor."


    I closed my eyes to shut it out.


    It didn''t go away.

 Chapter 163

    Zeke''s


    POV


    "It''s almost time. Are you ready? Have you made a decision?" Marley asked from the door.


    g**t, I left the door open again! "Leave, Marley; I don''t have time for this."


    She had a frown on her face. "Since when do you care about what I do? You have always gone along with it, so don''t act like I am carrying a rare disease."


    I blinked. "What?"


    "You know what''s wrong. Stop pretending. You know what you have to do for us to have peace. Think of it as a favor for the pack. Do not ruin it for something so petty."


    I balled my fists as anger clouded my reasoning. "I haven''t seen you mourn about my father, and you''re already jumping into myps with subtle threats. Do you think you can control the pack without me, or I won''t do well without you?" My growl slipped out before I could control it.


    She gasped like my words got to her, but her eyes were ones of wickedness. Her lips were zing red, and I still found her attractive in this bizarre situation. She was relentless!


    Her slender back straightened, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. "Zeke, this isn''t about control or power. Your father''s death left a void, and we need a strong alpha now more than ever. But with a strong Alphaes a strong Luna. You need me."


    I scoffed, my frustration boiling over. "You act like I''m some puppet to be manipted for the packs convenience. loved my father, and his death is still fresh. I need time to process, not be rushed into decisions. I will do his wish." Frankly, I had no idea what my father''s wish was for me.


    The only truth was that I was upset with Marley for dragging this topic along with me.


    We were way past this, but she never listens. He was right when she said that with a strong Alpha came a strong Luna. But I was certain that Naya would learn.


    Wouldn''t she? She hasn''t even begun her training! sh*t.


    "But she has been unlocking her powers recently, hasn''t she?" me asked, curious. "I feel she doesn''t need training.


    I sighed. "Our mate needs training. She needs to learn how to not turn everyone into a rat. What if we are turned into rats? She could get angry one day and puff! We are tiny chipmunks skittering everywhere and ruining everything.


    Besides, we need to know how to turn Mrs. Lau back. She''s one of our connections with the Blood Moon pack."


    "What a boring speech." me groaned. "I think Marley wants you. I will rip her to shreds if she tries to seduce you.


    Then I will kill you in your sleep if you agree with her."


    "I don''t know, me. Her advances are getting harder to resist."


    "Well, get on with it already! Let''s go to our mate!


    Remember, once you find your mates, all the females of this pack, both young and old, will try to kill her."


    My blood froze. "Why didn''t you tell me??"


    me paused. He may act like he wasn''t bothered by his own words, but I could see the way he tapped his paws restlessly and scratched his ws against a hard surface.


    "I thought you knew... That''s why Kyle is there with her, right?"


    When I did not reply, his eyes widened with rage. "Kyle would be carried away with the little party thrown for him at school! After that, he wille home with all the students for a party! You fool!"


    I rolled my eyes at his old way of speaking. so typically old.


    "Shut the f*vck up and let me think."


    "Your grief is understandable, but you can''t let it blind you to the responsibilities you now bear. The pack looks up to you, Zeke. They need a leader, not a broken-hearted boy. I tried to make you see it, but you entered the rage rampage, sending everyone on their knees. You nearly killed everyone! I saved you." Her tone was a bit icy.


    "No, you didn''t." I clenched my jaw. "Don''t pretend like you care about me. You''ve always been about power, about securing your position. And now you see with my father gone."


    She took a step closer, her voice low and dangerous. "Don''t mistake necessity for opportunism. Your father trusted me for a reason, and I will do whatever it takes to protect this pack. including making tough decisions you might not like.


    You must do the right thing, and you know the right thing, Alpha Zeke."


    My focus was at Wolf Cove Academy, and after this stupid conversation, I will head over there. Naya would need me, I was sure. "I need time, Marley. I can''t just step into this without understanding the consequences. I can''t just pick you. You need to find an elder who will be willing to change our bond. Bonds are sacred, and I hold them in high esteem."


    Her eyes softened for a moment, a hint of sympathy flickering. "I get it, Zeke. I do. But time isn''t a luxury we have right now." She cleared her throat. "I have prepared someone who is well versed in these things. They may even change Laura into her usual self, and it''s a win for you. You get your spy; I get my throne. I don''t want to retain the title of ''former Luna."


    Frustration and confusion swirled within me. Marley was right about the urgency, but her methods grated against my sense of autonomy. I couldn''t let her dictate my every move, not now.


    "Who did you bring?" I asked.


    "Let''s just keep that little information aside, yes? They won''t interfere with our work. All we need to do is make me feel the mating bond. Besides, if you reject me, will your supposed mate fight all the women?"


    I tilted my head to the side. Why didn''t I think of that earlier? Will Naya be able to fight all of them?


    me growled under his breath. He was exceptionally pissed off and hanging on by only a thread. If I lost control of my emotions, he would take over my body and tear it apart. "Could this be what she did to her father to make him think of her as a second chance mate?"


    ¡°|


    I guess so." I narrowed my eyes on her seductive figure.


    She has been following me everywhere, so I''m certain I didn''t change my mind over her. Seriously? It was driving me crazy!


    "You need to y along, Zeke. Don''t ask her more than required, so she won''t suspect you. I mean, what exactly did she do to save you from the rage rampage? Do not forget; she always seems to know when there is an attack on the pack. I can never forget the look in her eyes when she sat on your throne. She taunted you!" me crouched in a defensive position.


    "Calm down, me." I took deep breaths to calm my aggressive wolf. "We will y along. Don''t ruin this for me."


    "Let''s make her bring the person into the pack. We will know what to do after that."


    Good thinking, me. I agreed with my wolf, proceeding to the door. When I got there, I opened it, pointedly telling her to get out.


    "Remember everything, Zeke." With that, she raised her head so high that I thought it was going to break, sashaying past me.


    I closed the door and sighed in relief. One thing baffled me.


    What did she im she had done to save me from the rage rampage? Naya did all the work without anyone knowing.


    Marley definitely knew something about Naya''s powers, and she didn''t just know that day; she has always known. After all, she was her mother.


    "We are all fools." me shook his head. "Of course, she had an idea of Naya''s powers."


    sh*t! No wonder she wasn''t always there-one excuse or another to feign ignorance! "me, next stop, Wolf Academy."


    I transformed into my wolf, tumbling through the hallway as everyone steered clear of my way with gasps and yells of fright. It wasn''t every day you saw a red-ming wolf running inside the house. But the staff already knew who I was.


    *************


    Marley''s POV


    Damn it! Zeke was definitely no fool. I nearly scratched my eyes out in frustration just talking with him. He always spoke like his father, cold, and threw you around the conversation so you would lose control. I chuckled. He was the one who lost control. I sniffed the air. Someone was here.


    "Are you having fun?" A voice stopped my thoughts.


    I rolled my eyes. "You should learn how to sneak up on someone."


    "What gave me up?" I asked as the figure remained in the shadows.


    "Your bloody scent." I snarled.


    "But you should know that I am good at appearances. After all, I was the one who created the scentless spray."


    I shed my fangs at the insolent creature. "Your daughter ... We need to do something about her."

 Chapter 164

    Naya''s


    POV


    After a while, the voices, the pain, all stopped.


    "What happened to me?" I asked my wolf who had taken over my body to shield me from the searing pain that nearly blinded me.


    Naya darted her eyes suspiciously. "Someone is using sorcerery on us." She growled.


    "Who would do that in Wolf Cove Academy?"


    I panted. "I don''t know. Don''t we need to check with Kyle to see if he really spoke with us?"


    "I''ll advise we go back to the pack. It''s safer there." Naya shifted into her original form as we bounced on the stairs leading to the fourth floor.


    I frowned. "Didn''t you say we were going to the pack?"


    Naya cleared her throat. "I changed my mind. I care more about Shadow. I care about both of them and they wouldn''t have left you alone."


    I chuckled. "Then you don''t know Kyle as much as I do.


    Leave him alone. Let''s go to the pack." If I really spoke to Kyle, either he was on his way down to where I was or he was seated with a frown trying to decipher if it was real or fake. Whatever.


    "We both don''t want to talk to Kyle now, I understand, but we need to understand what happened just now. we need to confirm."


    "I need to confirm, not you. As for you, you just want to be close to our mate."


    "Shush it! I hear footsteps." Naya paused like a cat about to attack its prey.


    "Naya." Kyle appeared in front of me just like he did in my mind. I shook my, head. No, this was no vision.. I was sure I heard him in my head, just like I always hear Naya. "Didn''t we just speak? Why are you here?"


    Kyle rolled his eyes. "It is the academy Naya. I can walk wherever I f*vcking like. What''s with you?"


    What''s wrong with me? What''s wrong with me? I scoffed. A lot of things were wrong with me! I couldn''t exin my feelings of anger. Was I expecting Kyle to jig me in front of those girls and drag me off like a damsel in distress?


    "Nothing." I dismissed his words. "I am just worried, that''s it. I think it''s close to mating season. What do you think?" Kyle cackled, shocking me. "What do I think? I think I want to breed you!" He didn''t even bat an eysh! How could he say things like that with a straight face? "Seriously? Don''t even dare."


    His charming smile stopped me fromshing out. "Naya, you''re troubled. I know the reason why, so I won''t ask you why. When you are ready I will be here waiting. But I want you to know that I will never reject you. You are my mate."


    That was the reassurance I needed. I needed to know that those girls won''t take him away from me. I needed to know that Emma and her girls would not bet and take him away from me. What if they prepared his favorite food and so on?


    I raised my hands to touch his face when I noticed how silent he had gotten. I looked into his eyes to see a dumbfounded look in his eyes.


    "What''s wrong?" I asked, puzzled at his sudden silence.


    "We are doing it again. You spoke to me the first time.. I thought I was imagining you in my head. All I knew was your voice was in my head and naturally, I answered you.


    Now, you''re here in wolf form and I can still hear you." I nearly jumped ten meters into the air as I realized Naya had changed into her form. How is this possible? "How is this possible, Kyle? Mind Linking has to happen with a ritual or something... it takes true mates to mind link each other sessfully. Thest couple who managed to do the ritual... their brain was fired to the extent they weren''t recognizable. This was a day after it happened."


    His warm strong hands on my shoulders stopped me.


    "Naya, take a deep breath."


    I heaved. "Mind linking! Why won''t my brain get fried? Are we even supposed to be alive? Goddess, please don''t allow.


    I wasn''t allowed to finish the sentence as Kyle pressed me against the wall. His hold on my named arms were like electricity bolts injected into my system. I couldn''t breathe., I just stared.


    Kyle looked deep into my eyes, his expression a mix of concern. "Naya, take deep breaths with me." He seemed to notice my state of panic, choosing to suck in his breath and bring it out in a rush.


    Soon I found myself following his movements for a while.


    Eventually, I took a deep breath, to steady my racing heart.


    "But you know this is not normal. Mind linking requires a ritual, and it''s supposed to be rare. We could be in danger, and our brains could be at risk. Just like thest couple. They weren''t true mates."


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. "How do you even know this things?"


    I expected Kyle to be greatly offended. If he reacted that way them I knew he was a hypocrite. I wasn''t surprised either when he simply nodded, his gaze unwavering. He quickly went back to thest topic like I never brought the bully subject up. I wondered what was wrong with me. I thought I told him it was fine. Why was I so bothered about something I have forgotten? "A lot of things is happening right now. Ever since my brother became Alpha, it hasn''t been wonderful. Every happy moment ended with our father and mother''s death, but you... you came like a beacon of hope. It was so bright that it burned us all. Now we are trying to make it up to you." He stopped. "Give us time. We may be true mates after all."


    I knew my doubts came from the way I was treated. I mean, if I was their tire mate, why would they treat me like that?


    Was the mates bond a joke? This questions mainly gued my mind whenever I go to bed. It haunted me.


    Naya, still in her wolf form, whimpered softly. "He''s right.


    We should stop been afraid. We agreed to our fate remember? No matter the oue."


    I sighed, defeated. The both of them were right. "No matter the oue." I repeated. "We have faced challenges before, and we''ve alwayse out stronger. Let''s trust in our bond. The true mates bond." The connection between us had to be real. It had to be true. If I get rejected today, then I would know that my mating bond wasn''t so strong and I was just wishing to fly like horses. I do not care if an Alpha and an Omega isn''t meant to be together or two Alphas shouldn''t have one mate, but I''ll keep hoping. "Okay, let''s figure this out together. But we need to be cautious and discreet. Only Zeke needs to know, no other person. My power keeps surprising me everyday." I was still baffled that o spoke to Kyle in my wolf form. There was a slight difference though.


    Naya and Kyle''s word would never sh and I do not think Kyle could hear what my wolf said, neither could Naya hear his words. It was perfect bnce.


    "There''s one more person we can first to tell. Elder Rosalie or Elder Derek. I''ll speak to Elder Archer because you need to work on your fighting skills. It is trash."


    I gasped. "How dare you? I couldn''t spar because so many things happened in a month."


    "Clearly not enough."


    I growled, angry he was talking about me in this manner, when I saw the twinkle in his eyes. Damn it! He was teasing me again and I just fell for it.


    "You need to control your anger. You could call me master and I would be your teacher. In fact, I am the best fighter there is."


    A sly smile adorned my lips. "Have you fought Beta Brooke?"


    Kyle scoffed. "He is an old man."


    "But a warrior that fought with Alpha Storm, side to side." I was just kidding. From what I have seen, kyle was one of the strongest wolf, but in a way, he hasn''t fought beta Brooke, Scar, Tim''s father, Tom or anyone who was older and more experienced. "I fought Mrs. Lau, a centuries wolf." "A centuries what?" Kyle burst out inugh. "She''s azy hag that doesn''t even practice. That''s why I beat her."


    I sighed. "You are just a party pooper. Why not leave the victory for me?"


    "I fight those people you mentioned in your head."


    I frowned. "Those are privy thoughts. sh*t I''ll have to learn how to block you." I realized Kyle was still in my head even after. He was crazy!


    As we continued our conversation, Tim and Vic approached us with amused expressions.


    "Are you two okay?" Tim asked, a smirk ying on his lips.


    "You''ve been staring at each other like you''re caught in some kind of stare paralysis."


    Kyle rolled his eyes, exchanging a knowing nce with me.


    "No, we''re not paralyzed. We''re just dealing with... unusual circumstances."


    Vic chuckled. "Unusual circumstances? Is that code for something else?"


    I blushed, feeling a bit self-conscious under their scrutiny.


    "It''splicated. We''re trying to understand whats happening."


    Tim raised an eyebrow. "Well, if you need any help or a distraction from your stare-off, just let us know."


    Kyle shot a nce at me, silently urging me to speak. "Uh, thanks, guys. Well let you know if we need anything. Right, Naya? Seoak with your mouth." He said thest part in my mind.


    I nodded, almost forgetting. I shed them a smile. "Yeah, definitely."

 Chapter 165

    Naya''s POV


    We both transformed into our wolves as soon as we were in the clear.


    "Don''t we need to tell Mrs. M?" I began, not a bit worried about skipping punishment.


    "I am in charge of your punishment, am I not?" Kyle asked.


    I nodded. He was really in charge. Now, we were leaving school because Kyle had been so adamant about following me home. "There are girls who seek your attention."


    "Was that why you were angry? Those girls have nothing on you, Naya." Kyle was encouraged to stop at the parking lot. We found the inspector... I had no idea why I called him an inspector and not his name. He was sitting in the car, snoring away.


    It was hard to believe he used to protect Baron. Kyle wasted no time in waking him up with his paws. The inspector jilted awake before looking at the two of us like we grew an extra head.


    Kyle jerked his head towards the woods, telling him we were going for a run. The inspector immediately understood. Then Kyle tapped at the steering, jerking his head towards the way of the manor. Updated by


    "You are running? Oh, yeah. I understand. Have a lovely run." He slowly bowed to the both of us before entering the car and driving back home.


    I sighed. "Why did hee with us today?"


    Kyle shrugged. "He might know whatever Baron knows.


    Zeke is nning something, and I know it."


    "Really? What is he nning?"


    ********


    I had barely asked the question when Kyle sprinted off into the woods with his tongue rolled out and his eyes shining with excitement. "Hey! Wait for me!"


    "Today is my birthday! I feel so f*vcking alive because I get to show you to the people." Kyle panted with an unusual joy.


    I was a bit surprised at the way he expressed himself. The way he flew over the logs, turning back to watch me ogle at his smooth fur with a sly smile. Urgh! Even was devilishly handsome. "Don''t you have a party to attend?" Kyle shook his head. "Who cares? Being here with you means a lot."


    It was really as amazing as he said it, or rather, I began to see how amazing it was. When was thest time I went for a run? I couldn''t remember thest time I went for a run or thest time I was this carefree.


    "Do you think it was the awakening of my powers that made this possible?" I asked gently through the mind link, still unbelieving we could talk through our minds. I still expected something bad to happen to our brains or our bodies.


    "ording to the elders, I think so." Kyle skidded to a halt. I joined him minutester, panting and feeling the heat coursing through my veins. The adrenaline was really good for me. I no longer felt obese. "You are one in a million, Naya. Everyone, including the elders, should protect you from danger. You are a gem, and I can''t wait to show everyone."


    I smiled sadly. "I think everyone has a glimpse of who I am in this pack. Even my enemies. I fear a war toe, Kyle.


    How would Zeke take it?"


    Kyle was silent as we continued to walk through the trees and beautiful scenery. The wind whiffed past our faces, drying the sweat on our glossy furs. I felt alive-more than I had in months. I nced at Kyle, and he seemed to be in serious thoughts. "I also fear what Baron Diego has in store for our pack. He is older than us, wiser, and has seen better and worse days.


    Zeke is inexperienced and impulsive."


    "But you are wise and there to help him." I added, not surprised when Kyle scoffed at myme attempt to encourage him. I had to stop him. "No, I am not saying you are wiser than our adversary!"


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. "What?"


    I groaned. "That came out wrong. What I meant to say was that... you can help Zeke figure something out." What I felt for Kyle was beyond s*x; it was beyond our bond. It was deeper, as I felt I could talk to him about anything in the world, and he was okay with confiding in me. I would neverugh at them or dispose of them for being foolish, acting foolish, or thinking foolish.


    I could definitely count on them teasing me whenever acted stupidly, but that was always it. They never showed me that I wasn''t worthy of having them. Kyle and Zeke were amazing, too. I smiled as Kyle subconsciously tried to shield me from the scorching sun. We both walked in sync, talking one step after the other andfortable in our silence.


    "With help, I can turn Mrs. Lau back to her original form so she can tell you and Zeke more about Baron''s n."


    "I worry. I worry about you a lot." Kyle said again.


    I frowned. "But you don''t look like someone who worries. In fact, you were so happy a few minutes ago."


    "And you looked so angry too." He deadpanned, and I knew what wasing for me. I shouldn''t have yed with the lion''s tale. "Were you so jealous that you told the girls the wrong things about me?"


    I scoffed. "I actually told them the truth about you-you- self-righteous, arrogant prick."


    "Damn, you look so sexy when you curse like that."


    I rolled my eyes. "Don''t patronize me; I am in my wolf form."


    "I can see Naya''s real pride in you right now." He shot, leaving me without aeback.


    I gasped at his direct insult. "Shadow loves me. You- you"


    He chuckled deeply, getting ahead of me.


    "I worry; you worry about girls taking me." He shook his head. "We are true mates; nothing in our realm would separate us. The moon goddess and the elderly one chose to favor you, me, and Zeke."


    I smirked subtly. "You bullied me." I was satisfied when Kyle froze. "I will forever remind you that that''s you and Zeke''s punishment. You have to continue making it up to me until your death day." I haughtily walked past him. "You are stuck with me. Forever."


    He seemed really quiet, and I had a feeling I hurt him with my words. I was just kidding. I opened my mouth, ready to apologize, when he cut me short. I''d rather be stuck with you, knowing you would forgive me and Zeke one day. We were fools. You are a sweet soul, Naya. Really sweet." His voice trembled at the end, and I feared he was going to cry.


    We were just joking a few minutes ago.


    I did not know what to say tofort him; technically, my wolf form hasn''t been a problem since we started mind-linking. What more should I expect about the mating bond when and if I am officially Luna? There would certainly be more toe. Part of me knew that my statement about my friends being stuck with me was no joke.


    They really stuck with me forever. And they have to make up for the times I cried in the bathroom, the times they humiliated me or watched coldly when they ought to defend me. Kyle never touched me, but he acted so coldly toward me, pasted my nudes over the school, and tormented me with his then girlfriend, Brooke.


    Where was she now, anyway?


    I was still thinking about the incident when I saw something big and red rustling the bushes far away. "Kyle, I think something big ising our way."


    Kyle stood alert, watching with keen eyes. Even as he was in Shadow''s form, he still had his typical eye that screamed murder from where he stood. Woe betide anyone who came close to harming us. He was my Alpha.


    As the big, ming figure came closer, I sniffed the air. It was the alluring scent of my mate. Zeke was nearby. me was here. What was he doing here? My heart soared with happiness.


    Suddenly, I couldn''t see him again, and neither was the forest floor so noisy with his presence. I had barely looked up when Zeke leaped out from nowhere, tumbling down on me. I gasped when his heavy body mmed onto mine, and Inded on the flood with a thud. Yet, I wasn''t harmed because I was actually lying on Kyle''s back. He had anticipated his brother''s arrival andid on the floor before I couldpose myself and shake off the shock.


    Zeke had practically disappeared and appeared to be flying in the air and pinning my hands to the floor. Kyle slipped from underneath me.


    "If I thought you weighed nothing before, I now know how wrong I was." Kyle mumbled as he cracked the sore spots on his back.


    "Excuse me," I tried to argue from whence I was pinned with both paws to the side. I could be passed for a martyr. I was about to be crucified. I quickly changed into my normal form, staring at Zeke wide-eyed as he changed back, b**t-naked. "Zeke threw himself at me. He is heavy!" I managed to grunt out as he almost squashed me with his weight. He towered above me, blocking the sun away.


    Kyle sat gently on the floor, and in a blink, he was the Kyle I always knew, with his eyes that were a bit lighter than Zeke''s deep and piercing ones. His legs covered his c*ck as he stared at me with a sly smile. He knew his brother was going to do that.


    "You could have warned me! I almost jumped out of my skin or at least went to the moon goddess." I rolled my eyes at Zeke, who was still in his position with hooded eyes. I do hope he isn''t hungry for s*x; it seemed like the only thing we ever did wasmunicate through s*x.


    "Why are the both of you staring at each other without saying a word?" Zeke suddenly asked in his baritone voice.


    I froze, while Kyle tensed.


    "Is there something I do not know about?" He asked again, still staring at me right in the eye.


    Could he have noticed? I shuddered a bit; surely the telltale signs of mind-linking weren''t as obvious as they were with your wolf, right?"


    "It is..." Kyle replied for me again, and I red at him for a moment.


    "Okay. I have something to tell you.. Zeke."


    "Baby, use your words." Kyle injected.


    I had forgotten how to use my mouth. "I have something to tell you; promise me, you won''t freak out. We were wolves; why the hell would he freak out? I gulped as soon as the question came into my mind and stayed.


    Zeke shook his head. "I won''t; now tell me." His voice was somanding that it left no room for argument. It took all my willpower to concentrate on his face. Just his face.


    "I-" I started. It was after several tries that I realized using my words wasn''t going to be easy, not when the blush was starting to spread around my region. I was beginning to sweat for no reason.


    "Naya just proved to me that mind-linking is possible." Kyle spoke on my behalf. I always had a feeling that Kyle knew more than he always let on. The fact that I called him wise was as urate as everything else. In fact, the Storm Brothers came with a lot of packages I had yet to open.


    What''s even better? They were all for me. All for me to cherish forever.


    Zeke didn''t spare his brother a re. He was still looking at me, and the blush spread to my eyes. It was going down further than I expected. "So?"


    "So I just did that with Kyle."


    Zeke didn''t look impressed at the moment. "It can only happen with..." Then a perfectly c*cked eyebrow was raised.


    "The both of you are true mates?"


    My heart fell at the sound of that. This was why I didn''t want to say anything. I didn''t know how it happened with Kyle, but with Zeke. I thought if I saw him, it would happen instantly. It didn''t work the way I wanted. What went wrong? "Yeah." Zeke came off me like I was hot coal. "But we haven''t figured out what is happening. We do not know if our brains will get fried or something will happen....


    I was stopped with a sharp grab on my left arm. Zeke''s face was expressionless. "You won''t die. Not on my watch.


    If you say we are figuring this out, we will figure it out. Don''t speak negatively. Am I understood?"


    I didn''t trust myself to speak, so I just nodded.


    "You don''t have to be afraid, Naya. Tell him everything." Kyle''s soft voice calmed me down. I was a bit afraid of Zeke. I sighed to steady myself.


    Zeke cleared his throat, picking up a small bag I didn''t see.


    "Let''s go hunting. We have a few hours before the party.


    Let''s do something together. It has been so long."


    He was right. Zeke was always in his study, doing one thing or another with Beta Brooke. I was tempted to ask Kyle about Brooke. I didn''t see Brooke in school today.


    "A penny for your thoughts. You do know that I can hear your thoughts." Kyle''s voice made me hiss in irritation.


    "Get out of my f*****g head!" I yelled out loud, causing Zeke to smile. I was happy to see a smile on his face, even though Kyle didn''t know the meaning of privacy. Elder Rosalie would teach me how to block him out of my mind whenever I wanted.


    As we ventured into the woods for our impromptu hunting session, the tension that lingered from the revtion of the mind link gradually dissipated. Zeke led the way with confidence, while Kyle walked by my side, offering asional reassuring nces. That was just a front! He was tormenting me in his mind!


    The forest was alive with nature. It wasn''t as bleak as the other days when I walked this path. Zeke, who seemed to be in a more lighthearted mood, made animalistic noises. I rolled my eyes.


    "Show off."


    "What?" Zeke asked slyly, knowing well what he was doing.


    When we reached a clearing, Zeke halted and turned to face us. "Alright, let''s see how well you both can track and catch your prey. Well make it a friendlypetition."


    "I am better at this than you, and you know it." Kyle shrugged off his brother. I exchanged a nce with Kyle, and a mischievous glint in his eyes told me he was up for the challenge. We shifted our focus as well as our bodies.


    With my wolf came sharper senses. It didn''t take long before I saw our prey in the distance.


    It seemed Kyle and Zeke saw it before me because they were already sprinting off. It took a while for me to collect myself. I was far behind.

 Chapter 166

    Without exchanging words, I darted forward, already choosing a target. Halfway, I changed into my wolf, and the forest soon became a blur as we chased our prey. I knew I would never stand a-chance against Kyle and Zeke, but I should at least try. I could feel the


    adrenaline coursing through my veins, my instincts guiding every move. This was no ordinary hunt.


    We were bonding as mates. My tongue rolled out in excitement as I wasn''t so far behind my mates. It was as if they had purposely slowed down for just me. I could also feel the purpledy underneath my skin as she shimmered and added speed to my heavy limbs. We closed in on the deer with the determination of getting the biggest chunk out of it. That was the winner''s size. I was moved to get that for myself and myself alone.


    "You can''t and won''t. Did you think I was going to let you take such a beautiful deer? No. It''s mine!" Kyle roared like the animal he was, while Zeke observed with a satisfied smile.


    "From the look on your face, let me guess... he said something you don''t agree with."


    I groaned. Zeke would save me if he was in my head too.


    Why were the moon goddess and the elderly one so wicked? They were sisters, but they had their own way of frustrating you to the brink of death. I didn''t see both my mates crouched low and taking calcted steps towards my prey. I totally missed it. "He ims he would get the price." Imented, stopping when I realized what a fool I was. I had stopped running while my mates grabbed the deer for themselves. "Hey!


    Wait for me!"


    "Nope." Was Kyle''s single reply as he dragged the carcass of the deer.


    "That could be a deer shifter." I walked closer to the carcass, pretending I was possessed by some other spirit.


    "Imagine eating an extinct creature... As Alphas, you would be ruining lives."


    They both froze. Yeah, I was right; my mates were still as dumb as f*vck. How could they believe?


    "It''s still mine!" Kyle yelled, grabbing the carcass against Zeke. He took a big chunk, leaving nothing for Zeke and me. "You forget I am in your head, and secondly, you didn''t use your words. You were speaking to me the whole time!" "What?" I shrieked like a mad woman, shifting into my original form. "Zeke, why did you stop?"


    Zeke had to transform so he would answer me. "Kyle stopped, so I stopped." Zeke shrugged, picking anotherrge part for himself. Both of them walked close to me, dropping it at my feet.


    "What what are you doing?" I stuttered, wondering what type of service they were rendering to me by killing my prey, cleanly cutting the parts, and offering it to me almost on the same spot.


    "You are our mate. We are doing this for you." Zeke said. He gave a quick nod to his brother, who had shifted into his original form.


    "Did both of you n this again?" I folded my arms across my chest. They should know by now that I do not like surprises. It always leaves me insecure, instead of the usual excitement they''d expect. I felt left out, and so nning stuff without me was just like leaving me out of it.


    You could tell me, and I''ll still pretend to be surprised and give you the reaction you want.


    "Not really. It just happened spontaneously." Kyle smiled.


    "Spontaneously? I do hope there won''t be spontaneous..." I wasn''t even allowed toplete my words.


    "Oh, there will be more. You hate it; we love it. That''s why we are true mates."


    I nced at Zeke, gauging his reaction. "Why would you say that?" I asked Kyle through the mind link. "You are ruining everything."


    Before Kyle could reply, Zeke kneeled to the floor, bringing out a sharp knife from the insides of his pockets. He came quite prepared for the hunt, didn''t he? He dragged the carcass over to my side and began cutting and separating the fur from the meat. "So, mind linking, huh? That''s quite rare. It usually happens between true mates, but not everyone experiences it." He looked at me. "I am not experiencing it."


    Something was wrong with the link between me and Zeke.


    It wasn''t me; it was him. He hasn''t opened uppletely to me yet, and that was blocking the mind link.


    "You know, I was speaking to Beta Brooke the other day. I told him mind-linking was possible." He shed me a small smile. "Beta Brooke was so against it. He said it had deathly consequences. We all heard about couples who did it. They died a few dayster. Right, Naya?" I gulped. "Yeah."


    "It''s still hard to believe my brother is speaking to my mates in her head currently. I can''t believe it." He sliced another b of meat. "It''s surreal to me, and I can''t im it''s real until proof."


    My eyes widened at what he was implying. His ears suddenly perked up. "I hear the sound of a small stream; let''s go over."


    I nodded. We all quietly followed him with so many questions buzzing in our minds. Was Zeke jealous of Kyle and me? Was Kyle the jealous one? What was up with his many talks today? Zeke was naturally a man of few words, so hearing him say a lot of things made me alert. It may not have had an effect on Kyle because they were brothers, but even I could see the surprise in Kyle''s eyes.


    His brother was behaving unusually ever since I told him how real mind-linking was.


    "What''s Zeke thinking?" I asked Kyle through mind linking.


    Kyle shook his head, telling me to stop talking to him as he tried to understand his brother''s behavior. We closed in on the small stream soon enough. I sighed, feeling parched from the high adrenaline.


    "Can I drink it?" I asked, running towards the water.


    "Yes." Zeke replied.


    I was already drinking the water. I exhaled my happiness.


    "Good water." At the other end, Zeke dunked the good part of the meat into the water, wasting away the blood and dirt.


    It was my first time seeing this.


    "The hunters must do that every time they go hunting. No wonder the meat tastes so soft and good." I mused. "Fresh water from the stream makes it tender enough to chew. It gives it an unusual taste too." Zeke continued.


    "What are we doing here, Zeke?" Kyle suddenly asked, halting the awkward situation.


    Dang it!


    Zeke dropped the meat to the side, raising his head to look at me. It seems like he made a decision to do something. It was heated and filled with desire. How could a man change so much within a second? He was truly a man of expression. The best he kept was the poker face. He got up slowly, excluding grace. "I want to test the mind link. I want to know if it''s strong enough. I do not want my brother to die of a fried brain."


    I raised my hands in defense. "I can assure you, I am worried about it."


    Zeke took a step closer. "Kyle, tell her something you have always wanted to say. I want to see it in her eyes."


    I red at Kyle, daring him to say something lewd, and he did just that."


    "I want to f*vck you, Naya."


    I gasped at his direct tone. It was as if my body waited for his words as my clit throbbed with need. It slowly inched towards a desperation to be filled by both their c*cks. "Kyle, don''t..." I had totally forgotten Zeke''s eyes were piercing through my soul. "I am tired of walking on eggshells around you." Kyle continued.


    "You were?" I also continued, using my words.


    "Let me guess again." Zeke interrupted. "He was telling you what we both want."


    My head snapped towards Kyle, who was smirking wickedly.


    "He told me I would get my turn soon. It''s my turn, and he is here to watch." Kyle added, mming his lips against mine.


    He slowly rocked his c*ck against my mold as we were all without clothes. It made it easier for him to ess my wetness with both hands. He patted my legs, plunging two fingers into them.


    Before I could say Jack, Zeke was behind me like a solid rock. His hands trailed my abdomen and my belly button. I gasped when he moved upward to my breasts. My gasp had apparently given Kyle ess to my mouth as he sucked on my tongue harder. Through the haze, my backnded on something rough, but not rough enough to tear my skin. Kyle''s hands went under my left thigh, and his other hand continued fingering me in and out.


    Zeke wrapped hisrge hands over my breasts without touching my n*ipples, nearly driving me mad. His hands would inch closer to them, then he would pull away, fumbling and squeezing like they had a life of their own.


    His hot breath ran a shiver down my spine.


    "Part those legs for me, baby." Kyle murmured, raising my left thigh to his waist. I knew what he wanted, so I wrapped both legs tightly around his waist, giving him more open ess to my wetness.


    He slipped in without further ado, and with a groan, he pushed in and out.


    I mmed back, feeling his balls p against my clit, further intensifying my pleasure. I screamed as I felt myselfing closer to the edge. "Kyle, Kyle, Kyle." I chanted incoherently.


    He mmed in and out of me with groan after groan and heavy grunts. Zeke only watched, just like he said. He rubbed and twisted my n**ipples, and when I screamed, he would pull away and resume his actions all over again. It was a cycle of never ending pleasure.


    "Please, please..." I pleaded.


    Zeke nipped at my ear. "Please what?"


    "Please..." I couldn''t say anything as Kyle continuously pounded into me while Zeke abused my n**ipples. "I... want you to go faster." I screamed to the heavens when Kyle did not say anything but heeded mymands.


    He pounded into me with inhuman strength. His wolf must have taken over. This wasn''t the Kyle I knew. This was a shadow.


    I closed my eyes, taking him all in.

 Chapter 167

    "That was amazing." I nuzzled Kyle, weary from all his manhandling. This was the craziest I have seen of Kyle. I guess he must have been deprived of so much from me.


    "Yeah, baby, you were amazing." Kyle spoke through the mental link.


    "Fascinating." Zeke''s hands dropped as he observed my flushed face.


    "Confirmed enough?" I asked, shooting him a re. "I told you that I am still trying to understand it. It''s like our minds are connected, and we canmunicate without speaking." I was lost on how to exin Kyle actually being in my head. It wasn''t like our wolves, though simr, but his voice usually gave me peace. Zeke grinned. "That''s powerful. It means we share a profound bond."


    I raised an eyebrow. "We?"


    He nodded, shing me a sad smile. "I now know why it isn''t working for me. But I won''t tell you. If I tell you, you won''t need to go for your training. I want you to train properly on how to use your powers."


    I tilted my head in thought. He was quite correct. There was no need to me him; I would be visiting Mrs. Lau to undo the evil curse I bestowed upon her. And I had a thousand questions to ask the woman I admired.


    "She''ll figure out how to control it and make the most of it." Kyle added. "But, Zeke, we need to discuss Baron. There''s something brewing, and we believe he''s nning something for the pack. The war ising, and I know it.


    The Alphas want to take over the wolf cove."


    Zeke''s expression turned serious. "What do you suspect?"


    "Mrs. Lau," I interjected. "She could have information about Baron''s ns. Once I undo..."


    "We''ll need to break that curse and get information from her. I''ll gather the necessary resources. But for now, let''s enjoy the rest of the day. It''s my birthday, after all" Zeke''s worried face returned to normal. He didn''t seem angry about anything. If anything, he seemed eager to return to his party.


    "Oh yes! My party." Kyle transformed into his wolf, leaving me and Zeke to tag along.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the forest, we walked back to the manor for the party.


    Despite the uncertainties ahead, there was a sense of relief in me. My position with Kyle was secure, but with Zeke...


    "The girls want a piece of you. I told them what to do to get you." I shrugged, like it didn''t mean anything to me. My heart beat increased in tempo as I thought of what he would say next.


    Instead, he burst intoughter, the sound echoing through the woods. "You told them what to do to get me? Naya, you''re something else!"


    I crossed my arms defensively. "What? You were angry a few minutes ago, and I thought you could use some distraction." This was ame way of protecting myself from his ridiculous jabbing words and also a way to know what he was thinking. Being left out of the mating-mind-link bond was no joke, and he said he knew the reason why too. Why does he have to be soplicated?


    "Really? And what, may I ask, did you tell them?" Zeke''s eyes glinted with amusement as he looked at me. I almost shrank under the intensity of his gaze.


    I felt the boldness rise inside of me, deciding to mess with him a bit. "Oh, just the usual-batt your eyshes,ugh at your boring jokes. You know, the ssic damsel in distress stuff."


    "No, you are wrong." He quickly said,.


    I frowned. "How?"


    "It''s not damsel in distress. It''s a wolf in the stress." Zeke continued,ughing.


    I facepalmed for actually taking him seriously. How dare he mock me? That isn''t funny! Stopughing!


    "You''re telling me you coached those girls on how to win me over? Naya, that''s both hrious and a little bit... possessive, don''t you think?"


    My cheeks burned with embarrassment. "Possessive? No, no. It''s just, um, a deal thingy. I told them what they wanted in exchange for something else. I mean, you''re my Alpha, and I wouldn''t want any random girl taking you away." Zeke shook his head in bemusement. "You''re something else. Jealous much?"


    I scowled, trying to cover my embarrassment with my poker face. It doesn''t always work, though. My blush always gave me away. "Jealous? As if. I just didn''t want to see you make a fool of yourself with those girls."


    A teasing glint reced the darkness in Zeke''s eyes. "You really think I''d fall for their tricks? Come on, you should know me better than that." He was subtly telling me that he already had a mate, which was me. I wasn''t listening, nor did I want to know. I crossed my arms, attempting to look unbothered. "Well, forgive me for trying to protect my Alpha from unnecessary drama."


    "You don''t have to worry about that." Zeke''s gaze softened, and he approached me with a smile. "I appreciate your concern, but I can handle myself."


    My attempt to seem indifferent faltered as Zekes charm worked its magic. "Well, maybe I was just testing you too." He always knew what to say to put me off and mock me.


    "you know, to see if you''re trulymitted to being the Alpha of this pack." I added a shrug for effect. After all, he once said I was his loyal subject.


    "I''mmitted-to the pack and to you."


    Zeke chuckled, his hand ruffling my hair gently.


    Before I could respond, Kyle, who had been silently enjoying the exchange, decided to slow down. "Well, I have to say, Naya, that was a bold move, trying to secure our attention for yourself."


    red at Kyle. He knew what happened, yet he followed in Zeke to tease me. I won''t take it. "I was not securing his attention for myself." I almost tripped over nothing.


    Zeke quickly ced a hand on my shoulder to steady me. "I appreciate the effort. But you know you don''t have to worry about anyone stealing me away. I am already imed."


    My heart skipped a beat at his words. imed. The word resonated in my mind, and for a moment, I felt a warmth spreading through me.


    We were quiet again.


    "You do know that they would officially fight for me, right?" Zeke said it out of the blue.


    That stopped me. "They would?" Do I not have an idea about all of these? Why do wolves have to fight for everything? Now I would have to fight for my man too. That was unfair.


    "Being with Brooke, Emma, and Jinnah in a fight terrifies me. Those girls are huge! How do we even fight them?


    They would not be as careful as a food fight over a boyfriend. They would actually test if we were capable of being Luna. Remember, most of their parents are in the high ranks. They will rip us apart and destroy us." Nayamented


    I swallowed, facing Zeke. " will handle it."


    "It won''t be a bully fight or anything you have seen. You saw the challenge right; they would fight to the death, and I would only watch you get ripped apart."


    "Why won''t you be allowed to save me?" I asked like a fool.


    He shook his head. "I cannot, and neither can Kyle. It will ruin the purpose of the fight in the first ce. The traditions say you have to fight for your position. The people of the pack will want to know if you are capable of fighting by my side during war."


    I hated war. "War ising?" I couldn''t bear to imagine Wolf Cove being attacked by wicked packs. It would ruin the beauty of our pack. "Do I really have to fight?"


    Zeke''s expression turned serious, and he looked at me thoughtfully. He was thinking of something fast with the way his eyes almost went through my heart.


    "Naya, will you be my mate?"


    The question caught me off guard;ing from Him was a bit weird. It was what I wanted, but... I didn''t want him to ask me because he thought of me as too weak to fight my schoolmates! "HI, it''s too early to think about that." I stammered.


    "You cannot think about it. I don''t have the luxury for that. I am under pressure. The elders and pack want a strong mate. No doubt you are strong, but being Lunaes with its challenges. It''s not just about the perks. There''s responsibility and sometimes pain. Can you handle it?"


    Panic spiked through me. The weight of such a decision felt too heavy, too soon. "I need time to think about it," I blurted out, suddenly feeling the need to escape.


    Without waiting for a response, I rushed off into the woods, leaving Kyle and Zeke staring at each other in confusion.


    "What just happened?" Kyle asked, bewildered.

 Chapter 168

    "What''s your problem?" Naya yelled at me as she paced around my head. For some reason, I couldn''t hear Kyle in my head. It was better for now. "I am heading straight to Elder Rosalie to tell me what the hell is going on."


    "Haven''t you always felt like Zeke didn''t want you for a mate? Why are you acting so skittish?" Naya scolded, blinded by the fact that Zeke asked us to be his mates just because he was afraid. Afraid of losing me. That was no reason to ask me to be his mate! "You are just being ridiculously angry."


    "So what if I am angry?" I yelled at her, losing all form of control. "So what? Those men drive me crazy! Argh. How could they have s*x with me and ask me to be their mate?


    Zeke used me! He asked Kyle to do something for me, I know."


    "Just shut up." Naya rolled her eyes, disappearing into the dark. "I will be waiting for you to calm down." Her voice echoed in my head before it became quiet. I raised my eyes to see that I was almost at the front of the manor. Goodness, when did I get here? I turned back to see if Zeke and Kyle were behind me, but they weren''t.


    From the distance, I saw the birthday balloons and preparations for the pack guests. On the other side, Scar and his men were trying to figure out the secure points at which they would stand in case of an attack. It was customary for an attack. Every pack should expect an attack on a happy day.


    Although I have always known that the wolf cove was safe, nothing significant apart from the petty war the blood moon pack has with the children. For some reason, they always went after the children to distract us. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn''t see Elder Rosalie pass by. "Naya?" She called gently.


    I shook my head to stop myself from zoning out again.


    "Elder Rosalie, I am so d you are here."


    "No, no. I have been looking for you. It''s time for you to reverse the spell. We have just two hours until the event is ready."


    I blinked. "I think we should wait after the party." The smile on Elder Rosalies face dropped. "The future Luna of the Wolf Cove pack should not bother herself with silly parties. This party is nothingpared to the blood moon that awaits us. It is the first full moon, and this time it won''t be white; it will be red."


    "Future Luna?" I frowned, a bit confused. "What does that mean?"


    "It means the Alpha must have a mate by then, and our enemies have been waiting for that day." Elder Rosalie swallowed. "You are part of us; that''s why I am letting you know about this."


    "Wait... I took a deep breath, trying to make sense of what she was saying. I know if it wasn''t important, Elder Rosalie wouldn''t say such things. She wasn''t a woman of useless talks, nor was she a woman to make me afraid for nothing. This must be serious. "What the hell is happening?"


    Her small palms swiped at my head; I couldn''t dodge it in time. Ouch!


    "Language. Come, we will continue our discussion on the way." She grabbed my arm firmly in case I chose to run away from all of this.


    I nced to the sides to see the diligence of the wolf cove pack as they prepared the environment for the alpha. In between seat arrangements, there was a very special seat lined up with flowers, and on it was written ''mate!


    I gasped in awe.


    "That''s so beautiful."


    Elder Rosalie didn''t bother with a smile as she pulled me through the chaos and into the elders chambers. It was my first time being in a different ce in the manor. It seemed like everything happened at the manor.


    I was met by four other elders. They all shared worried nces and wore equal frowns on their faces. Even elder Freya had a worried look on her face. In the middle was arge table where Mrs. Lau sat on her hind legs, waiting. It was as if she knew that if she made a squeak sound, she would be destroyed in a blink of an eye. She was quiet.


    "Elder Rosalie, I see you have found her. Where was she this time around?" Elder Freya said: It was surprising her voice didn''t hold the usual taunting edge to it. I guess the powers taken away from her must have humbled her.


    "At the edge of the forest. I wonder what she was doing there. "Elder Rosalie gave me a sly look, along with the rest of the elders. They could smell Zeke and Kyle all over me.


    Nothing at that point could stop my blush from settling permanently on my face.


    I cleared my throat as if it would ease off the embarrassment I felt. "Why am I here?"


    "The blood moon day is the only day of the wolf cove''s weakness." Elder Freya stood up as Elder Rosalie sat down with a grunt.


    It took a while for her words to sink into my head. My eyes widened when it did sink. Panic surged inside of me.


    "What? What does that mean? The pack is vulnerable to attack."


    "Not only that. We will remain in our wolf forms, with no ability to change back to our original forms. We do not have a mind link so we cannotmunicate with each other. It will be disastrous. That''s why we need to know what the Blood moon pack is nning before that day." "Elder Rosalie mentioned something about Zeke and Kyle having a mate...


    Elder Roy sighed. "We hope the Alphas find their mate today. She would aid inmunicating with the moon goddess. She is our Luna, and she alone can call on the moon goddess as the mother of the pack to help us."


    I opened my mouth in a silent scream. Now I see why the position of Luna was so important. A chance to chat with the moon goddess? No one would want to give it up. But they would surely ovee this, right? They don''t exactly need me, do they? I looked at the elders in anticipation.


    "Tell me, you all are centuries old. You must have seen this before, right? You know how to solve it."


    At the shaking of their heads, my legs weakened, and I dropped to the floor in defeat. "Why now?"


    "The same question I asked myself as we found out about that just today. Why was an elder given to us now? Why did Elder Freya lose her powers at the same time? Why the blood moon?" Elder Derek closed his eyes. "If Elder Freya''s power was with her, we would have known on time. She controls the weather. She would have found out on time."


    Elder Archer suddenly raised his hands to stop Elder Derek from panicking. "There is no point in saying that. We are aware of it now. What are our ns?"


    "Hold on, everyone!" I panted at the mere thought of a war.


    "When exactly is the blood moon?"


    "Three days time."


    I nodded, taking deep breaths to control myself. "Do Kyle and Zeke know about this?" Immediately after I asked that question, Zeke''s request for me to be his official mate filtered into my mind. "Oh no." "What''s that?"


    "I am their mate." My voice was so low that I knew they would not hear me. I raised my head to find their stern eyes on me.


    "We are aware." Elder Archer gave me a brief smile.


    Sometimes it was hard to believe he was the warrior elder of this pack. If not for his bulky muscles and war scars, I would never believe it. "You needn''t worry."


    I sighed in relief. It was d to see them support me, unlike the other times they watched from afar and did nothing.


    Could I have been the one to bring about this change? Or rather, did they all want to impress me? I smiled. "Let''s get right into reversing the magic. The faster we are, the better." I nced at them. "So who will be my teacher?" No one said a word.


    "We don''t choose, Naya. You have to choose the one who can teach you reversal magic. You have to pick the right elder. If you don''t pick the right elder, you will have a tough time."


    I rolled my eyes. These old hags were at it again. "I''d rather appreciate it if someone volunteered to teach me, seeing as we had no time. Who would I choose..."


    A loud sound stopped me. It was Elder Freya''s stick that hit the floor. "You know our powers. Elder Rosalie found you because she searched for our elder blood connection. You can do that too. Don''t limit yourself." She hissed angrily.


    I sighed, hoping Elder Freya or Elder Roy wouldn''t be my teachers. I tried to tap into my powers. I was d when the purpledy began to respond positively. She was lively today. The energy traveled through my bones, searching for reversal magic. It was in my veins, but I couldn''t reach it yet. I took a step forward, eyes closed, so I wouldn''t be biased. I knew where each of the elders stood, so I knew where to walk.


    Elder Rosalie. She was the elder I felt was okay. Elder Archer was quiet, and I could live with that. Elder Roy was smart but mischievous; I was mischievous myself. We wouldn''t live well together. Elder Derek was peaceful and knew the right thing to do. I could live with that.


    Not elder Freya. I knew where she was earlier, so I avoided her seat. Coming closer to elder Rosalie, I stopped. For some reason, I couldn''t pinpoint her scent. "I choose you.." I opened my eyes to see Elder Freya standing in ce of Elder Rosalie with an evil smile spread across her mouth.


    These sly elders! When did they switch positions? They were just ying with me, and I fell for their trick.


    "It''s elder Rosalie I want."


    "But Elder Rosalie can''t teach you. Only Elder Freya can."


    Elder Roy mocked


    "But." I pouted. "You all cheated! You changed your positions so that I would choose elder Freya." Immediately, they all exchanged puzzled nces.


    "We never moved out of our position." Elder Archer said, and I believed him almost immediately.


    "We won''t belittle ourselves for a child." Elder Freya quickly injected. "Now, I am famished. The fact there is danger doesn''t mean we won''t eat." She said to her elders, who nodded in agreement. Her sharp eyes turned to me. "Your first assignment is to change Mrs. Lau''s fur color to another color. If you do that, we can go to the next stage." She yawned, walking out.


    "Aren''t you being a little harsh on her? It would take hours."


    Elder Rosalie chuckled, walking alongside her.


    "She''s the born elder. It''s a piece of cake for her." Elder Freya replied.


    More pats to the back from the other elders, and I was left in the room with Mrs. Lau.


    "Try not to kill her with your mind." Elder Archer nodded in encouragement.


    Great. It was just what I needed to hear.


    I faced Mrs. Lau with absolutely no idea how to change her brown fur into a different color. Do I p my hands, or do I get angry? I sighed. "Mrs. Lau, I wish you could provoke me like you did the other day, so that I would at least figure out what to do before deciding if I wanted your color to be purple or not."


    "Naya, you should help me."


    "I don''t have an idea what to do. You are alone in this."

 Chapter 169

    Naya''s


    POV


    "Argh!" I nearly tore my hair out. It wasn''t working! "What am I going to do? Their lunch break will soon be over. I haven''t changed any sh*t!" I closed my eyes for the umpteenth time, trying to feel the purpledy with no progress. "I think we need to eat." Naya whispered, and as if on cue, my stomach protested.


    "We aren''t getting anywhere." I shook my head, plunging my buttocks into the nearest seat. "Elder Freya didn''t leave any cues for me."


    Was there an unusual way of summoning my powers? Why did the purpledy choose that elder? Urgh!


    "What should we do? We aren''t getting anywhere with this." Naya repeated my words as she sat down tiredly. There must be a reason why Elder Freya was chosen.


    "Elder Freya controls the weather, right?" I asked.


    Naya nodded.


    Iran towards the window. It was a bit cloudy today.


    Everyone looked up at the sky in worry.


    "Oh no. Zeke and Kyle''s birthday party may not be held.


    What are we going to do?" I bit my lower lips in thought.


    "We." Naya''s tongue was out as she tried to think of a solution. "Wait a minute... I think I have gotten the answer!


    It''s been here all along!" She got up, excited. "What powers have we exhibited until now?"


    I ransacked my brain, hoping Naya was on to something. Updated by


    "Healing, mind control, summoning, watching, and possession." That was it. Those were useless powers for now. Perhaps I needed something new. There must be another power lurking inside of me. Right?


    "Good. I see now." Naya grunted. "What did Elder Archer tell you before leaving?"


    I tilted my head as if it would help me remember. "Try not to kill her with your mind, he said. But what does that have to do with anything?" I asked, a bit frustrated that Naya wasn''t getting anywhere.


    "We have our solution. All we have to do is think. We thought of her as a chicken, but for some reason, she turned into a rat. That is her original nature, and you simplified her wolf into such a measly creature." Naya spat.


    I was d there were no shape shifters in our realm. They would have taken Naya''s words to a not-so-gentle level.


    "What''s your." I gasped, understanding her words. "Oh! I get it now."


    Naya nodded slowly. "Yeah."


    But my happiness was quickly dashed. "But now that we know what power to use, how do we use it?"


    "Think, and it will happen. That''s all. You told me so yourself."


    I rolled my eyes. "I did, but that time it was different."


    "It''s nothing different. You need to save Zeke and Kyle, so use those powers."


    "No. We will use them together." I smiled at my wolf, to which she rolled her eyes. Oh, she was just like me.


    "Alright."


    We became one in an instant.


    "How do you feel?" I asked Naya, who bobbed both our heads in reply. We were one, so there was nothing she could do about our coordinated movements.


    "I feel good, Naya responded, closing our eyes.


    "I want her to return to her original form," I said.


    "Before we fought." Naya quickly added.


    I raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, with her hands bound or something."


    Suddenly, I was ovee with some higher power, and the urge to p my hands was stronger than before. We raised both our hands and pped in unity. A bolt of lightning, followed by a resounding p of thunder, showed its presence. I recoiled in fear as Mrs. Lau was covered in a dense fog.


    When it cleared, she was seated there behind her legs, staring nkly at me. Her hands were tied with...


    "Nothing." Naya mouthed as fear enveloped us. We were alone with her.


    She could rip us apart.


    *******


    Marley''s POV


    Although I could not see him, I could feel his piercing gaze bore into mine, and it sent shivers down my spine.


    "Whats the matter? Our daughter is causing trouble?" Their voice held an edge to it. I knew they were smirking, and their eyes were filled with a twisted sense of amusement.


    I clenched my fists, trying to maintain myposure. They were taunting me and enjoying my reaction. However, this was no time for such nonsense. "Naya is bing a hindrance. She''s getting too close to Zeke, and it''s jeopardizing my ns. I am beginning to lose my ce in this pack."


    "But you asked me to help you. I did. I made the people trust you. He trusts you enough to let you handle some problems."


    Some problems? I flung my phone to the wall and watched it scatter all over. "They aren''t important matters! You attacked the borders; he didn''t even let me know what happened! Each time, he sends me to the children or the family of the bereaved. Whenever you attack the children, he sends me there. Why do you keep doing that?"


    "For this conversation to happen," They deadpanned.


    "I am tired. We need to take her out." My shoulders slumped at the thought of taking Naya out of the picture.


    "You have failed."


    I red at where I thought his face should be. "It wasn''t my fault. I didn''t expect her powers to grow like this. The elders adore her. Everyone will soon cast all their care on her. If she converses with the moon goddess directly and everyone sees that, I''ll have no chance."


    "She may have the ability to do that already. Your spy has been caught, which means you failed. I should remove you from the picture instead of her."


    I scoffed. It was absolutely ridiculous! I built this pack from scratch! I made myself Luna, not this barbarian. "Don''t forget, I brought up this n. Without me, you would never have prated the Wolf Cove."


    They raised an eyebrow. "Your ns? Are you forgetting who you''re dealing with, Marley? I am the Beast King. Your allegiance lies with me."


    I gritted my teeth. Allegiance indeed. I haven''t gotten what I wanted yet. He had yet to give it to me. "I haven''t forgotten, Baron." I was so angry that his name slipped out of my mouth. "But Naya is a threat. She''s interfering with our strategies."


    I eyed his form in the shadows. "Pleasee out. No one is here."


    Fearlessly, he revealed himself with a step forward from behind my closet with his arms crossed. "What do you propose, then?"


    A wicked smile yed on my lips. "We need to remove her from the equation temporarily. A little kidnapping might teach her a lesson."


    "Kidnapping? That could be amusing." Baron''s eyes gleamed with interest. "But make sure it doesn''t backfire.


    We can''t afford any mistakes."


    I nodded, already forming a n in my mind. "Leave it to me, Baron. I''ll handle everything. When have I made mistakes?"


    His angry hiss reminded me of Mrs. Lau. sh*t. That woman was talkative. I shouldn''t have chosen her for this operation. I should have chosen someone smart and young enough to prate the borders. Someone who is really close to Naya.


    Renee.


    I nced at the window, seeing the moon in its glory. The blood moon was in three days'' time. This was the first day, yet an ominous glow was over the moon. The moon wasn''t its usual creamy color. It was bright red, a sign of the first day. Baron, who recently appointed himself ''Beast King, stood by my side to watch the moon with me. "If Zeke chooses Naya as his mate tonight, the consequences will be irreversible."


    I raised an eyebrow. "So you mean something else? Of course I know." A sense of urgency gripped me. "We need to act fast. We can''t let Zeke choose Naya. Our ns depend on it."


    It was far from over.


    ********


    Zeke''s POV


    "Are you trying to get into her head?" I asked Kyle with a bit of my jealousy slipping into my tone. For so long, I have tried to hold it in. I knew Kyle felt the same. I thought, watching him talk with his eyes shut.


    It felt weird to share a mate, but for some reason, Naya being okay with it made mefortable with the idea too.


    "She seems preupied with something or a group of people. And... she has blocked me again." Kyle opened his eyes. "I bet she doesn''t know that she''s doing that. There''s a lot of things she doesn''t know about herself." "Let''s go back to the manor. Why do I feel so terrible for asking her that on my birthday?" I sighed, continuing the walk to the manor. In twenty steps, we should be at the manor.


    Suddenly, everywhere shed white, and a loud p of thunder had me stopping to wonder why the heck was happening.


    "That was no ordinary thunder and lightning. Someone is ying tricks."


    I frowned. "Elder freya?"


    Kyle didn''t even wait for that before he sprinted towards the manor. What if Naya was unknowingly giving Elder Freya her powers?


    I followed after.

 Chapter 170

    Naya''s POV


    My smile dropped as I realized I was alone with Mrs. Lau.


    Her eyes were red with anger.


    "You turned me into a despicable animal and had the guts to celebrate it." She roared.


    "Mrs. Lau, please calm down." I pleaded, hoping she wouldn''t leave her seat in my throat. That woman was vicious.


    "Oh, should I?" She asked maliciously.


    Suddenly, she stood up on her feet and, with the speed of light, reached for my throat. I closed my eyes, expecting her sharp ws to be on my neck.


    I felt nothing. Instead, as I opened my eyes, a new drama had me dumbfounded. "Zeke? Kyle? How did you know I was here?"


    "Your scent." Kyle mentioned the obvious, ncing at Zeke, whose left hand was fastened around Mrs. Lau''s neck. She was like a cockroach, withrge hands in her naked form and legs dangling in the air. He held her as if she weighed nothing.


    "Mrs. Lau, you are a spy." Zeke fumed, mming Mrs. Lau''s face against the table. A sickening crack was heard. He must have broken at least her jaws. Zeke wasn''t in good sight whenever he was angry. Although he looked hot, his eyes were dark, and his nose twitched like a rabbit''s nose.


    He always loved maintaining eye contact during those moments...


    "We were just with both of them earlier. We need to control ourselves." Naya scolded. "Besides, this is a crucial moment for the both of us."


    "If it is crucial to you, it''s crucial to me as well."


    "Then you need to get your head out of the gutters and focus on the situation at hand. Got it?"


    I sighed, forgetting all about the forest. I red at Kyle, trying to pass information along. It took me a while to realize I could no longer send him words through the mind link.


    "What''s happening?" I mouthed worriedly. He didn''t seem shocked on his part.


    "I don''t know." He simply replied, focusing his attention on Mrs. Lau. I bet he was trying to understand her motive, or probably to stop his brother from killing the only direct contact we may have with Baron and knowing what he was plotting against our pack. This time, Zekes hands dug deeper into her neck. It was then that the implications of what he was doing to her began to show on her body.


    Zeke''s eyes were aze with fire as he whispered close to her ears.


    "nning something with Baron Diego?"


    You... Mr., can''t stop... what''sing?" Mrs. Lau struggled to speak, but blood oozed from her broken face. I winced at the pain she must be feeling as Zeke mmed her against the table again and again, rendering her useless but strong enough to talk. "Enough games! Tell us Baron''s n. What is he plotting?


    Why did you allow him into the pack? How long have you been his spy?"


    "Immediately after a child was made Alpha, I swore my allegiance to another. I cannot have a boy rule over me!" Mrs. Lau managed a wicked grin despite her injuries. "You can not even begin toprehend the power he seeks."


    "He? Who is he? Baron?" Zeke growled, his patience wearing thin. "Stop speaking in riddles and answer me, or I swear to cut the skin off your flesh bit by bit until you tell me everything I need to hear!!"


    Suddenly, the elders and Beta Brooke burst into the room, sensing the lingering tension. I sighed in relief because, at this rate, we may never be able to recognize Mrs. Lau again. She was taking the mming and bashing well. It was getting us nowhere. Elder Freya rolled her eyes as she observed the situation. "I knew something was wrong. Thank you, elder Rosalie, for alerting us."


    Elder Rosalie merely bowed. "Alpha Zeke, what''s going on here?"


    "The children are in danger again. I will go and check them." Elder Roy quickly said after moments of observation. I guess the cries of children from the hospital must have alerted them.


    Zeke paused halfway. "Elder Rosalie, you should go with Elder Roy. The children need a motherly figure. Marley is there with them, but don''t waste time. I don''t think it''s the children they are targeting." He flung Mrs. Lau to the side like a rag doll, cing both hands on the table to think.


    "This is why the new pack house is needed. The children whose parents are no more cannot leave so close to the border. They are in danger of being killed." Elder Rosalie pointed out her irritation.


    "Well, we do not have the money for that. Everyone is refusing allegiance. Do we need to have a meeting with the neighboring packs?"


    "No. Their allegiance might be with the blood moon pack."


    "Well, the children cannot continue to be a distraction." Zeke pondered. "How many are they?"


    "A bit over a hundred, Alpha."


    "Goodness! Thest war ended with the lives of over a hundred babies." Kyle shook his head. "How about we renovate the old factory and take them there? The factory can contain over three hundred children. We will save money and, at the same time, protect them. Our protection as Alpha is what they need." Zeke cast grateful eyes at his brother. "How many weeks will it take to finish the renovation?"


    "A week," Elder Derek said. He was the elder of nature.


    Zeke nodded, turning to beta Brooke. "Please inform the builders to take over the old abandoned factory by the riverside. We will need over a hundred beds, good toilets, war-resistant ceilings, and walls. That would be a safe ce for others in need of a ce to stay too." Beta Brooke raised his hands to stop him. "I''ll inform the men to start work immediately." He was about to move out when Zeke hissed.


    "However, I do not want abandoned projects. If we cannot ept the importation of important goods from other packs, we can do it the old way. Everyone was working hard. We have Elder Derek to help us."


    For the first time, my heart soared when I heard Zeke solve the problems of the pack while involving the elders. With the great smile on elder Derek''s face, I guess Alpha Storm never included his elders in crucial matters involving the pack. "Elder Roy, please handle the children." Zeke turned to Elder Rosalie. "Please, watch over the children and tell us if anything is going on."


    Elder Roy nodded like he was given the most important mission. He didn''t seem to remember that he was taking orders from a young man as he pulled Elder Derek and Elder Rosalie outside towards the doctor''s house, where the heart of the pack was. Mrs. Lau''s wicked snort interrupted his glorious moment.


    "What''s this? All hands on deck?" Sheughed hard, asionally stopping to spit out blood as her bones began to reset themselves. Our ability to heal was like a curse.


    When we needed her not to heal, she was healing well and fast too. "I hate it so much. That''s why the Beast King remains my king. Our little Alpha can''t even think for himself. He needs the elders to make decisions for him." She continuedughing, and I felt sorry for her.


    There was no way Zeke would let her live for saying that.


    But Elder Freya beat Zeke to it as she approached the feeble woman with me in her eyes and a disdainful smirk on her face.


    "If it isn''t the traitor, Baron Diego''s little spy, Laura!" Elder Freya mocked.


    "If it isn''t the elder who lost her powers to a child," Mrs. Lau croaked. "I heard she sucked it out with a hose, bitch."


    "Laura," Elder Freya taunted, knowing that Mrs. Lau hated people calling her by her full name. She was using it to her advantage. I couldn''t figure out what the advantage was.


    "Watch your words, Elder Freya. This is a serious matter."


    Mrs. Lau shot back. I wondered what she could do, even in her weak state.


    "I know." Elder Freya knelt closer. "You see, I lost my powers, but I am a hundred years older, am I not?"


    Mrs. Lau swallowed. "What does that have to do with this?"


    Elder Freya''s smile was sly. "It means I still have a lot of tricks up my sleeve. I am an old wolf too." She shrugged, standing up. "I''ll cut you with my deadly ws, pour wolfsbane into it, and ask Elder Archer to seal the wound. Is that okay?"


    Mrs. Lau was silent, but it was evident how fearful she was. Wolfsbane was rare in our pack, but it still existed, like flowers in other packs.


    "I''ll release you if you tell me what I want to hear. Okay?" Elder Freya asked, like she was the purest of souls here.


    "But if you don''t tell me what I want to hear, I''ll store twenty or more bags of wolfsbane in your body forever. And guess what?"


    "What?" Mrs. Lau couldn''t resist the urge to ask. What a fool she was.


    "I do not need my powers for that." Elder Freya''sughter echoed in the room.


    In response, Mrs. Lau spat out blood, and her own sinister smile spread on her face. "You won''t stop the rise of the monsters. This pack will crumble." She turned to look at me. "And you will be at the center of the rumble."

 Chapter 171

    Naya''s POV


    "What do you mean by that?" I asked, a bit terrified at the meaning behind her words.


    Kyle scoffed. "She''s delirious from her injuries."


    We were about to scold Kyle for saying those words when Marley came into the room. We all stopped, looking at her like she was an alien. I mean, Zeke just said she was with the children. What was she doing here, and how did she know that we were here? "What are you doing here?" Zeke asked suspiciously.


    "Yeah, how did you know we were here? We did not exactly spread the news of our meeting." Kyle said with raised eyebrows.


    Marley eyed the room; her eyes eventually fell on me. "You..." she paused. "I asked about your whereabouts, and someone told me you were all here. They heard noises. The party is almost starting, and everyone is looking dirty. I don''t like it." She finished with a stern tone. She stretched her neck to where Mrs. Lau was.


    "Laura! I see you are in your original form." She smiled.


    "Aren''t you going to tell them everything?"


    Mrs. Lau gasped.


    I nced at both of them, seeming to understand the subtle message they were passing to each other. My mother was certainly involved in this. She was an ambitious woman, so there was no way she would not be involved in the one Mrs. Lau calls the Beast King. The Beast King should be Baron Diego, the one who sought to control the entire werewolf realm.


    Suddenly, Mrs. Lau chuckled weakly. She looked pathetic.


    "You''ll see. The blood moon marks the beginning of the end. You know that, Marley."


    Marley narrowed her eyes. "It''s Luna to you."


    "Luna?" Kyle frowned as he nced at Zeke, who really wasn''t paying attention to who was called Luna. Well, I cared! I, too, looked at him with expectation in my eyes. I hope I heard wrong.


    Instead, Zeke''s eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by ''the blood moon marks the beginning of the end? What blood moon? How does it rte to anything?"


    I was supposed to be asking those questions. It wasn''t like we weren''t aware of the blood moon, but the significance was lost on me, especially. Although it sounded ominous, Everything associated with the blood moon was always so dangerous. It made my eyes twitch. It was a bad omen. I red at Zeke. Does he really not know anything about the blood moon?


    Wow, what an Alpha he was then. Kyle looked just as clueless. They could be feigning it to see what Mrs. Lau would say. I should y along and learn all I can about the blood moon.


    "When is the blood moon?" I asked, and everyone turned to me.


    "The blood moon is in three days'' time. You have to choose a mate today, Zeke. Including you, Kyle. Both of you need to choose your mates tonight. The blood moon is the first full moon of the year. It''s going to be so powerful that we will lose ourselves to our animal sides." Elder Freya exined. Then she tsked. "Look, we are all dragging this a lot. Elder Archer, are you ready?"


    "What do you mean? We have a party in a few minutes.


    This can wait!" Marley began to protest.


    Elder Freya stamped her stick on the floor as she took a step closer to Marley. She was boiling in anger now. "I said we are in a situation where we cannot afford a stupid party."


    ''This stupid party will enable Zeke and Kyle to find their mates on time. This stupid party will make everyone happy.


    We haven''t celebrated anything in months! The people need their Alpha." Marley spat back.


    I was a bit surprised to see Marley finally having a verbal argument with Elder Freya. I always knew that they weren''t on good terms, but for some reason, they were good at hiding their arguments publicly. This was... awkward. "Are you sure this party is for that? You are too agitated for just a party." Elder Freya smiled knowingly as she sniffed Marley like a piece of beef. "I smell fear, anger, and one more thing." Her nose red. "an even stranger smell." Marley seemed tense as she stepped away from Elder Freya. "I will not tolerate this insult. Zeke, say something!"


    "I suggest that both of you calm down. We have a spy here.


    Doig this is only wasting our time." Elder Archer sighed.


    "Look, all I want is to t*****e this rat."


    "I am not a rat!" Mrs. Lau defended.


    "...shut up!" Elder Freya snapped. Elder Archer raised his hands and waved them towards Mrs. Lau, and for a moment, we couldn''t hear her. "I want us to forfeit the party and torture this rat, get the good news out of her, and n our next move." Kyle groaned in frustration. "Didn''t you just say that we need to find our mates today?"


    "You can find your mate without a party." Elder Freya deadpanned.


    She was right. Damn right! I red at Zeke and Kyle for the eleventh time. All my worries just flew out of the window.


    Not for the better good, but they woulde backter.


    One step after the other, right?


    "A party makes it easier, ording to Marley here." I pointed out the obvious to Elder Freya. "And besides, Mrs. Lau can be locked up while we seek out the mate situation, then regroup for a meeting." I added.


    "Who died and made you a part of this meeting?" Elder Freya clearly wasn''t impressed by how I didn''t support her.


    Mrs. Lau chuckled like she was mocking us. But I was telling the truth. She was a sadistic soul who couldn''t wait to t*****e Mrs. Lau, even at the expense of the blood moon arriving in three days. I do not care if my mother, Marley, was doing this to halt Mrs. Lau''s ******e or to help her escape.


    Zeke raised his hands to stop our bickering. "You know what this means, right?" He turned to ask me.


    I nodded, stepping closer to whisper in his ears. "I will be your mate."


    Zeke gave me a small smile. "I will protect you. Go and get dressed." He said thest part loud enough for everyone to hear.


    "I''ll help her get dressed." Marley narrowed her eyes on me.


    Kyle cried a perfect eyebrow. "Really?"


    Marley walked behind me, massaging my shoulders to keep me in ce. I was still surprised she had volunteered to help me out. Has she figured it out yet? But Zeke and Kyle were discreet even until now. Why would she offer to help me get dressed? I pulled away from her hands. "Why are you helping me?"


    She sighed. "Don''t make a big deal out of this, Naya. If you must know, I want to look my best too, and I need your help."


    Her exnation seemed satisfactory enough to everyone.


    "You know what? I will take Laura to the Dungeon. This would be the longest walk to the dungeon of your life." Elder Freya promised Mrs. Lau, who scoffed weakly. It was a haunting sound that showed how tired she was. Her pupils dted, and her mouth poured blood.


    Damn, Zeke really broke her jaws and probably some other parts of her bones.


    "Save me from this mess." Mrs. Lau pleaded with Marley.


    "You are the former Luna. You can do something."


    I doubt that was the reason why she wanted my mother to help, but I could only watch.


    "I have tried my best." Marley smiled wickedly. "I have given you enough time to say yourst wishes. You will be tortured. Make sure you tell the truth." She finished, proceeding to usher me out of the room when I stopped her.


    Or rather, Mrs. Lau''s next words stopped us.


    "He seeks the power within the blood moon. The monsters he creates will be unstoppable." She started.


    I frowned, remembering the monsters that attacked us.


    They almost took my mates away from me. I shed my angry eyes at her. "And I will destroy them. What other weapons do you have apart from the things I will destroy?


    "This time they are different. They would be ones born of darkness. They''ll bring forth destruction with a single touch. You..."


    "Enough!" Marley yelled, earning a re from Zeke.


    "Why would you stop her?" Zeke thundered.


    Marley quickly bowed, her eyes never leaving Mrs. Lau''s pale face. "I am sorry, Alpha."


    "Go on:" Zeke urged Mrs. Lau, who winced.


    This was easier than I thought. She did not need to be tortured! Could it be what my mother said?


    "I would rather say more about being tortured and dying." Mrs. Lau panted, swallowing hard. It looked painful because I jinxed it.


    Zeke gripped her neck harshly. "Your suffering will escte no matter what you do. However, I may show mercy."


    "Do you think you can break me?" Mrs. Lau''s eyes glinted with defiance. "I''ve endured worse. I have given you puzzles; they''re left for you. I cannot say anything more." Zeke, his rage reaching its peak, signaled to Elder Freya.


    "Prepare the restraints. We''ll take her to the dungeon.


    Maybe some time alone will help her reconsider."


    As they were about to leave, Mrs. Lau whispered, "You can''t stop what''s already in motion. The wolves will fall, and Baron will rise."


    She has finally said his name! I knew it was Baron Diego!


    He was the Beast King.

 Chapter 172

    "Enough! Take her away." Zeke, gritting his teeth, ordered.


    As she was dragged out by some guards, Mrs. Lau continued talking. Her voice increased by the minute. She was clearly taunting us. How did she even live in our pack for many years without showing who she truly was? Or was she just swayed by the promise of a better life from Baron? It seemed to me that without t*****e, she wouldn''t let us in on what Baron was nning, and it worried Zeke and Kyle.


    "You think you can outsmart Baron? You''re fools, all of you." She spat.


    I still have a question for her. Marley didn''t have powers, and neither did Papa. How then did Ie up with this? If I were truly a descendant of the elderly, how did I get this power? The answers shoulde from someone who never knew I had powers but imed to eat my heart.


    That person was Mrs. Lau. I rushed toward her to get my answer. "What do you mean by ''the wolves will fall? And who told you I was with powers?"


    "You ignorant fool. What? Your parents lied to you. The answers are not for you to know. The blood moon whispers secrets, but you''re too deaf to hear."


    I was dumbfounded by her harsh words. Was I truly deaf?


    Was I really blind to what has been in front of me this whole time? Does it mean Papa wasn''t my real father?


    "Who is my father? Tell me what you know!" I was getting really desperate as I wrapped my hands around her neck.


    "Tell me!" This whole time, I have been lied to too. I nced at my mother with questions in my eyes.


    "Oh, please, Naya. Don''t add your dram to this." Marley sighed. "You know I am your mother."


    "What about my father?"


    "Just drop it. You knew your papa. Why are you bringing this up now?"


    "You aren''t even asking about my powers."


    "What powers?" Marley''s eyes twinkled in mischievousness, but her mouth dropped open, convincing everyone that she knew nothing about my powers.


    I sucked in my breath, realizing either my mother was feigning the while act or she was genuinely surprised to hear this. I chose the former. My mother was a tall and cunning woman with eyes everywhere. If she chose to pretend, it was because she had something in store for me.


    I was determined to find out.


    "Never mind, mother. Since you don''t know, stay ignorant." I snapped, feeling angry. How could she pretend she doesn''t know about my powers? One of her little birds must have told her. She certainly had a n for me. One that involved giving my heart out to someone. When she did so, no one would trace it to her.


    "That''s no way to talk to your mother!"


    "Really?" I took their steps toward her. "How about I tell them what I saw? We haven''t cremated the Alpha, you know. You hide the autopsy result also." I whispered angrily.


    She merely scoffed. "Calm your horses, Omega. The reason we are having this conversation is because Zeke is about to take me as his mate. I made a sweet deal with him. Don''t ruin it for me."


    I raised an eyebrow in shock. What was she talking about?


    "Can you handle the responsibilities? Most importantly, can you fight me?"


    My heart rate increased uncontrobly. "Mother.." I couldn''t help myself. Her words were strange. Don''t tell me that she intended to fight for the position with me. Being Luna was going to be harder than I thought.


    How would I fight all those female wolves in my weak form? sh*t! From one problem to another. "Don''t tell me you will challenge me on that day. You know what I am capable of, right?"


    Marley merely shrugged. "You are inexperienced.." she paused. "Oh, don''t let the fight with Laura boost your confidence. Laura may be a good fighter, but she always lost to me."


    I frowned in confusion. "Do you think I would challenge


    Zeke''s mate?"


    Marley''s smile dropped. "Don''t y smart with me. Both of us know who his mate is. The truth is that I don''t share."


    "Mother!" I yelled helplessly. "Haven''t you gotten to the top yet?"


    "Shut up!"


    "At least tell me who my father is. Why does everyone keep saying I do not know anything?" I felt my focus was distracted by minor problems. But minor problems always led to bigger problems. "I can''t." Marley shrugged. "Papa is your father." She added.


    "That''s a big lie." I growled, turning to see Mrs. Lau being dragged into the distance. My mother has managed to distract me, making me forget to interrogate Mrs. Lau.


    "No, no, no! Where are you taking her to? She hasn''t answered my questions yet."


    "She''s done. Leave her be. We''ll deal with herter." Zeke ordered, walking off with his brother, Marley, alongside the guards. The distance between us was palpable. Zeke, Kyle, and Marley were at the top chain, and I was at the bottom chain. How would we walk? I raised my eyes to still see the blood moon''s ominous glow casting red shadows over my fate.


    How do I get out of these?


    "This is what it means to be in politics. Being an Alpha must be demanding." Naya sighed


    "The problem isn''t just me. It''s about my environment. Who am I really?" I asked no one in particr.


    "Come on, Naya. The party is about to start." Lily called from the distance, without knowledge of what transpired now. It was a miracle how our pack was often oblivious to what happened in front of them. I gave Lily my best smile.


    I knew it. My mother didn''t really want to help me. She just wanted to taunt me. I stopped. "Lily? Can you help me out on my gown?"


    She nodded, and we both headed to my room. I needed something from her.


    As I entered my room, Lily hesitated. I looked back. "What''s wrong?"


    She shook her head. "I am not sure..." she said, dropping her gaze. I didn''t know Lily was this nice. I thought she would be just like my mother since she was her minion. But she has proven different.


    "Never mind. Come in." I urged her toe in. There was nothing wrong with her entering my room. For now.


    I tried to remember the clothes I could fear, and one of the gowns Zeke and Kyle packed for me at the blood moon pack came into my mind. The red one was the theme of soon.


    today''s party. Besides, we were expecting the blood moon


    I pulled the red floral gown out of my wardrobe. "How is this?"


    "Oh!" Lily gushed. "This is so beautiful."


    I beamed. "Perfect right?"


    "Definitely perfect."


    I nodded. "Have you noticed anything suspicious with the former Luna of the pack recently?"


    "Luna? I haven''t." She sighed. "Although she has been brooding so much and shouting at the maids closest to her.


    I think something is wrong."


    I tilted my head.


    "Something is wrong? What?"


    Lily was reluctant again. I had to coax her.


    "Ah, if you don''t want to tell me. It is fine." I raised my hand in surrender.


    Lily simply smiled. "It''s no trouble. I will tell you now." I nodded, sitting on the edge of my bed and waiting.


    "The Luna sneaks out of bed in the night. Sometimes when I go to shut everything down, I see her whispering in the shadows."


    I gaped lowly, remembering what Kyle said about her. His suspicions were correct. She was plotting something.


    "Maybe she ismunicating with Alpha Storm. She may miss him, you know."


    Lily frowned. "But she isn''t anywhere close to where he was killed or soon to be cremated."


    I ced a hand on her shoulder to stop her thoughts from getting me what I wanted. "Don''t suspect her. It won''t get you anywhere. However, you can tell me the times she gets up at night. I want to speak with my stepfather too."


    My exnation at the moment seemed so believable. I must be an expert in lying just now. I am sorry, Lily, but I have to lie in order to get the truth.


    "Okay." Lily nodded slowly. I knew my words got to her.


    They were working. "She gets up when the moon is almost at its peak, but now that the blood moon is taking over, she might get up when it lights out. When everyone is dead asleep." She finished.


    I got up, throwing the gown over my shoulders and asking her to zip up. "Thank you, Lily. Mother has been so harsh on me since she expects the best from me. I am going to let her know tonight."


    Lily smiled. "Do let her know. I am behind you."


    Behind me? My friend was Ren¨¦e. If Lily was behind me, I was far away from her. No one but my mother was allowed to be my friend. There was no way my mother''s trusted maid would not know about her ways. She must know, and I had to be careful. Lily''s soft voice was definitely disarming.


    I stepped out of the manor, and at the same time, everyone was wishing Zeke and Kyle a happy birthday. I was sure they wouldn''t even see me. A lot of heavy, tall bodies covered the top of my head.


    How would they sniff me out amongst many? How long was I standing there thinking? Because then, I didn''t see the crowd give way for Zeke to walk through, nor did I see Kyleing from the back. I had blinked, returning to where I was, only to see Zeke and Kyle looking at me with l**t and desires in their eyes.


    Over a hundred wolves also had their eyes on me. Realizing what was happening, my legs gave way underneath me, but Zeke was quick to catch me. This is what I have always wanted. It was there, but why was I scared?


    Zeke sniffed my neck. "I am here, baby. No one is going to harm you."


    I took sce in his words. Because I was damn scared of the responsibilities that came with being their wife and mate.


    "Naya Cod is my true mate." Zeke thundered.


    "Naya cod is my true mate." Kyle said it to the shock of everyone.


    At that moment, I felt eyes on me. I knew it would be that of my mother as I turned my neck to find her staring angrily at me.


    With a deep sigh, I opened my mouth. "I ept Zeke Storm and Kyle Storm as my true mates."


    "There is no such thing as true mates!" Marley yelled at the top of her voice, but it was lost in the many whisperings of the crowd at the dram that just happened.


    I beamed. My problems could wait. I was theirs, and they were mine. Finally.

 Chapter 173

    Marley''s POV


    Damn it! I should have expected that he wasn''t going to choose me. I knew he was going to choose my daughter from the moment I caught them all together, passionately having s*x. The pack seemed helpless, as an omega had be their Luna. The lowest omega. I should not be as jealous as this, but I couldn''t help myself. I wanted what she had. How could she be the mate of two Alphas? Thest time that happened was a thousand years ago. I nced at the elders, only to see them smirking! Including Elder Freya. Isn''t she supposed to throw a tantrum or something?


    "She can''t. She''s one of them." My wolf reminded me.


    "I know."


    "Then you must know that Zeke would use this medium to tell the pack of her powers. You will no longer be of use."


    I bit down on my lips. "I know; stop telling me what I already know!" I yelled at her, expecting her to cower, but she knew where to tug. It wasn''t long before a sharp pain passed through my head. A loud groan escaped me. "Ow! Make it stop.." I pleaded, but she didn''t listen immediately. "Please."


    She stopped. "I know this will remind you that I am in control. I made the deal with Baron because we both want to rule over all packs. Look on the bright side. No one will suspect you if anything happens to Naya.


    I massaged the back of my head to get rid of the smarting pain. "The mission will go on tonight. Whether everyone is in support of their binding shouldn''t concern the both of us."


    My wolf was quiet, and I used that moment to focus on my surroundings.


    "Naya has been granted a gift from the elderly one and the moon goddess. She already has the ability to heal and even converse with the moon goddess." Zeke continued with stars in his eyes.


    The crowd no longer whispered. This time, they were voicing their disbelief.


    "Can you believe what the Alpha just said?"


    "Naya cod is our Luna."


    "How can she be gifted by the elderly one and the moon goddess?"


    Zeke raised his hands, and they all stopped talking. "I know you all have questions, but if you need evidence, you can ask your friends and neighbors, and they will tell you what they have seen with their eyes." "She is our mate, and you all have to ept her," Kyle added.


    Someone immediately raised their hands. "But there hasn''t been a mate for two Alphas in centuries, nor true mates to share the mind link. How can you be so sure?"


    Those questions were also at the tip of my tongue. I wanted them to answer those questions so badly that I would step in and annul their bond. What they were saying was impossible!


    "I say true mates because our bond is being strengthened."


    Zeke paused. "Mind linking is possible."


    The murmurings only increased.


    Beta Brooke leaned closer. "I told you to stop this childishness. It will ruin the pack."


    Zeke red at his temporary Beta. "Beta Brooke, I told you that it was possible. I''ll tell you more after this."


    Kyle grinned at Beta Brooke. "Beta, don''t doubt. It''s true."


    Beta Brooke sighed. "Okay."


    No, no, no... Someone should stop this madness. There was no such thing as true mates! Why... I felt defeated.


    There was no way out of this.


    "How is it possible?" Someone else shouted.


    "I can do it!" Naya suddenly shouted, stopping the chaos.


    Kyle''s smile dropped as he whispered. "Naya, you blocked me. Do you know how to open the link?"


    I narrowed my eyes on them. They were saying something they didn''t want anyone to hear. Even though I had good hearing, I couldn''t hear their discussions.


    After whispering amongst themselves, Zeke faced the crowd again.


    "It will be revealed on the day of the official mating ceremony. If you support our mate as your Luna, make sure to attend the mating ceremony." Zeke concluded before talking about what was not concerning the blood moon. It was a night everyone should be worried about.


    That was when I noticed Naya wasn''t with us on the podium. Where, where was she? I asked no one in particr as I searched for her small figure in the crowd.


    Just then, I spotted Lily going into the manor with Naya.


    What... What was going on between the two of them? I had to find out.


    The meeting no longer concerned me. It was over, and everyone was going to their homes with shock on their faces.


    "Alpha Zeke." I called sharply as he was about to leave the podium.


    "You did tell me.."


    "I don''t have to tell you everything." Zeke interrupted, surprising me. "Excuse me." He quickly walked off, only to be stopped by another person. He would certainly have his hands full tonight. That would even make my ns easier to execute, because how else would Baron do his wish?


    Zeke and Kyle shouldn''t be all over Naya.


    I sighed. There was only one thing left to do.


    ******


    As Iy on my bed, I couldn''t sleep.


    "He should have chosen me! I was right not to bring that person. He was just ying along to fool me into revealing the person! Naya would only end up destroying the pack." I tossed and turned for the fifth time. Eventually, I threw the sheets over me. The clock was making a familiar ticking sound, signifying it was time for our ns toe to life. It should be like every other night. Nothing would definitely go wrong.


    I opened the windows, expecting Lily to pass by. She did, ncing at my window. I waved for her toe upstairs. I needed to know what Naya discussed with her earlier.


    As soon as Lily entered my room, I pulled her in and closed the door. Her eyes showed worry and anxiety.


    "Luna..." she began.


    "Cut the bullshit and tell me what you and Naya were discussing. Don''t even try to deny it because I saw the both of you."


    Lily breathed out in relief. "Oh, she was just asking me about your schedule. She said she needed to speak to you." I shot her a sharp look. My schedule? What for? "Why would she care about my schedule?"


    Lily hesitated before responding, "She didn''t say, but she seemed focused on knowing when you sleep and when you''re alone."


    I scowled, my suspicion growing. Has she finally caught on? No, I shook my head. It wasn''t possible, because I was careful. "Why the hell would she want to know that?"


    Lily shifted ufortably. "She said something about wanting to make sure everyone gets enough rest for the uing events, including the mating ceremony."


    I scoffed, "Rest? This isn''t about rest. What''s really going on, Lily?"


    She bit her lip, choosing her words carefully. "Nothing is going on. That''s just it."


    I stared at the maid, processing the information. "Are you sure that''s all?"


    Lily sighed, "Yes. She''s just trying to help. Maybe she''s genuinely concerned about the pack and wants everything to go smoothly. She really wants to speak to you."


    I red at her, feeling a surge of frustration. "This is more than just helping. Something''s off. And why are you sopliant with her requests? Why did you tell her about my schedule?"


    "I.. I didn''t want to argue with her. and I thought it was better to go along with it."


    Fool, she was trying to get information out of you! My wolf yelled. And you fell for her tricks. I smirked. I didn''t know that Naya had it in her to get information out of people.


    She was truly my daughter.


    "I don''t trust her. Keep an eye on her, and if she tries anything suspicious, report back immediately."


    Lily slightly bowed. "Okay, but what about you? You should get some rest too."


    I scoffed, "I can''t sleep. I need to be vignt for both of our sakes. You can go to sleep early tonight. I will take care of everything else."


    "No." Lily said reluctantly. "You can''t handle everything alone. You should try to get some sleep."


    "I don''t need your advice." I snapped. "Just go to bed. And don''te out; I''ll handle your chores tonight."


    She still had an uncertain look on her face as she left the room. I stared out the window; a sense of foreboding lingered. There was something about Naya''s actions that didn''t add up, and I couldn''t shake the feeling that she was brewing trouble beneath the surface.


    Suddenly, I noticed the man I was waiting for pass by. I smiled when he strode into our territory, like he owned it.


    The pack should be asleep by this time, including Naya.


    The only ones I wasn''t sure if they were sleeping were the guards and the Alphas.


    Alpha Zeke and Kyle. They were called Alphas for a reason.


    Their ability to smell danger, especially one happening to their mate.

 Chapter 174

    Naya''s POV


    I couldn''t sleep, tossing and turning in my bed with thoughts in my head disturbing like a tsunami. Lily''s words about Marley''s schedule echoed in my mind, and I couldn''t shake off the feeling that something was off.


    I nced at the clock; its ticking was filling the room. The hands seemed to move slower than ever, and I found myself watching them, waiting for the right moment. As the clock struck a certain hour, I made up my mind. If Marley was up to something, I needed to find out. By now, Lily should be done with her chores.


    Quiet as a mouse, I slipped out of bed and tiptoed through the dark halls of the manor. If anyone saw me right now, they would ask me what I was up to since I wasn''t going to the kitchen to steal snacks. Unfortunately for me, the floors were made of wood, so the only sound was the creaking of the wooden floor beneath my feet.


    I paused. What if Zeke''s or Kyle''s wide ears hear my footsteps?


    "Then go slower!" Naya snapped.


    "I will. Just shut up!" I shot back, hurrying along the halls faster. It wasn''t long before I reached my mother''s quarters and hid in the shadows. Just then, I heard footstepsing towards me.


    Naya began to panic. "g**t, hide. Someone ising upstairs." Updated by


    I rolled my eyes, not surprised to hear her say what I already knew. "I know!"


    "Then stop arguing with me and hide your fat a*s!"


    I ignored her insult, hiding behind a stack of delivered boxes my mother never opens. Just as I crouched behind them, Lily''s little feet came into view. It was obvious she was trying to be careful enough not to make so much noise.


    She got to my mother''s door and was immediately dragged inside. I changed my position, leaning on her door this time around to catch any snippets of their conversation. Marley was definitely acting suspicious. I was right when I said I shouldn''t trust Lily. She was her minion.


    The voices inside were hushed but audible. I scoffed.


    Really? They couldn''t even lower their tone or something?


    Marley''s tone was harsh, and Lily''s responses were filled with reluctance. I strained to hear, trying to piece together the puzzle of their conversation. It felt like spying, but something told me it was necessary for the greater good.


    "I... I didn''t want to argue with her. and I thought it was better to go along with it." Lily''s voice cut through the air, and my heart skipped a beat.


    "You were right, Naya. She''s a snitch." I said to my wolf bitterly. How could she?


    It all ended with Lily stammering in response, her words barely audible, and Marley''s sternmands sending her away.


    I''ll handle it." Marley''s voice had shut Lily''s, and soon Lily was quiet. I held my breath, running back to my earlier position behind the boxes, fearing they might discover me.


    Lily opened the door, and I watched her breathe a sigh of relief. I always held my breath around my mother, too. This has got to be the bravest thing I have done apart from confronting elder Freya. I must have been out of my mind then. Thanks to my powers, I wasn''t destroyed.


    As Lilyposed herself before disappearing down the hall, the door swung open, revealing Marley''s worried expression. She scanned the hall as if sensing something was amiss. Panic gripped me, and I pressed further into the boxes, hoping she wouldn''t spot me. "Please, please, please, don''t let her spot us..." Naya prayed on my behalf.


    I took deep breaths. Mother wasn''t all that meticulous; she wouldn''t see me, not with her eyesight. However, her eyes lingered on the spot where I hid, and for a moment, I was sure she had seen me. But she shook her head and retreated into the room, closing the door behind her. I let out a silent sigh of relief, realizing I needed to get back to my room before I got caught. I was about to leave my spot when she opened them again. I froze.


    "That was close," Naya whispered.


    I only nodded, my heart racing, when she came out of her room with the intensity of a fox. It was as if she had someone to meet. She continued down the hall, down my room door, and out of the door. I followed her steps through the quiet corridors with fear and curiosity. What was Marley up to? Why did Marley suspect Lily of being a snitch and send her to sleep early? The questions buzzed in my mind like persistent mosquitoes.


    I frowned when I realized we were moving faster into the woods. Where was she going at this time of the night? As Marley turned to see if anyone was following her, I ducked behind a tree. Seeing no one behind her, she continued to a certain spot. I nced back. The distance from where we were to the manor wasn''t far at all.


    Then I saw something I shouldn''t have seen. Baron Diego


    came out of the shadows, and my mother didn''t look surprised. I gasped in shock, earning a re from my side.


    Slowly, with my heart in my mouth, I had to retrace my steps back to my room.


    As I reached my room, I closed the door behind me and sank onto my bed. The clock continued its silent ticking, a constant reminder of the passing time. I couldn''t shake off the feeling that things were spiraling out of control. Kyle was right. My mother was the spy, and Mrs. Lau must be working for her. This afternoon, she had abandoned Mrs. Lau with her subtle words of destruction.


    In the dim light of my room, I pondered the events of the night. Marley''s mysterious interest in Zeke, Lily''s role as a possible snitch, Marley''s harsh interrogation, and her spy meeting with Baron Diego. I didn''t know when sleep took over my thoughts. Marley''s POV


    We were at our usual spot, the first ce we met when Kyle found us. He was stupid enough not to thoroughly check who I was speaking to that day. A loud rustling sound made me turn in that direction.


    "What''s that?" I asked, peering into the darkness like a blind person. The slightly red moon wasn''t of any help either. My bad eyesight was to me. I have never seen the need to me my eyesight before, but it was getting worse. I noticed. Baron''s sharp eyes scanned the area. "It''s a stray rabbit." He muttered as if he knew something I didn''t. Baron needed me to prate the wolf cove, thergest and strongest, or else we would pose serious troubles for him. He knew that well. "You better be sure. Nothing must go wrong tonight." I snapped. But he was quiet. I took that as a yes. Good. "Are you ready? I think she''s asleep."


    "What about the Alphas?"


    I smirked. "They should be busy with other matters."


    Baron raised an eyebrow. "Don''t tell me."


    "Yes, you gave me the idea. I asked my friend to tell them that they have information about their mother and that she isn''t dead."


    Baron chuckled. "That''s cruel. But good enough to distract them from Naya tonight."


    I nodded, ncing around. "You can go ahead with our ns. I''ll distract anyone that tries toe your way."


    "Her powers?"


    "I noticed she can''t summon them."


    "Good," Baron replied, running into the manor with unusual speed. I was shocked when he transformed into a wolf and leaped over my open window. I stood at the front door, blinking in shock. Getting over my shock, I met him at the door of Naya''s room, panting slightly.


    "Er..."


    He quickly raised his hands to his lips to shut me up. I swallowed, allowing him to open the door gently. We both hovered over Naya''s sleeping form. Her nket was all over her body, and there was a bit of sand here and there. "Someone has been naughty." I mused.


    Baron seized the opportunity and hauled Naya off with surprising strength. Her eyes snapped open with fear as she struggled. Then she saw me, and her fear was reced by betrayal. I couldn''t help but smile at the evil that was happening.


    "What''s happehing? Where are you taking me? Put me down! Zeke, Kyle!" She screamed at the top of her voice, looking for anyone, someone, to help her.


    I stepped forward, watching the scene unfold with cruel satisfaction. "Surprise, Naya. Did you really think you could get in the way of our ns?"


    Her eyes widened with realization. "You... you''re behind this?"


    "Consider it a lesson, my dear. Stay out of matters that don''t concern you." I grinned, enjoying the anguish in her expression.


    As Baron dragged Naya away, I couldn''t ignore the sense of betrayal in her eyes. She looked at me, her own mother, with disbelief and hurt.

 Chapter 175

    Leke POV


    "Did you say she was buried here?" I turned to the girl we had all been waiting for almost two hours. Renee.


    Renee nodded. She had told us not to tell Naya about her returning to the pack that it would only distract us. I believed her. She may not know it, but sometimes she had a knack for causing troubles. Besides, this was concerning my mother. I balled my fists. "How could father bury her here without letting anyone." I gritted angrily.


    Kyle shed angry eyes at Renee. "Even if all this is true, why didn''t you wait until morning. We are just newly mated for goodness sake!"


    Renee simply rolled her eyes in a Renee way. "Thest time I met Naya, I could perceive your scent," she pointed at Kyle and then me. "And yours." Yeah, it was obvious what we both did to Naya. She didn''t have to say it like it was normal. She made it sound like it was normal to be an alpha who cannot control his se**xual impulses when close to his mate.


    I pped her hands off me. "As much as this is important, we aren''t supposed to leave our mate without tending to her. I know you have heard about the recent happenings." Renee''s shoulders slumped. "Oh, the one about Naya turning our Dean into a rat?" She barked out augh. "That serves her right. How dare she be a spy for."


    The re I gave her was enough to let her know that we didn''t trust her as much as Naya did. She wasn''t officially part of my pack, and smelled nothing like the blood moon pack. For all we cared, this could have been a distraction to take us away from Naya. However, I made a promise to Naya that we wouldn''t touch Renee, but watch her. So far... she has been doing well.


    "Orrr..." me cut in, dragging his words just to annoy me.


    "Make your point already."


    "Or you were so upied with Alpha duties that you forgot to tell the inspectors or whatever their name is to keep an eye on Renee, as a double agent of course."


    It didn''t take a soothsayer to tell me that me was right. sh*t, I remembered saying something like that. I totally forgot. Damn! I turned to Renee, allowing some of my alpha power to slip through. "Are you sure we can trust you and this isn''t a n to distract us from our mates?"


    "Yes, it''s a n. I was asked to tell the both of you that your mother was buried here. It isn''t entirely wrong." She shrugged like she didn''t not just tell us what I have dreaded to hear. Everyone including Beta Brooke who had been silent froze. I Wouldn''t want Naya to kill herself with guilt just because...


    "Are you serious?" I asked, eyeing her serious face as Kyle subtly got into position and beta Brooke broke out of his frozen state to scam the surroundings for any possible ambush. It was then I realized how foolish I was for taking the decision of no guards. Renee nodded and it was as if the emotions on her face were gone. Let this be a joke please...


    "If it isn''t, I will be the first to tear her to pieces. Orrrr, ripping her head off is fine to me too." me smirked wickedly. He could do that because she was within range, however it won''t get Naya back.


    That is, if all of this were true. It took a lot of courage from me and my will to state in front of the crowd our findings about Naya. First, she was our mate and secondly, she was an elder. A born elder. I had expected Marley to be in anguish, but herposure shocked me. Not her eyes though. They looked crazy. I knew she was pissed and held it in.


    It must be painful. Everyone at the party that day had been shocked to the core. A bit of me expected protests, but Naya was immediately epted as Luna. Yes, many questions were asked, but they weren''t as scary as I thought they would be.


    "What''s running through your mind now... are you going to kill me?" Renee asked. Her face was so hardened until I saw them.


    I wish I could speak through the mind link to my brother and beta to keep calm. She wasn''t serious and only wanted to see our reactions. On the other hand, she could be serious enough to y such a joke.


    What should I believe now?


    "Oh, my moon goddess, you should have seen your faces!" I sighed in relief as Renee burst intoughter, breaking the tension that had gripped everyone. The anger, fear, and confusion began to dissipate as realization dawned on us that it was all a prank. Damn, Ren¨¦e for making such pranks on her alphas. We would have been termed stupid for tantly refusing to heed to Beta Brookes warning. The only thing he ended the argument with was how stubborn we were like our father. "Renee, that was not funny!" Kyle scolded her, though there was a hint of relief in his eyes.


    me was still grinning. "Well, I must admit, you got us there for a moment." He wasn''t entirely trusting of her. That was really convincing. Her heartbeat was normal... What happened, why would she do such a prank? Renee wiped away tears from her eyes, still chuckling.


    ¡°Come on, lighten up, guys! A little humor never hurt anyone."


    Beta Brooke shook his head, clearly not amused. "This isn''t a time for jokes, especially about such serious matters." He was about to grab her when she ducked


    "Come in, I was just kidding! We were all so gloomy! And you..." she faced me. "You were talking too much about your mate. You make other people lonely."


    Kyle frowned, his voice cold and stern. He was the king of humor, so he must have something to say about her childish behavior. "Renee, there are boundaries to humor, and you just crossed them."


    Reneesughter faded as she looked at me and Kyle''s stern expression. "I... I''m sorry. I thought it would break the tension."


    "Well it didn''t. Now tell us what more you know about my mother, how you heard and what exactly we are doing in the woods by this time of the night, when we should be in our beds." I growled, really offended as to how she thought to y pranks now. It was so unnecessary.


    "Okay, maybe I exaggerated a bit. Your mother isn''t buried here as you know already." Renee''s expression softened slightly as she looked around. She paused, letting the weight of her words settle before adding, "She''s actually in the pack cemetery, not far from here."


    A collective exhale swept through our tiny group. I couldn''t even stop mine. Mother has been there all along? The pack cemetery.. has been abandoned a long time ago. We weren''t just used to all the sophistication. A mix of relief and frustration filled me. I didn''t know which to express.


    I narrowed my eyes, continuing to assess Renee''s sincerity.


    "Why the deception? What are you really up to?"


    I almost did a double take when she met his gaze, her eyes devoid of the earlier mischief. She was definitely fearless. me familiarity and the fact that she wasn''t a pack member. "I needed to be sure you''de with me without any distractions. You both needed to know the truth about your mother."


    I exchanged a nce with Kyle as we both silently acknowledged the unsettling feeling that our lives had secrets. "Fine, we''ll go to the cemetery, but you better be telling the truth, Renee. If this is some kind of ploy, you won''t like the consequences." me interjected with a sly grin, "Can I rip her head off now just to be safe?"


    Ignoring me''s morbid suggestion, he suggested another.


    "Call Naya and ask her how she''s.."


    I nced at Kyle who was sulking. "Aren''t you speaking through the mind link? Reach out to her again." Why would she block the mind link?


    "I have tried." Kyle was trying so hard not to let his anger show. "She is just annoying sometimes. She could be holding a grudge I have no idea about, locking me out because of it!"


    I chuckled. "Then you don''t know Naya so well. She is not one to hold grudges. That I know so well." A sigh escaped me. "Lead the way Renee. And remember, one wrong move, and you''ll have more than just me to worry about."


    As we walked farther away from the manor, I couldn''t shake the nagging doubt that lingered in the back of my mind. Renee was weird, and her motives remained unknown to us.


    "I overheard Baron telling someone this. That person seemed to know a lot about the wolf cove."


    I tsked. "We have caught her already. Our Dean."


    Renee''s eyebrow shot up. "Really." It wasn''t a question.


    The red half moon casted an eerie glow over the cemetery, and it wasn''t even a full moon. Gravestones stood as silent witnesses to our unweed stay. The atmosphere grew tense as we approached the resting ce of my mother. There were so many things...


    Renee pointed towards a particr grave. "There, that''s where she rests."

 Chapter 176

    Kyle''s POV


    "Mother..." Zeke whispered as he sighted the stone in which our mother names weeds written. "How could father have been so cruel to hide her resting ce from us..." Why would Father act this way?


    Shadow suddenly began to sniff. It was making me lose concentration because I was the one sniffing.


    "Hey, stop that." I snapped at him, also trying to hold Zeke from going berserk. Beta Brooke was majorly silent. He knew that we had questions for him.


    "Beta Brooke, didn''t our father tell you anything?" I asked harshly, expecting him to tell us that Renee was right. "Did he not at least tell you this?"


    When Beta Brooke looked up at me with confusion and tears in his eyes, I knew he didn''t know too. What was father thinking, doing this to us?


    "He told me she died trying to birth you. He said he buried her at the manor." Beta Brooke shook his head, audibly gulping. "I mean, I saw himy down her bones." Zeke tensed immediately. "You saw it with your eyes?"


    Beta Brooke nodded. "But it''s a bit confusing to see her with her name written on it." He shook his head in disbelief. "I am so confused right now."


    Zeke red at me with urgency. "Can you call Naya for me?" His eyes clearly told me something was wrong.


    "Ren¨¦e, when did you hear this news?"


    "This morning. It took me a lot to leave my pack and get here. I called you before I was allowed in. We both agreed Naya shouldn''t... wait, is she in danger?"


    I was a bit confused about what was happening. Then it dawned on me that Renee might have been used for the purpose of distracting us away from our mate. "g**t!" I brought out my phone, dialing Nayas number. It was only ringing... no one was picking up. "She may be sleeping."


    Zeke shook his head. "Let''s head back. Now that we know the ce, we cane back."


    "But your mother... Don''t you want to know everything?


    Naya is a heavy sleeper so she may just be sleeping." Ren¨¦e was frantically looking between me and Zeke now. It made me wonder if she was just trying so hard to keep us from leaving.


    "I said we wille back!" Zeke roared in anger, halting our movements. "Beta Brooke, can you run back to the manor?


    You can send a message if she is truly missing. We will be right behind you."


    My brother was really worried and pissed at the same time.


    "Something isn''t just right. I wonder why I can''t sense mother here." Shadow said lowly. "Could this be a decoy?"


    I shook my head. "Ren¨¦e is Naya''s best friend, I mean we have encountered everything together."


    "But we do not know anything about her."


    "We know that her father is Baron diego... that''s probably how she got to hear about this important information." I was trying hard to stop Shadow from saying those words. I knew what he was trying to do.


    "Kyle, we need to be cautious. I don''t trust Ren¨¦e." Shadow''s voice echoed in my mind, the toneced with suspicion.


    "What are you talking about? She''s been Naya''s friend for years," I countered, feeling the tug of doubt.


    "That''s precisely the point. How well do we really know her?


    She just drops this bombshell about our mother out of nowhere, and suddenly, Zeke is ready to believe her without question."


    "She knew about the location, about the stone. How would she know if she wasn''t telling the truth?"


    Shadow snorted. "Anyone could have given her that information. She could be a pawn in arger game."


    My eyes narrowed as I nced at Ren¨¦e, who was now talking earnestly with Zeke. "You think she''s involved in something evil?"


    "I''m not saying she is, but we can''t rule it out. We need to be vignt. Our priority is Naya."


    I frowned, torn between trusting Naya''s friend and heeding Shadow''s warning. "Let''s keep an eye on her, but we can''t ignore the possibility that she might be genuine."


    As we walked back to the manor, the tension hung thick in the air. Zeke seemed determined to get back to Naya, and Ren¨¦e tagged along, asionally ncing at me with concern. I couldn''t shake off the feeling that something wasn''t right. I was d Beta Brooke went before us, faster in order to understand the situation.


    Shadow persisted, "Kyle, remember our instincts. We''ve survived this long by being cautious. Don''t let emotions cloud your judgment."


    I nodded inwardly, acknowledging the truth in Shadow''s words. It took minutes before we got to the manor, because beta Brooke has refused to give us information about my mate. When we reached the manor, Beta Brooke was scolding the guards, including Scar about something.


    "You were supposed to be guarding the front gate! How could you make the same mistake we both made the first time?" He yelled. It was the first time I have seen Beta Brooke so angry. About what exactly?


    "What''s going on here?" Zeke quickly intercepted the drama with searching eyes. Scar quickly did a salutation with sad eyes. Oh, he was in trouble...


    "Alpha, I couldn''t get any response from Naya. I left a message, but she should have been up by now, considering themotions." he reported.


    Zeke''s jaw clenched. "Whatmotions?"


    Scar swallowed. "We have been knocking at her door for over thirty minutes now. She hasn''t responded."


    I frowned. "You didn''t try to break in?"


    "We were waiting for yourmand." Beta Brooke said.


    "Well, do it right at this minute and do it discreetly. We do not want to disturb the pack''s sleep." Zeke was torn. He was holding back fromshing out and acting all crazy.


    "We''re going to find her. Kyle, let''s look for her." he seemed so tired. He must be ming himself for this happening under his nose.


    Ren¨¦e chimed in, "ll help in any way I can. We need to find Naya and get to the bottom of this."


    "We can''t afford to trust anyonepletely, especially in times like these."


    Shadow''s voice whispered in my mind "And Renee... she isn''t all that innocent."


    I nodded internally, the conflict within me intensifying. I walked closer to Scar. "Since you were foolish enough to be forgetful, you might as well keep an eye on Renee. Don''t dare let her out of sight." He nodded immediately.


    As the search party rushed to Naya''s room, Zeke''s footsteps weighed with worry. I had to pull him aside before he could enter her room looking like that. He was the Alpha. If he was worried, others would be too. Naya could have gone out for a stroll or something. We both knew how spontaneous she was.


    "Zeke, you need to get a grip on yourself. Panicking won''t help. We''ll find her, I urged, trying to inject some reassurance into his spiraling emotions. "She could be out on a stroll or spying on someone or something. You know who she is."


    He ran a hand through his hair, frustration etched on his face. "Kyle, this is my fault. I should never have left her alone. I listened to Ren¨¦e, and now Naya''s missing."


    "We all trusted Ren¨¦e, and if she''s involved, we''ll deal with it." I implored, knowing that guilt could be a crippling weight.


    Zeke''s eyes held a mix of anger and despair. "What if I''ve put Naya in danger? What if something happens to her?"


    Damn, he was right... I too was at the edge of the rope. I was just as worried. "ming yourself won''t help. Let''s focus on the task at hand," I reasoned, gripping his shoulders in an attempt to ground him.


    His gaze hardened. "I won''t rest until I find her."


    "That''s the spirit. Now, let''s join the search." I guided him back toward themotion, where the guards were trying to open Nayas door. It seemed locked. As the door creaked open, the room revealed itself in disarray. Sheets thrown about, and a sense of emptiness that sent shivers down my spine. She had fought... She had fought for her life. What made me calm was that there wasn''t a sign of blood. Other than that, I couldn''t smell anything else.


    "I knew it! I knew Ren¨¦e was up to something," Zeke seethed, his eyes scanning the room for any clue.


    "Zeke, we can''t jump to conclusions. Let''s gather information before using anyone," I cautioned, understanding his need to ce me.


    But Zeke was past the point of patience. "No more waiting.


    Ren¨¦e is behind this. I can feel it. She led us away, created this and now Naya is gone."


    "Listen, Zeke, I know you''re hurting, but we need evidence.


    using someone without proof could create more problems," I reasoned, attempting to temper his anger. It would only lead us nowhere. What if Shadow and Zeke were wrong? We would lose Naya forever too. Renee was Naya''s best friend regardless. I have to be the voice of reason. Not seeing Naya too was wearing me out...


    He clenched his fists with frustration evident in every muscle of his body. "Fine, but I won''t let her get away with this."


    Before we could discuss further, Scar and Beta Brooke approached, their expressions grave.


    "What did you find?" I asked, hoping for a breakthrough.


    Scar exchanged a nce with Beta Brooke before Scar spoke, "Someone came through the front door."


    My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "The front door? How is that possible?"


    Beta Brooke continued, "Scar means that the person had ess to the pack''s entrance. It''s as if they knew the pack well enough to walk through the front door undetected." Realization hit me like a punch to the gut. "An insider.


    Someone from the pack took Naya."


    Zeke''s eyes narrowed with anger. "We trusted everyone. How could someone betray us like this?"


    Scar added, "Whoever it was, they were familiar enough with the pack to know our routines. Naya''s disappearance was nned."


    As the gravity of the situation sank in, Zeke''s Alpha mode returned. It scares the rest who stood close to him. "Find out who it is. I want them in chains by morning."


    Scar and Beta Brooke nodded, disappearing into the room to investigate. When I turned to ask Renee what she thought about the situation, she was no longer with us. She was gone.


    That was when my patience snapped.


    "Find her!" I thundered before howling to the red moon, telling the pack of my anguish.

 Chapter 177

    Naya''s POV


    Trust me, I fought. I fought with everything I had in me, but he was just too strong and with my mother backing him up, Iwas as useless as a twig. Once a heavy bag that helped to suffocate me was over my head, I was out like light. I would me my exhaustion. I was damn tired. Perhaps I was thrown into a car with tinted sses, I do not know what happened after that. All I knew was that my head was pounding by the time I woke up. I have a feeling, wolfbane was used to trigger the process of keeping me awake. It also helped to keep my wolf inside. All wolves were afraid of wolfsbane, especially a weak defenseless Omega like me. sh*t.


    "Naya?" I reached out to my wolf even though I knew she may not answer me. The pounding in my head increased by seconds. The bag over my head prevented me from seeing anything. It made it harder for me to decipher where I was. However, the air was a bit thick. It could be due to the wolfsbane or the heavy bag. Before I could say Jack, I was pulled over a heavy shoulder.


    "Get this bag off my head!" I screamed in anger.


    "Shut up!" The voice rebuked, his footsteps echoing over the floor. I nced around, trying to see if I could do anything to help my situation.


    I was blind.


    Suddenly, I was dumped to the floor and the bag was yanked off. I blinked twice to get used to the surroundings.


    It felt like I was in a big castle that was deathly still, save for the man who just brought me. He had a scar running down both sides of his eyebrows. It reminded me of Scar, the pack leader warrior. To my right was a dimly lit corridor.


    I wondered whose rooms were down there. My eyes found mesmerizing yet traumatizing drawings that gave chills and made you appreciate the amount of hard work out into such gothic arts. Beneath me were cold stones on which I sat. There were candles here and there..


    Seriously? He couldn''t even find a better ce for me to stay? I was Luna for goodness sake and I have the elder blood flowing in me! How long would they keep this up until I snap and destroy this building?


    As my eyes continued to adjust to the dimness and take a hold of the strange things, I noticed it wasn''t just the man who sat there, but other men were there, seated by his side.


    They were about three in number including the first man I saw. He must have brought me here himself.


    I gasped when I could see the twisted grins in their faces. I swallowed, trying to hide my fear. Who was I deceiving? I was a wolf and they would smell my fear. It would ooze like a sweet smelling savor.


    "I love your fear." One of them suddenly said, causing me to jump out of my skin. I wasn''t expecting him to say anything. He got up, and walked closer to me. I gasped at his disfigured form. What was he turning into? He was literally looking like a wolf and a man. His face down to his legs were vertically divided into those two forms.


    What would I say to someone who has sold his soul to the devil? I was an omega, by the way.


    "You look lost, little wolf."


    Little wolf? I scoffed, trying to stay strong. It was all a facade. They would still smell my fear. "I''m not lost. I know exactly where I am."


    Another one, with a wickedugh, chimed in. He looked just like his friend. What were they doing to their bodies? My mind shed back to the ridiculous creatures that bombarded our school. They were going to be like those things one day! "You think you can talk tough, little wolf? This ain''t your territory anymore."


    "You guys are damn ugly." I spat. "I imagine how handsome you must have been and I change my mind... maybe you were always like this. Body change gone wrong." That was a good one, I was expecting my wolf to Tell me this, but she was nowhere. I could not even feel her. That added to my fear.


    The both of them exchanged nces in amusement. "You are all bark and no bite."


    "Oh, he speaks English..." I shot back.


    A loud bang startled me and the one with scars stood up.


    That was when I saw his legs... no they weren''t legs, but wolves paws! What the heck? He spared me a weary nce.


    "Until the Alpha gets here, you should try to keep your head.


    I may be calm, but not these two."


    I smirked, defiance in my voice. "You might want to reconsider that statement. Zeke and Kyle would tear through this ce to find me. You won''t stand a chance." I eyed them. "You crazy things won''t!"


    The hulking figure leaned in, a foul stench apanying him. "You''re in Baron Diegos castle now, sweetheart. Your little wolfies can''t save you. If you must know, I am in the process of rebranding, something you will soon experience." He finished with a chuckle. I shuddered.


    As all they circled around me, taunting and jeering, my fear increased. What if they were right? The castle seemed to echo with the howls of more deformed wolves. I exhaled shakily. How many were in here? Thousands? Millions?


    Their monstrous forms could be lurking in the shadows right now.


    Maybe they were all weing someone. Their Alpha, Alpha Baron Diego. I had just figured this out when he had his cold eyes fixated on me. What''s more? He had a horrible amusing smile on his face. He reminded me of Kyle, only more sinister. "Ah, the lovely Luna of the Blood Moon pack, he sneered.


    "Your precious alphas won''t be able to rescue you this time."


    "With my mother in this? I am sure she had enough important matters to distract them." I smiled. "They wille for me."


    "That smile will be wiped off your face soon, because they won''te for you." He smirked, turning their monsters that eyed me like I was a piece of flesh. "I made sure of that."


    If only I knew what he was nning for me.


    "My loyal minions, the time hase. The Wolf Cove pack is no more. By tomorrow night, on the full moon, we shall feast on their Luna." Baron Diego addressed them with an air of triumph.


    The monstrous wolves howled in agreement, their deformed bodies pulsating with anticipation. Baron Diego turned his attention back to me, a wicked grin on his face.


    "You will be our banquet, Luna. A feast fit for kings." He paused. "After taking your heart, that is."


    Fear gripped me, but beneath the terror, I remembered my mates and how they must be searching for me by now. It wasn''t their fault. That night, they had left me to finish up at the study. I had slept off... Realizing this made me be aware of the strength I held within. The purpledy! Where was used all this while?


    "Naya?" I reached out again, and I thought I heard her whisper my name back. I was about to respond when Baron Diegoughed triumphantly. It was as if he sensed my powers wereing back to life.


    "You may have power, Luna, but it is nothingpared to the forces Imand. Your fate is sealed."


    I wanted to say something snarky when a distant sound caught my attention. A new figure was dragged into the chamber, bound and gagged. Is someone here with me?


    Confused, I knew I had to question him. "What are you doing? Who''s there?"


    The same man who dragged me in, removed the cloth covering the person''s face, revealing a familiar figure. The face of the girl who had tormented me in school. She has been absent for days and I had no reason to ask Kyle or anyone about her. "Naya?" Beta Brooke called, bound and helpless as he met my gaze.


    "Brooke, what is happening? Why are we here?" I asked back in confusion. What was going on? How was he here?


    He grimaced, pain etched on his face. "Baron Diego captured us. We''re his prisoners now."


    I nodded. I knew that. "But how did he capture you? Where is Zeke and Kyle?"


    "Not anywhere around here. They were deceived by... he paused. "By someone we least expected. But, I fell into Their trap so that I could find you. I followed that person."


    "Who?" I asked as a strange sensation filled me. He was trying to hide this person from me. Could it be someone I knew?


    "I don''t think knowing that will help your situation." Baron Diego interrupted. "You must be... Alpha Storm''s closest confidant."


    "I am." Beta Brooke said with indignation.


    Baron''s smile dropped. "Then you are a fool." He turned to his minions. "Make sure they have enough food and water, fatten the Luna up and as for the other, coteral." With that, he walked off.


    I noticed that the way he talked to me was different from the way he spoke to Beta Brooke. He spoke to me like he was fond of me. After all, I trusted him. He was like a father to me.


    I missed him.

 Chapter 178

    Naya''s


    POV


    I closed my eyes as soon as we were left alone. "So this is it."


    Beta Brooke nodded. "This is it."


    I frowned. "What would make Zeke and Kyle fall into such a trap?" I wondered what was so important. "His mother."


    I raised an eyebrow. "Mother? As in the Luna of the pack?" Beta Brooke noodles before grimacing. "That person imed she wasn''t buried in the right spot, and they only wanted to check. That was when Zeke and Kyle had a feeling that you may be in danger.. "Who is this person?" I asked in confusion. Why was he hiding it from me? I wanted to know, as I was more curious about who this person was. I knew that a strange connection between the two of us would be formed. To be honest, I was d to see Beta Brooke, even though we weren''t on great terms. The more we exchange words, the more likely our forced friendship will blossom between the both of us. All I could think of was how to get out of here and get to my mate. I won''t be food for over a hundred monsters. How would they take my heart? I bet it would be so painful. Updated by


    "I was told not to let you know. When we catch this person, you will know." Beta Brooke wasn''t exactly being subtle.


    What the heck was he talking about?


    "I am sorry, but as you can see, this is a chance of survival, and I need my mental state to be stable. I need you to tell me who this person is right now. I am your Luna." Yish... I didn''t mean to stoop this low, using my unofficial Luna status against him. I mean, it just came out that way, and instead of refuting it, I left it at that. I wouldn''t get embarrassed for such silly stuff.


    "Until you officially be our Luna, I cannot go against your mates orders. I am sorry." Beta Brooke gave me an amused smile.


    Dang it! He knew his position well. I didn''t even stand a chance against him. What was I thinking?


    "Okay." I resigned. "I didn''t see Brooke at school. Have you guys reconciled?"


    Beta Brooke hesitated for a moment. "Yes. She''s not feeling good if that''s what you are asking. She says the dra at school was getting to her, so she chose to stay back at home."


    I nodded, facing the other direction. I would kill for a chicken breast right now. I clicked the roof of my tongue in annoyance. I was damn hungry.


    "She says she''s sorry." Beta Brooke suddenly said, and I paused, wondering what he was talking about.


    "Sorry about what?"


    "About making your life hell at the academy."


    I agreed with him. She did make my life hell. I thought, shifting ufortably on the hard floor. "Is that what she told you?"


    Beta Brooke shook his head. "Brooke is too much of an asshole to say that herself. I told her I was going to teach her a lesson and that she disgraced me during my absence.


    That was when she imed to be sick and told me a lot of things I didn''t know. She has always been at fault, and you didn''t do anything to her. But she took out the anger of my absence on you. It was partly my fault."


    I sighed. This was not the conversation I was hoping for, but as we may die here, it was better to clear up the past.


    "Look, Brooke is a smart girl. I didn''t act much because I considered her vulnerable. I always felt sorry for her. You are right; it was your fault. You left your girl all alone, just like my mother left me." I took deep breaths topose myself. "I feel sorry for myself too. But you see, I didn''t bully weak ones just to feel better and in control."


    Beta Brooke quickly took my hands in his. "It''s my fault. I''ll make sure Brookees to apologize to you, but I want you to consider forgiving her. I have a feeling the both of you are going to be great friends."


    I was a bit skeptical. "Why are you telling me all these? Is it because I am going to be Luna soon? Thest time I checked, you did not care about my feelings." I yanked my hands off, feeling conflicted about his urge for repentance and whatnot.


    "I didn''t care because I thought you were one of those girls."


    g**t. I chuckled. He was trying to protect his ego, wasn''t he?


    "You are a piece of shit." I spat, facing the other direction. If he wanted to apologize for treating me badly, he should apologize; if he wanted his daughter to apologize, she should be straight with me. I didn''t even care that he was the packs beta. Once all these are over, he will be asked to retire, and one out of Tim, Sam, and Vic will be the beta of the pack. They were capable anyway, at least from what I have seen. Zeke would just have to make the perfect choice.


    "I am." Beta Brooke admitted to my shock.


    I felt foolish. "Er, I didn''t mean..." Yeah, like I said, it just came out. I was a bit desperate, so it all got to me.


    "Yes, you did." Beta Brooke gave me a calm smile to show me he wasn''t offended. "I am a piece of sh*t and my daughter is an asshole. We yed the role perfectly. But I can assure you that you won''t have to go through that pain anymore. Not because you are Luna or whatever, but because you are a gift to the pack. I feel no one should mess up our gift; not even your mother had that right. I am sorry on behalf of me and my daughter." He finished, bowing a little.


    I didn''t know how to respond to that, so I just shrugged. Our voices echoed loudly in the empty hall, so I had a feeling someone was listening to us, but who cared? "We''ll get out of here, Brooke. No matter what it takes." These were the only words that coulde out of my mouth. The emotions with which he made hisst statement made me a bit teary. I appreciated the fact that he called me a gift that shouldn''t be messed up.


    Brooke nodded, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "I never expected to find an ally like you in this ce. I was right to havee here. You are not in bad shape. Maybe we could actually leave here."


    I grinned. "Not in bad shape? Did you hear what Baron told his people? He said, They should fatten me!"


    Beta Brooke took my dark humor well, and a sigh escaped him. "Let''s just go through this night."


    "But before we do that, I need to find a way to send a message back to the Alpha. If we can find a way to do that, we can find a way to escape." Brooke urged, his eyes scanning the entire room. I wondered what he was thinking. Escaping here was not going to be easy.


    Baron wasn''t a fool to know that Beta Brooke came here to help me. After all, he was the beta. He was fast and agile...


    "Baron Diego won''t hesitate to use us as pawns in his twisted game." I whispered my thoughts. Although I said I missed him, he was scary.


    He nodded to my words, like they meant something good, and I knew that our unlikely alliance was being strengthened with each passing moment. "Agreed. We have to be smart about this and avoid drawing attention until the right opportunity arises." "What kind of opportunity?"


    "The kind that involves getting out of here alive." He responded.


    I oohed and kept silent. He was still scanning the entire environment when I suddenly handed him a question.


    "What was the mission the former Alpha sent you to do?"


    Beta Brooke froze. He seemed to be torn. We may have formed alliances, but this was totally out of it. His voice was low when he asked. "Why do you ask?"


    I shrugged, acting like I didn''t really care, when it was eating me out to find out all this time. Why would he leave his daughter for the Alpha? I wanted to know that. "You seem to know what you are doing, like you have been locked up before."


    He nced at me with an eyebrow raised. "I thought you should have figured out by now why I was sent here. I was sent here because I have been locked up in this ce." He stopped. "It looks even more secure now."


    My eyes widened. "Really? Was that why you fell for the trap?"


    "Yes. I followed the betrayer, and without noticing, sheid a trap for me. I had an idea she was going to do that, so I fell into it and was brought here." He cleared his throat.


    "The alpha sent me to form an alliance with the Blood Moon pack, but Baron took advantage and locked me up here for an experiment. He said he hasn''t seen a wolf with a physique like mind and soulmned to use me for great things." I scoffed. "Great things, indeed."


    "That great thing was to turn me into his personal monster.


    If it was sessful, I could infiltrate the wolf cove and cause a lot of havoc. Unfortunately, his n didn''t go through as I escaped with those monsters on my trail. You healed my injuries. I was warned by the Alpha never to let anyone know that the alliance between the strongest packs had failed. He was too embarrassed."


    Why would he be?


    "Have you told Zeke and Kyle?"


    "I think they already figured it out, because they haven''t been askingtely."


    I chuckled. "My smart mates." I mped my mouth shut when Beta Brooke gave me a dry look. I didn''t have to boast about them in his presence. But what could I do? We were the only ones here. Loud footsteps echoed, and I knew those dangerous three wereing to give us food.


    "So, what''s the n?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.


    "We wait for the right moment. Keep an eye on those three.


    We will strike when they least expect it," I replied, ncing around for potential weapons.


    There was nothing.

 Chapter 179

    Zeke''s POV


    Moon goddess, where is my mate? I rubbed my hands through my hair as if that would help me think better. I was really worried. No scratch that; I wasn''t worried; I was livid.


    "Find her!" I suddenly heard Kyle scream. He had a blood rage in his eyes, and I was shocked at what made my brother so upset. The people were trying so hard to find Naya, and what could have made her the target? Although we have always known that there wouldn''t be a mating ceremony without havoc being caused by the rival pack, I was so upset, and I do not think anyone other than my friend could calm me down.


    "What''s wrong?" I frowned.


    Kyle paced about, and the guards scrambled to search for anyone, including Beta Brooke. I heard him whisper to Beta Brooke, who bowed to me.


    "Beta Brooke..." I trailed off, a bit confused as to why everyone was busy while I was clueless. If there was no exnation, I would halt everything.


    I am sorry, Alpha, but Renee is missing. Alpha Kyle ims she''s behind this incident. If she is behind this incident, it means she saw Naya and lured her out. It also means she is with the blood moon pack. I would like to go."


    "But you could be taken away too." I quickly injected. What was everyone''s problem? Baron Diego was probably aware of the fact that we were going to send Beta Brooke back. "I don''t want you going back there. Don''t even ask, because I figured out why you couldn''t tell me about the secret mission. I was supposed to be offended that you thought me small enough not to handle the news."


    Beta Brooke raised his hands to stop me. I cleared my throat in disapproval and was d when he brought his hands down. If it had been seconds more, I would have snapped his hands into two. I was too irritated to be calm in situations like this. To be honest, it''s like I have a million ants in my pants. I could feel half of what my brother and Naya were feeling. That was because I proimed Naya my mate, and he did too.


    I was sure Kyle could feel it too. We were unstable and trying to hang on.


    "Alpha, with all due respect, allow me to do this. I need to pay for the disgrace my daughter caused this pack. I also need to apologize for the way I have treated you.


    I shook my head. There was no time for this. "Scar?" I called, to which he ran forward. "Can you send some men to call Tim, Sam, and Vic? I could use their agility right now."


    "Yes, Alpha." Scar went out, sending his fastest man to the boys houses. He went with speed


    Kyle was beside me in an instant. "What do you need them for?"


    I tilted my head, staring at Beta Brooke and wondering if 1 should go ahead with the ns in my head. Tim was a tracker-warrior like his father, and he was younger and better. To be honest, I didn''t want my father''s men to work for me. I wanted them to train my personal staff-those I hand-picked myself. Those were the ones I could trust to have my back and not act ording to experience and whatnot. I needed young minds like me. The elders were enough for the experience. "I need the three to go after Beta Brooke. Tim could track them, Vic could cause a distraction because of how loud he is, and Sam could be our informant. We shouldn''t go there blind and without a backup n. They sneak in and bring her home."


    Kyle seemed worried. "But those boys haven''t been in an actual war. They didn''t do exactly well with Mrs. Lau."


    I bit my inner lips. "But they protected Naya, didn''t they?"


    "Er..." Kyle hesitated. "No doubt they are good, but... he paused. Then his eyes widened. "They are reckless and fearless. They can actually do this. I have a feeling they are made for Beta, Gamma, and Delta."


    I frowned. "Isn''t that a bit too much?" It wasn''t like there weren''t other experienced trackers, but I have seen the way Tim worked. Sam was almost invincible in his small presence, and Vic? Vic was just Vic-loud, big, and a good form of distraction. They would definitely go through some training, but for now, what we needed wasn''t big, but quick-witted youngsters like me.


    Baron Diego was one step ahead. This was a wild gamble over the young and old, but I was capable bringing my mate home safely with their help.


    While Kyle and I were at it, waiting and pondering our ns, the man returned with the three sleepy heads.


    "Have you guys been briefed?" I asked urgently.


    They all nodded, trying to wipe the sleep from their eyes.


    "Hey!" I pped my hands, jolting them. "This is serious. Can you do it?"


    Tim nodded. "I am good with my nose, so I''ll be going in wolf form."


    "Sam, you have to follow closely behind. On Beta Brooke''s sign, you should go in and out with my mate without being seen. Can you handle that?" Kyle asked. "Yeah..." Sam trailed off.


    Vic scoffed. "Damn! How was she even taken away in this highly fortified ce? Under your nose, man."


    I smiled sadly. "Your question will be answered another day. Just act as a distraction. You are good at that."


    "Can I kick some ass while I am at it?" He asked with a mischievous smile.


    I swallowed. They were certainly no ordinary wolves, but Kyle told me they were almost crushed by Mrs. Lau''s wolf.


    Baron''s wolf would kill them since they didn''t have as much training as we had, if his minions didn''t get to them first. "No. That''s not the goal here. You are not to kick any asses.


    His warriors are like a million of those things that attacked our school. They might be bigger and better now."


    His smile dropped. "Shit."


    "Yeah, no shit." I eyed each of them knowingly. "The goal is what?"


    "In and out." They all responded shallowly.


    "Attack if you are being attacked, but make sure you get out. With my mate, with you." I finished, avoiding Scar''s annoyed eyes. He must have expected me to take the best of the warriors like himself. "Now go."


    "Why aren''t the elders and Marley here?" Kyle suddenly asked, and everyone froze.


    The elders didn''t live with us in the pack, and it would take some time to get a message to them unless they came of their own ord. They always seem to know when they are needed. I would have loved for them to follow these four. Experienced warriors would do my mate no good. Baron Diego would never expect spontaneous teenagers to rescue my mates. That would be his downfall.


    "Where''s Marley?" I asked, my heart racing as I scanned the camp for any sign of her. It had been hours since Naya''s gone missing, and something felt off. The truth was that without Kyle noticing Ren¨¦e was missing, we wouldn''t have known where to look for Naya, as we hadbed the entire area discreetly.


    "Alpha Zeke, over here!" Marley''s voice echoed from behind me, and I turned to find her emerging from the shadows, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and desperation.


    "What happened?" | demanded, rushing to her side. She fell into my arms, her body trembling as she spoke in gasps. I wasn''t expecting her to throw her body on me, but I was d she wasn''t so angry with me. "We were attacked, Zeke. The Blood Moon Pack-they took Naya.


    I knew, and it hurt me that I was aware of this information.


    My jaw tightened, and anger was boiling within me. "We need to go after them. Where did they take her?" I asked, observing her body. There were different kinds of cuts on her skin and face. What happened to her? "What happened to you?" Her eyes flickered with a mix of guilt and something else.


    Something I couldn''t pin my hands on. It was as if she was hiding something. "I don''t know, Alpha Zeke. It all happened so fast. They overpowered me. I was about to have a heart-to-heart discussion with her when they came out of nowhere." I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling up. "We can''t waste time. Beta Brooke and others are on their way to get her back."


    "G-Get her back?" Marley stuttered.


    I nodded, asking Scar to keep his eyes on her. "Don''t lose her again." I gave him a pointed look. This was why I didn''t put him in charge of my mate. I made sure Marley stayed close. I noticed that her every move was calcted. I couldn''t shake the feeling that something wasn''t right, but my concern for Naya pushed those doubts aside. It was better if I channeled all of that toward finding Naya.


    "Attend to her wounds." I instructed Dr. Ali, who came inter with a frightened look on his face. Yeah, he must be asking how Luna got kidnapped under your noses. Who would have thought Ren¨¦e would deceive us? It was so easy to deceive the Alpha of the pack because we loved our mate enough to ept her demands concerning Renee.


    "We need to be careful," Marley whispered to me as we set out, her hand gripping my arm. "The Blood Moon Pack is dangerous."


    I nodded. "We''ll do whatever it takes to bring Naya back."

 Chapter 180

    Kyle''s


    POV


    It was clear how the night was going to be. It was heavy and cloaked me in oppressive silence. I nced at my brother seriously, going back and forth, looking out for the three boys he had sent after Beta Brooke. There were no signs of them. I would have sent more after them, but that would only alert everyone to what we were doing.


    Although anyone who walked into the alpha quarters or manor would know that something was wrong, there were an unusual number of warriors.


    Scar leaned closer to Zeke, and my ears perked up to hear what they wanted to say. "Don''t you think we need to involve the elders in this?"


    Zeke had a disappointing look. "Wrong idea. The elders shouldn''t be involved." His eyes met mine, and I nodded in encouragement. He was right. The elders would only mock him for losing his mate. If they ever found out that Ren¨¦e was part of the Blood Moon Pack, we would never be forgiven, and Naya may be branded a traitor just like Mrs.


    Lau. This would be a bad idea to involve them in the Alpha''s personal matters.


    "It''s no longer personal. The blood moon is upon us. If she is who I hear she is, then they would kill her. We need all the resources we can get to find her, don''t you think?" I shot up from my seat. "Scar, involving the elders is a bit much, don''t you think?" "She''s here." Someone brought Lily up. She was summoned by Zeke since she was thest ti lock up and go to bed.


    "Where were you tonight?"


    Lilly seemed confused. "I locked up and went to bed."


    Scar shook his head. "But I didn''t see you."


    Lily''s eyes widened strangely. "What? What do you mean?"


    Zeke stopped them. "That''s a lot of what in a sentence.


    What are you hiding?" His voice was cold and left no room for argument. It showed that he wasn''t in the mood for amusement.


    "The guards here imed not to see you. You werest seen being summoned by the former Luna. Don''t forget you are in the manor; the walls have ears." Scar spat angrily. I could see why he was angry. I, myself, was about to explode with the way she was acting so innocently.


    I stepped forward with arge grin. I knew that in my current state, that woulde off as creepy rather than friendly. "Lily, we have allowed you ess to most parts of the house without restrictions. This is because you are the head housekeeper, and it''s your responsibility to keep our treasures safe. Naya is a greater part of that treasure. You should have checked up on her."


    Lily''s mouth dropped open. "I didn''t.. Her shoulders slumped. "I didn''t do my roundsst night."


    The hiss and sighs confirmed everyone''s suspicions.


    "You did not do what?" Zeke was practically zing with anger.


    "I didn''t do my rounds; Luna Marley asked me to go to bed early." Our questions and harsh res must have made her spill what she wasn''t supposed to. "I swear, I didn''t do anything to Luna. I slept off."


    Zeke was suddenly quiet. "I see. Is there anything else?"


    She shook her head.


    "Are you sure?" I added.


    "Nothing short of a mother-daughter bonding moment. I never expected her to be missing, I swear." Lily muttered tiredly. With the tiredness in her bones, I knew she was telling the truth.


    There was nothing useful about her.


    "Damn it, we are back to square one, boys. If we do not hear anything, we are going to start tomorrow evening.


    Better at night because of our vision." Zekemanded, and they all dispersed.


    I wondered what my brother was thinking. Zeke was capable of doing unpredictable things. I wouldn''t put it past him to lock Lily and Marley up. The first key to a sessful rule: don''t trust anyone. "Don''t forget your stations, get some rest." He finished, turning to me.


    "Brother, we have to get some rest."


    nced at the wall clock. It was 6:00 a.m. on the dot. We have been up since 9:30 p.m. We really needed to give time for our wolves to get their energy back. Sleep was essential for our wolves'' metabolism. "I don''t feel like sleeping." I was afraid of sleeping without Naya under our roof. Those nightmares could return.


    Who was I kidding? The moment my head hit the bed to think of another strategy or perhaps follow the boys to the blood moon pack, I found myself drowsily sinking into my bed. As I drifted into sleep, visions of Naya being torn away from us haunted my dreams. It wasn''t the usual nightmare; this time it came in the form of my fear.


    And that fear was Naya being taken from us. Once she was taken, the gut-wrenching pain of losing her wed at my heart. What''s worse? Once I found her, the cycle would repeat itself-she would be ripped from my hands again. In the nightmare, I was powerless, unable to save her from being taken. The echoes of her cries reverberated in my ears, leaving me gasping for breath.


    "Naya!" I jolted awake, drenched in a cold sweat.


    It''s just been six hours, and I was losing my mind. Six hours without sleep felt like forever. We were trained to withstand more, but I get why Zeke told us to get some rest. He didn''t want us to look suspicious by morning. Thest thing the pack needed was to hear that their Luna was missing.


    If Luna was missing, then no one was safe. It would be said that the blood moon has managed to infiltrate the pack.


    A loud crash from the study caught my attention. I hurried into the study room to see Zeek in even worse condition than I was. He was mumbling something about it being his fault. I sighed. No matter how Zeke may try to deny his love for Naya, it was just so ring now. I was d he never rejected our mate.


    But goodness, the bags under his eyes were enormous.


    Hasn''t he slept or something?


    "You don''t look so good." Zekemented, stopping midway through what he was doing. I blinked, watching him pick up the thousands of files that had fallen off his desk.


    Huh? That was supposed to be my line. "You don''t look so good either." I said, nting my butt on a seat.


    We both didn''t look good.


    Zeke sat on his desk to give me an overview. His eyes reflected the same torment that gued my dreams. We exchanged a silent, knowing nce, realizing that the nightmares were a shared affliction.


    Zeke''s concern resonated in his voice as he spoke, "Another one, Kyle?"


    I nodded, my throat tight. "Yeah, it''s like I can''t escape it, Zeke. We need to find her. I am losing my mind."


    Zeke''s jaw clenched, frustration etched on his face. "I know, Kyle. Every hour feels like an eternity without her, especially now that we im her in the presence of the moon goddess. For her to bless our bond, she has made it increasingly impossible for us to be apart." I had a feeling the fact we weren''t able to sleep was because she wasn''t able to sleep either.


    Poor Naya.


    Zeke and I refused to close our eyes until morning as we both went through the reports, happy with the results of the new pack house and the rest of the buildings that needed attention. I sighed at the file that had the gyming instruments and assigned the number of names that had applied.


    We filled our time with work. If we could not sleep, we would work.


    And we did work.


    The next morning was devoid of Naya. It was then that I realized that her energy was the one that kept the manor vibrant. Restlessness gnawed at my heart as I passed by her bedroom door. I was about to knock when a realization hit me-she wasn''t here. I missed her teasing too.


    "Good morning, Alpha Kyle." Some members of the staff greeted me with their heads low.


    I grunted in response, not without catching their subtle nces. I knew I looked ridiculous standing in front of my mates door. I should be able to enter, right?


    "The Luna might be sleeping in today. She''s always been up before now, bickering with someone," the first woman whispered.


    "Something isn''t right. I can tell." The other woman replied, rushing down the hall.


    "They are right." I heard Zeke say. He was leaning on the door. Right now, we have only each other. "The manor is dull without her. We need her, Kyle. I can''t stand this emptiness." His eyes drooped more.


    "We need the elders, Zeke. The warriors are moving out blindly, and we have no lead. Have you forgotten that Baron Diego uses blood rituals to hide his tracks? We need magic to find her."


    Zeke shook his head adamantly. "I have faith in the boys.


    We need to wait for their signal."


    I echoed his sentiment, "We can wait forever."


    "One of the traits of being Alpha is patience and a straight head in the game."


    "This isn''t a game. This is life and death. This is our mates life at stake. We can''t let her vanish like this. She''s a part of us, and this emptiness is tearing us apart."


    "We are doing just fine. We need to wait and probably ask Marley more questions." Zeke''s eyes darkened with resolve.


    "We''ll find her, Kyle. No matter what it takes."


    As if on cue, Marley walked in, still in her pajamas. "Any clue?"


    I sighed. "We are searching all over."


    "How is your body?" Zeke asked in concern or something else.


    "I''ll heal most of the cuts by tomorrow evening. If I was jutted like this, how much more, Naya..." Tears slipped out of her eyes, and I wondered if they were genuine. "You never liked Naya. What changed?" I asked out of the blue, halting her act. I was just curious.


    "Kyle." Zeke warned subtly.


    I was surprised when Marley''s eyes softened as she looked at Zeke. "I just want my daughter back. We may not be the best of friends, but she''s still my daughter." Zeke took Marley''s hands gently. "We''ll find her, Marley. I promise. We won''t rest until she''s home."


    Damn, my brother was really smitten by his stepmother. I sighed. If Zeke acted like this, it meant he was aware of 3apome.


    something and was trying to give her more chances to redeem herself. He was trying to connect the pieces and not lose connection with others in the process.


    He was giving her the chance to consider his love for her and say the truth about how those injuries came to be.


    "Marley, how did you get injured? Walk me through the process." Zeke repeated with a smirk.


    "Okay." Marley frowned.


    I was right.

 Chapter 181

    Zeke''s POV


    I listened to Marley words again and I felt a bit was missing. To be frank, I had expected her to burst out emotions after emotions about how unhappy she was with my mate choice, but she has rather been... sobbing a lot of how things have gone because she wasn''t paying enough attention, , , ... It was getting tiring, considering the fact I have to console her. Although I was d to have my attention on other things apart from the futile search. It was really getting to me now. Being able to calm Marley down and not add to her injuries, I ced her b**t gently on the rest beside me.


    Before long, I remembered howte it was getting for the message to be here. I needed to know if my mate and friends were doing alright. My legs carried me back and forth in the manor, and my nerves on edge. The simple n me and Kyle had set in motion was in full swing obviously, and Beta Brooke had fallen right into the trap.


    The great n was for him to follow Ren¨¦e, use his knowledge of being captured before, hopefully get to where my mate was and care for her. Then he was to give the sign to the boys who would be where they could see him. With good strategic nning, Tim could figure out how to break in, Vic could create a distraction, and Sam would bring my mate home alongside beta Brooke to avoid mistakes.


    That was it. Simple right? Well that was all it was in my head and I really hoped they were able to do that or at least we''re halfway. Poor Tim, Vic, and Sam were out there, helping, and all I could do was await Sam''s return for crucial information. It would be a shake if they were caught. Being caught was a terrible loss for us and it would only show Baron what we are nning.


    Tim and the rest haven''t been thought on how to withstand t*****e. They would spill before they even start. They just have to not get caught. None of them.


    To me, time seemed to drag on forever. The manor went on with its duties, but only those around my quarters knew what was wrong. Any wrong move could alert the pack that Luna was missing, so we had to be discreet to make sure we found her and end it there. Lily has been asked to tell everyone to go home except the cook and cleaners who would clean after a muddy run or bleeding transformation.


    The cook had one job and it was to cook for the guests. We were not to speak when they were around or show distress.


    My major worry was the elders. Elder Freya could decide to visit today.


    "I think she''s having a lot of fun with Laura, so I don''t think she will be here. She''s actually quite dedicated to torturing. I can hear her screams."


    I paused. "Really?"


    "No." me deadpanned. "All I am saying is that she may not be here today and I totally understand."


    I rolled my eyes, forgetting for a moment there was another being in my head. One that made stupidments as he liked.


    "Then we have Elder Rosalie, who wanted to teach Naya but never got the chance. They all will be here this morning to scrutinize my mate. The moon is tomorrow!" I nearly yelled, feeling distressed and out of my elements in a bad way.


    "We cane up with a good excuse. Find Shadow, he is good at that." me suggested. I wasn''t a very good liar, but my brother was and I wasn''t shocked, me had called my brother, Shadow again. I love it. I was about to do so when the peace of the manor shattered by the sound of approaching footsteps, or rather pawsteps that echoed through the halls.


    "Who is that?" me asked like he could see better than me.


    I looked at the heavens. "Please, let it be the message to go ahead."


    Marley sat upright, wincing when she hit a sore looking hand.


    "Are you alright?"


    "Yeah, I am." She muttered, eyes still staring at the door. I was a bit observant of her restlessness. It could be due to her daughter''s disappearance. I wouldn''t put it past that.


    Bang!


    The door swung open, and Sam stumbled in, panting heavily. I could tell he has been running for a long time. He was in good shape anyway, so it wasn''t hard for him to be the fastest in wolf cove academy. His fur was all disheveled, soaked in sweat, proving the incredible speed he possessed. I sighed in relief, eagerly awaiting the message. My eyes narrowed on his hands dramatically, my mate wasn''t with him. Neither was the message Sam carried. "Sam?"


    Sam quickly transformed. "I am sorry, alpha. It took a long time for Beta Brooke tomunicate with us. He imed he had to be extra careful." That was his cup of tea.


    "Where is my mate? How is she?" I asked at once.


    The room fell into a hushed silence and anticipation hung thick in the air like a dense fog.


    "Em, I didn''t get to see her, but from the look of things..." he took a deep breath to steady himself and his voice was a bit raspy from the exertion. "The n worked, Alpha. Were ready to move. The Blood Moon wolves are distracted, and now''s our chance to get Naya and Beta Brooke out of there. Our only chance. If we blow this up, it''s over. Goddess! It''s so hard."


    Relief surged through me like a warm wave and I gave him a big peck at the side of his cheek to which he made a gross face. "Great job, Sam. You''ve proven again why you''re the fastest wolf in the pack. We''ll move when you''re ready." It may not have been his first time at the field, but it was his first time at the Blood moon pack and he must have been so exhausted and scared.


    "How was the blood moon pack?"


    Sam visibly shuddered. "Scary and empty. I wondered where all of them had gone. How could they all be cupped up in their houses? It seems more like a prison to me, not being able to shift, but to receive permission first.


    Goddess!" He eximed again. "And like, there are those crawling monstrous things. It''s hard to believe they were once like us."


    It wasn''t hard to believe, because I have been there, but what had been hard for me to believe was the rate at which Sam spoke. It was as if he went on an excursion which was good in a way. I wouldn''t want someone who''s afraid on my team. As Sam and I dove into the details of the rescue n, my attention was undivided as I absorbed every piece of information.


    Sam, despite his obvious fatigue, tried to share his invaluable insights into the gothic castle''syout and potential setbacks.


    Once we were done strategizing, I felt the need to check on Marley again. Her restlessness must not be seen by the others. Besides, she was no longer where I could see her.


    The weight of her daughter''s disappearance may have pressed down on her, but I was worse off and I found myself sharing in her pain. We were in a moment of vulnerability, we needed tofort each other as she was my step mother.


    "Marley?" I called out gently after dismissing Sam to give him a moment to catch his breath. Not hearing her response and fearing the worst, I quickly rushed into her quarters unannounced. That was a mistake because strong hands grabbed my cheek and she pressed her soft lips on mine like she has been deprived of me for so long. I was about to resist, when I felt this could be a temporary escape from the void left by Naya''s absence.


    "Wrong, Zeke, wrong. She is trying to mate you so that Naya would be repulsed when she gets back." me screamed in my head, causing me a headache. "If only we are officially mated as a ritual, you would feel your guts tear up inside and puke painfully. I hate that we still feel warm after this kiss."


    A desperate howl of pain tore out from my throat, our connection faded, and a heavy shadow loomed over my thoughts. An unsettling feeling crept in, and a pang of guilt twisted in my gut. It was an override and I felt it both from Kyle, and Naya, coupled with me''s.


    Kyle burst into the room immediately, catching me and Marley in our position in my arms. The howl must have brought him here as well as alerted over two hundred wolves in the pack of my agony, pain and anger of losing my mate. Coming to my senses, I shoved her back. Hard.


    "What''s wrong?" Kyle eyed the both of us suspiciously.


    I med it on me who had to project his painful thoughts to me and make me howl. Damn, now I feel guilty like 100 times over.


    I pulled him out, ignoring a shocked and hanging Marley.


    Kyle was quick to mention. "Something''s wrong with Marley, Bro...something isn''t right with her. I reckon we will send her away. She is bad for our family. Isn''t she giving you a tough time?" He wasn''t trying to be direct with what he had seen. That was clever of him.

 Chapter 182

    Kyles


    POV


    After my terrible nightmare and therapy discussion with my brother, I chose to look for more clues concerning my mate. She must have left something behind.


    "Naya is smart. Why didn''t she leave a clue?"


    "That''s because she was taken by surprise and by the front door." Shadow responded, looking out for the same thing.


    "I am sorry, Shadow." I blurted out, feeling his emotions overwhelming me.


    "I took care of Naya well. The only thing is that I shouldn''t have left her alone and trusted that snake. Damn, Naya trusted her." Shadow sighed. "I hope you told Brooke."


    I nodded. "There is no need for her to know that her best friend''s crazy. Everyone has betrayed her, except us and I want to keep it that way."


    "Good," Shadow murmured. Just then I caught Sam''s fur through the bushes. "He is back." His tail began to wag like a dog. He was happy.


    "Let''s go see what he has to say. I hope she is alright." said, hurrying down the stairs. As I wandered through the manor, I noticed It was heavy with an unspoken tension that clung to every corner. Suffocating. Angry. It was odd how everything seemed off, and I couldn''t shake the feeling that something wasn''t right.


    "What''s wrong?" I asked a sniffing Shadow.


    "Someone let the enemy in." He said in a dramatic way. approached Zeke''s study room, muffled voices reached my ears. Instinctively, I paused, my senses heightened.


    Suddenly, a howl stopped me on my tracks and I naturally thought it was Sam and bad news.


    "Or someone let her in." I deadpanned to my wolf who rolled his eyes. The voices were familiar - Zeke''s and Marley''s.


    But the undertones were different, a strangebination of urgency and vulnerability.


    What the heck was going on in there?


    Pushing the door ajar, I was met with a sight that sent a jolt through my veins. Zeke and Marley stood close, a little too close. The atmosphere crackled with a tension that made my gut tighten. It wasing from somewhere...


    My jaws dropped as Zeke pushed her hard to the side. He grabbed my hands and pulled me outside. He didn''t seem fazed but guilt was written all over his face. There was no time for this. We both had to pull ourselves together and this wasn''t the way. There was only one way to cut her off, if not I would have shagged Brooke the moment I felt the absence of Naya in our lives. Zeke needed to let Marley go and focus on our mate. Without him, our mating won''t beplete, and without me, our mating won''t beplete.


    "Something''s wrong with Marley, Bro...something isn''t right with her," I blurted out, unable to contain my concern. "I reckon we send her away." Okay, thatst part wasn''t supposed toe out like that.


    Zeke''s gaze snapped toward me, his eyes narrowing with surprise. "Send her away? To where?"


    "To anywhere far from the manor. She shouldn''t live in the manor since her time is up." I reasoned.


    It was obvious Zeke wasn''t in line with me. "Kyle, not now.


    We''re dealing with enough already. Marley is hurting, just like the rest of us. We can''t send her away."


    His dismissive tone fueled my frustration. "Zeke, I get it.


    We''re all hurting, but you can''t ignore that something''s off.


    This isn''t just about Naya; it''s about Marley''s behavior too. I saw what happened and you have sessfully alerted the crowd about our situation."


    "Don''t you dare. I am suffering.." His jaw clenched, and he took a step closer, a warning glint in his eyes. "I don''t like the way I am feeling."


    "But Sam came with good news, right? Let''s focus on that.


    But we need to send her back to wherever she came from."


    "Kyle, drop it, it''s not an option. That is Naya''s mother so stop being selfish. I know I wasn''t myself and I got carried away, but that''s it. We''re in the middle of finding Naya, Sam has given us good strategies and I won''t entertain baseless usations. We will stick to the n. Are you in or out?"


    His words stung, but I refused to back down. "Zeke, I know you''re hurting too, but don''t let Marley cloud your judgment.


    There''s something she''s not telling us, and we can''t afford to ignore it. The cuts on her body... they seem self inflicted.


    I hate that you defend her every time, despite knowing who she really is."


    Immediately, those words left my lips, Zeke stiffened. "Who is she? Exin."


    The words got stuck in my throat. Who really was my stepmother? She was the mother of my mate and unless Naya goes through the proper bonding ritual, our mind-linking won''t beplete. Naya may be branded a spy since Marley was the one who brought her into the manor.


    "This is none of your business, Kyle. Zeke and I have our own way of coping. Don''t meddle where you''re not needed." Marley''s voice made me reconsider my words.


    Her words were like a p. "Fine, have it your way. But if something goes wrong, don''t say I didn''t warn you."


    With that, I stormed out of the room, leaving Zeke and Marley behind. But not before hearing Zeke angrily reprimand Marley and darkly warning her never to try that again. I felt proud.


    Despite Sam''s presence, the hours passed in a blur, each one dragging with a heaviness that matched the atmosphere in the manor. The ns to rescue our mate continued, and our desperation grew. Zeke seemed even more absorbed in the mission, leaving little room for anything else.


    We had to be thoroughly prepared for what was toe.


    *******


    One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, I found myself alone in the library, a temporary refuge from the chaos outside. The door creaked open, and Zeke entered, his expression weary. He and I were the shadow of our true selves.


    "Kyle, we need to talk," he said, his voice heavy with a weight I couldn''t decipher.


    I sighed, bracing myself for another heated exchange.


    "What now, Zeke?"


    He hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. "I need you to trust me, Kyle. We''re on the brink of finding Naya, and I can''t have you stirring unnecessary trouble. Marley is... she''s just trying to cope, in her own way." He was hiding something. I was forced to think that my brother had something up his sleeves and I was a great part of his ns. He couldn''t be cooled up in that office all day and night for nothing.


    But I was offended he would still speak o her behalf. Could it be that something was truly going on or I was just being delusional? "Trust you? Zeke, I''m not blind. There''s something off about Marley, and you''re too blinded by your own guilt to see it." "Kyle, enough! This isn''t the time for your baseless suspicions. What you saw was a mistake. If you won''t ept it, I won''t force you to. I only want to speak to you about something even crucial."


    I tilted my head. "What?"


    "Marley isn''t letting me out of her sight. She says its to keep her head in the game." Zeke was clearly panicking.


    The blood moon is tonight and we are rescuing our darling before then so she will protect our pack from imminent danger." He finished, rubbing his hands through his hair.


    Well that is something to think about. I mused, pondering how to send Marley away. I warned him about this, didn''t I?


    I wanted to tell him, but one good look at his distraught face, told me not to. Before I could retort, the door swung open, and Marley entered, her eyes red-rimmed but defiant. "What''s going on here?" she demanded.


    I shot Zeke a pointed look, silently urging him to acknowledge the elephant in the room. But he remained resolute, unwilling to entertain doubts about Marley.


    In her presence, because he just told me she was acting weird and following him about. I just confirmed that.


    "Kyle has his concerns, Marley, but we don''t have time for this right now. We''re on the verge of a breakthrough in finding Naya, Zeke exined, his tone final.


    Marley''s gaze shifted between us, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of panic. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared, reced by a steely resolve. I was getting closer to the truth. She was the crazy b*itch that led the enemy through the front door. Damn spy. "Fine, Zeke. Deal with your brother''s trust issues. I have more important things to attend to," she dered, storming out of the room. She seemed a bit hasty.


    I red at Zeke. "You''re not falling for her act, Zeke. I know something''s not right, and if you won''t admit it, ''ll make you." With that, I left the library.


    "Get some rest. We will move out tonight." Zeke called after me after I flipped him off.


    Rest? There was no resting for me knowing our mate was locked up for almost a day. I went straight into the gym room to prepare myself for the dogs of the Blood moon pack.

 Chapter 183

    Naya''s POV


    I opened my eyes and it took a while for me to remember my situation. sh*t! I was still in this spooky ce. There wasn''t much air going in or out, neither was there light. It was all so...dim-everything seemed blurry if I just woke from a deep sleep. My sight wasn''t cooperating, making it hard for me to see clearly. As the surroundings gradually revealed themselves, I spotted Beta Brooke. He was no longer by my side, but had managed to drag himself closer to the tightly closed window.


    He had scrapped parts of the coverage giving some sort of signal to probably people outside? It was a gesture that caught my attention. What the f*vck was he doing? Was he trying to get us in trouble? Or to draw attention to ourselves? I narrowed my eyes, attempting to decipher the vague message he was conveying.


    I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the dim surroundings. "Who are you signaling?" I mumbled, my voice still heavy with sleep.


    Beta Brooke turned to me, his eyes gleaming with mischief.


    He looked sly which confused me a bit. It was like watching an old man smiling weirdly. I had nothing to say but watch awkwardly.


    "Just giving a heads-up to Zeke and Kyle," he exined, his grin growing sly. "They''re close by, and we''re about to stir up some trouble."


    I sat up, "They are here? I am so d!" trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. "Trouble? What kind of trouble?"


    He chuckled softly, a low sound in the quiet room. "The good kind. The kind that''ll get us out of here and back to our pack."


    A sense of anticipation mingled with my confusion. "Are theying to rescue us? Are you sure those warriors can get the job done?" I wasn''t undermining my mates strength. wasn''t just sure about the rest. I hoped Scar was as good as the books say. The monsters here were not to be joked with.


    "Calm down." Beta Brooke was at my side immediately. It was nice to see this side of an old man. Years of experience in war must have toughened me. I guess he saw me as his Luna now. His expression was definitely confident and it helped. "Take deep breaths." I swallowed hard. I was damn worried about the whole thing, but with his level of confidence? I think we will be alright. I followed his easy movements of ''inhale'' "exhale'' "You''ll be just fine."


    All these made me realize just how tough Beta Brooke was.


    There were rats everywhere, it was slimy and gross, I hadn''t bathed in a day now and I was feeling dampy from all the sweatiness.


    I was hungry too. A part of me wanted to eye the tray at my side, but I couldn''t. I didn''t want to get poisoned so that I could take her easily. I wanted to keep them going through tough times.


    As if on cue, the distant sound of footsteps echoed through the cold stone walls. I strained my ears to listen, my drowsiness reced by a cautious alertness.


    "They''re here," Beta Brooke whispered, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.


    I was more excited than Beta Brooke was, but I guess I was getting good at hiding it. The trick here was trying, because I felt like a dog given treats. My mates were my treats and I was a wolf so... I sniffed the air for the scents of my mates, a bit disappointed when I didn''t get any of their clean, musky scent but a barrage of other strange scents.


    The rhythmic footsteps drew nearer, and my heart raced in anticipation.


    "What''s the n?" I asked.


    He leaned closer. "We wait for the perfect moment. When they''re distracted, that''s our cue to break free."


    "And then?" I pressed, eager to be part of the escape n.


    "And then we follow Zeke and Kyle, making a run for it," he exined. "Trust me, Naya, we''ll be out of this ce before they even realize we''re gone."


    I nodded. Then paused. "But what if they aren''t the ones?"


    "We''ll just stick to the n." He simply said.


    "Good. Let''s get out of here and back to our pack."


    "That''s the spirit. Just stay close and follow my lead." He added without the excitement look and I knew something was wrong. I was the one who had to make such stupidments about it not being my mates. I needed to channel my negative energy to the other side of the room. It really wasn''t healthy.


    I was about to say something to clear that up when the door swung wide open, and those pair of ugly things came in. Their presence in the room always made me uneasy.


    Perhaps it was the madness in their eyes that promised destruction... I couldn''t pin it. They exchanged a mocking nce as they sauntered towards us, especially Beta Brooke. It seemed like they had a new episode of taunting him tonight.


    I nced at him, surprised to see how calm he was. The first ugly one sat down with a smirk, eyeing Beta Brooke.


    "The mighty Beta Brooke is all tied up. What''s the n, Beta? Going to talk us into submission?"


    I was right. They were out for his blood. I guess the idea of him being the strongest beta made them invisible enough to think that they had actually caught him, when he willingly walked into the trap himself. They were fools.


    "Untie me, and I''ll show you exactly why they call me the strongest beta in the world."


    Heughed mockingly. "Oh, really? We''ve heard the stories, Beta. Let''s see if the legends match up to reality."


    "You might want to think about freeing me. It''s going to be quite a spectacle." He was still so calm and getting his point across, from the subtle fear in their eyes.


    "Spectacle? I don''t see how a tied-up wolf is going to impress us. With your tied-up Luna to cheer you up, I think this is going to be a disaster."


    I rolled my eyes. "I could destroy you in a second if I wanted."


    "Yeah, we all know how useless you are. Shut the f*vck up." Those words felt like a p to my face, but before I could recover, Beta Brooke stopped me altogether.


    "You''ll regret not untying me sooner. But suit yourselves; you''re about to witness something legendary"


    The guards exchanged nces, the skepticism evident on their faces. Even I was skeptical. What do I not know about beta Brooke?


    "Legendary, huh? I''ve seen a lot in my time, Beta. Let''s not get ahead of ourselves."


    "You still call me Beta." Beta Brooke chuckled with a hint of mystery in his voice. "Time will tell, my friends. Time will tell."


    I sighed in relief, grateful his anger didn''t get the most part of him. I didn''t know what to expect-whether to dismiss Beta Brooke''s words as mere bravado or consider the possibility that I might be underestimating the renowned beta. What happens if he is loosened?


    I chimed in, "He''s not bluffing. I could take you all down too, but why bother when Zeke and Kyle are on their way?"


    Just as I spoke, Baron chose that moment to walk in. I had a feeling he had been listening to us talk. We needed to be careful. The smirk on his face was so... Well, it was annoying to see a handsome devil.


    "It seems we have quite the confident captives. How was the meal, my dear?"


    The monsters stood up immediately to salute Baron. I scoffed, calling them cowards under my breath. If Baron wanted to know about the food.. I pointedzily at the corner where the untouched food sat.


    Baron shrugged, "Suit yourself. We have more important things to attend to-like preparing for your demise. "Boys, get ready. Bring the equipment in!"


    He was speaking like I wasn''t worth his words. My eyes almost widened out of my sockets when I saw a few of the monsters in hospital clothes and a doctor, rolling in a stainless table where different types of surgical instrumentsy. I gasped at the saw which was to be used to cut into my chest, obviously.


    Suddenly two alluring scents filled my nose. My eyes rolled to the back at how tasteful they were. Moon goddess! | internally screamed at how good my mates scented. How could I have hated them at first? Now I was like the tortoise asked toe out of the hole. Excited and banged up. I needed their warm skin over mine.


    Due to Baron''s sharp wars, he heard them before they got to us. "Are we ready?" He asked the three and they all nodded in sync.


    I became worried. Ready for what? I had forgotten how amazing my mates were when the castle door banged open. Zeke, Kyle, and a team of warriors stormed in. Scar led them in as all bared their teeths at Baron.


    The guards were taken aback, because they were dumb.


    But Baron seemed like he expected it. What the heck was happening? I stopped thinking, to ogle my mates, because they were so handsome and hot.


    "Release them now or face the consequences!" Zeke roared.


    Oh, sh*t! I could see his eyes sh from green to Red. He was definitely pissed.


    Baron chuckled, shocking me. "Well, well. Look who decided to crash the party!" His smile dropped. "I have been waiting for all of you."

 Chapter 184

    Naya''s


    POV


    "No. We have been waiting for you. You have to let her go." Zeke''s eyes were cold. It was colder than anything I have ever seen. "You have been surrounded."


    Baron scoffed dismissively. "You are a tiny boy. I don''t have to waste my words on you. You''ll soon realize the mistake you just made. You have no idea what''sing."


    I nced at my mates, wondering what he was saying.


    Does it mean he and my mother have something else nned?


    Kyle frowned. "Shut the hell up; we are not here for idle banter."


    I snickered at how irritated Kyle sounded. I didn''t expect him to be this impatient to have me in his hands. I turned to Beta Brooke. I felt it was time to tell someone about my mother. I''ll let my mates knowter, but from what I have seen from Beta Brooke, he wasn''t biased about Marley. He could help me convince my mates that Marley wasn''t a good woman. I was Luna; I was no longer afraid of anything that came my way.


    "Beta Brooke, my mother..." I paused, collecting my thoughts, before continuing. "My mother is a spy."


    Beta Brooke''s eyes widened in disbelief. "A spy? What are you saying?"


    I nodded solemnly. "She''s been working against us, feeding information to the blood moon pack. I''ve seen her conspiring with Baron and others. She''s not the ally you think she is.


    Beta Brooke''s jaw clenched, processing the revtion. "I had no idea, Luna. This is...unexpected." Who would have thought my mother was a spy, a woman against her pack?


    I have always known that my mother had high ambitions, but this was just a bit too much. Oh, I haven''t even started.


    I continued, "I believe Marley is nning something big. Her ns are already in motion, and we can''t afford to trust her.


    We need to act now before it''s toote. What do you think?" It was rather shocking that I would ask Beta Brooke for his opinion. I mean, his daughter bullied mest time. I was truly outgrowing the pain. Time would heal all, they said. The true traits of a Luna.


    "I knew something was off with her... We can''t even trust her because she is the cause of all of this." He appeared to be in deep thoughts as mine shifted to the drama in front of me. I knew my mates would protect me, so there was no need to worry that much. Beta Brooke finally sighed, "It is a big discovery. If we are wrong, everything could go wrong, especially with your mates. They care for her. I''ll investigate this matter discreetly. We have to keep the peace and not take any more risks. If what you say is true, I''ll rte it to the Alpha, and we will sort this out quietly."


    Instead of satisfaction, frustration bubbles through me.


    What was so hard about arresting my mother? I said she was a traitor; I saw her; every piece of evidence pointed to her! What the heck is happening? "Why is it so hard to investigate her?"


    Beta Brooke raised his index finger to make me calm. I heaved angrily. "She was with cuts, Naya. Deep cuts. I don''t know if they were fake, but she was really brutalized by the Blood Moon Pack. I get that she is sneaky, but why would she go that far?" He was as puzzled as I was. Didn''t I see clearly the night I was abducted? No. Her face was as clear as the sun, and she was smiling.


    I shook my head in disbelief. "My mother is capable of going that far, beta Brooke. I know who she is. She abandoned me when I was little for the Alpha. I know what she is capable of doing."


    "Are you sure it isn''t your hatred for..." he began to say.


    I felt the anger rumble from my stomach. I tried; I really tried to swallow it down, but it was impossible as they came back up. I felt the purpledy under my skin like no other. "She left me and Papa. She doesn''t deserve my love.


    Don''t even.."


    "Please, Naya, for the sake of peace, let''s investigate this discreetly." Beta Brooke began to plead as soon as he thought I was no longer myself.


    I didn''t know the drama in front of me had stopped, and everyone was watching me in confusion.


    My mates exchanged nces, absorbing the weight of my transformation. They both rushed to me at once.


    "Hey, baby. What is wrong?" Kyle began to ask, burying his face close to my neck and inhaling just to calm me down.


    He didn''t care that I was smelly. Zeke held my hands immediately. They both forgot we were in the enemy''s territory. I guess they trusted Scar to protect us properly. I was definitely ruining their ns to get me out of here without killing anyone. And where were Baron Diego''s minions? There were just four of the enemies in this room.


    Where the hell was the army of monsters I saw yesterday?


    Puzzled and distracted, I allowed Kyle pepper kisses on my face to calm me down.


    I didn''t feel like I was calm. How dare Beta Brooke say that I hated my mother? She was a thorn in my flesh; how could I not hate her? Why was it so hard to put her in prison? What has she done to help this pack? She killed the Alpha and put my mates in this mess! Zeke turned angry at Beta Brooke. "What did you say to her?" "Nothing, Alpha. She was telling me about the person who kidnapped her. She says another spy is in our pack."


    Baron Diego chose that moment to clear his throat. He was clearly mocking us. To me, he seemed a bit too calm for an alpha surrounded by angry warrior wolves. His minions were not here; his personal monsters were only ring and asionally saying mocking words.


    I had a feeling they were stalling. But for what exactly? Why?


    Zeke''s eyebrow was raised. He softly red at me. "Hey." I panted. "Hey." It was getting hard to control the anger in me, and I was grateful to Kyle for kissing and distracting me. It was getting me hot and rather focusing the energy in between my thighs. I leaned into his kisses.


    "Is the spy amongst us?" He asked gently.


    I shook my head.


    "Oh, but the spy is from our pack?" He asked. I nodded, gasping, when Kyle subtly brushed my n*ipples with his hands. I knew he was trying to calm me down by distracting me. Zeke gave his brother a single nod, and his stern expression softened into one of concern for our pack''s safety.


    "I believe you. But remember, they haven''t attacked us yet.


    We don''t have to attack them if they surrender." He softly murmured into my ears. My brain was bing a jumbled mess. I loved what they were doing to me.


    "The drama in the Wolf Cove Pack... you wolves never fail to entertain." Baron chimed in with a molded smile across his face. It was creepy, as always. "You know what? I am getting bored. I thought I would see some action today. I didn''t." He was acting bored, which was definitely infuriating us. I knew everyone was secretly expecting a fight between both packs.


    I shot him a defiant look from the protective back of Zeke:


    "Your games won''t work, Baron. We''ll expose your treachery, starting with the spy."


    "I''ll let you go for now." He paused. "As for the spy.." he gave me a knowing look. "You''ll only kill an innocent person. You''ll live with it for the rest of your life. Are you ready?"


    I smirked. "We will see."


    Baron, realizing that his leverage was slipping away, grinned maliciously. "Oh, I nned on it. But this is just the beginning of our little game. Next time, I wille to you." Before I could retort, he flew towards the window along with his boys. The shattering of ss distracted us, and when we all went to check if he hadnded properly, he was gone.


    I turned to Zeke immediately. "Don''t you think he was stalling? Where''s my mother?" I caught Beta Brooke''s disapproving eyes.


    "Please, no." He pleaded.


    Argh! I wanted to scream to the heavens.


    "Even if he was stalling, the elders are protecting the pack.


    They cannot prate without guidance.'' Zeke exined.


    I held my breath. My mother was that guide! "Em. where''s my mother?"


    Zeke looked solemn. "I am so sorry about what happened. I neglected you, and it happened this way. I am sorry."


    I swallowed hard. Jeez, Zeke, my love, you are so clueless.


    Don''t be sorry. I''ll clear up this mess myself." Suddenly, I felt warmth in my mouth. Zeke''s hands tilted my head for more depth as he devoured my mouth in a ravishing kiss.


    It was as if he had been starved.


    "I missed you." He muttered, wiping away the saliva that connected our lips.


    I missed you more.

 Chapter 185

    Naya''s


    POV


    The silence echoed throughout our journey back to the manor. Zeke and Kyle had seeded in protecting me from harm, but a greater harm was waiting for us back at home.


    I knew they would ask me who the spy was and at the end of the day, I would point to my mother. The memories of the Gothic castle still haunted me.


    And I was damn famished! From the corner of my eyes, I observed my mates seated at my side. Zeke had a somber look while Kyle''s was contemtive. Their unspoken words hung in the air. they were worse than when they spoke. Someone should please say something!


    nces were exchanged between the warriors, but nobody dared to vocalize the drama we had just witnessed at the blood moon pack. Baron Diego was unlike anything we had seen. Even in the face of troubles, he was calm. It was intimidating and terrifying It showed we weren''t on his level.


    "Hey, penny for your thoughts." Tim bumped into my shoulders and I almost tripped. It earned him a re from Zeke. Updated by


    "Hey." I muttered, wondering if I was sane enough to utter a word. I wrapped Zeke''s warm coat around me to soak myself into his scent more. We alternated between walking in our wolf form and running back home. It was obvious that a heavy fog of confusion enveloped us. I raised my eyes to the sky. The red moon was getting really visible. It was to the extent of seeing red marks on tree trunks. It was amazing yet deadly. It was hard to make sense of the nightmare that had be my reality. "Have you ever been kidnapped?" I said.


    Tim looked at me like I was saying something wrong. "No."


    I scoffed. "Why me then?" I thought of how unlucky I was.


    What would I have done without my mates?


    Tim shrugged. "Because you are Luna."


    I rolled my eyes. Zeke did tell me of the responsibilities that came with being Luna. He even told me about the fight.


    That could wait for now. He asked me if I could be able to handle it. I was so scared that I ran away without any definite answer. I ran away from what I had always wanted.


    It wasn''t a shock when they both proimed me their mate.


    I was happy. Now? I wasn''t so sure. I want to protect the pack. My powers may disappoint me sometimes, but there was no denying that they were always there. One thing or the other would surely trigger the purpledy. I was sure of it. As we enclosed the manor, the atmosphere seemed to thicken with unease.


    I almost forgot to breathe, knowing we would be facing the ever stern elders. They were always aware of everything.


    The warriors quietly dispersed as Zeke gave out soft orders. I could feel their eyes on me as they all went about their duties.


    Zeke and Kyle had barely pulled me inside the manor for our intimate time when the elders suddenly barged into thepound each in their own style. They all went straight for the ancient hall which was used for our meetings. I was about to go away when Kyle''s strong hands stopped me, reminding me of my position. I was supposed to join them.


    "Let her go freshen up, Kyle. She smells like shit." Zeke taunted.


    I raised an eyebrow, wondering how he could still manage to crack such a dark joke in this situation. Yeah, that''s what we need: a dark joke to lighten up the atmosphere. I wanted to say it, but it seemed Zeke already read my mind. They both knew what I wanted to say. Tears dropped from my eyes and I had their attention again.


    "It''s just that... I didn''t expect something like that to happen in the manor. I am so scared of going alone."


    "You pretended to be fine. You wanted to leave." Zeke scolded softly. "Why didn''t you tell me.."


    "She''s scared. Someone amongst us is a spy and we need her to tell us before that person makes a run for it."


    Zeke took a deep breath. I had a feeling he knew, but did not want to believe it. "Who?"


    They held me even as I smelled like sh*t. I didn''t bat an eyelid as I spat out the person. "Marley, my mother."


    A sharp intake of breath was heard. It came from Zeke and Kyle didn''t look exactly surprised. He smiled, looking proud.


    "I am proud of you." He muttered. I gave him a weak smile, watching Zeke''s reaction.


    "Okay." He nodded. "Let''s all act like we do not know. I''ll handle this myself." He paused and I could see the Maher, pain and hurt on his face. His fist was balled too. "I need to know why she would touch my mate.. no. I want to know why she would hand my mate over to someone who wanted to eat her heart." With that, he stormed off to where I knew was the ancient hall.


    A sense of urgency washed over me. "Kyle, Zeke might do something dangerous to hurt himself."


    Kyle shook his head almost immediately. "I don''t think so. He wants to remind the elders of their duties."


    I eyed him suspiciously. "You do even seem surprised."


    "We talked about this, remember? Your mother is a spy, you confirmed it. We didn''t want to interfere before but she went too far. She really went too far this time around. She touched our precious." Kyle exined. It made me warm. "Don''t you want to freshen up?"


    I was eager, way too eager to freshen up. I buttoned the clean coat over my dirty clothes. I smelled of Zeke so it wasn''t that bad... I think? "Let''s go and make somethings clear to the elders."


    Kyle didn''t object.


    We both entered the ancient hall just as elder Freya stood to make her point clear. "We could perform the ritual right now. We need to establish the fact that Luna Naya here canmunicate with the moon goddess." Her eyes caught my movement. "Tonight, we shall perform the ritual that will officially bind you to our pack, empowering you tomunicate with the Moon Goddess directly. By tomorrow morning, the scent of everyone bwil fill your nose and you will be able to differentiate them."


    "Mind linking will be possible." I said firmly, leaving no room for argument.


    Elder Freya sighed. Her powers haven''t returned yet and she has been surprisingly good. "Fine. You are Luna, we can only follow your words."


    I grinned at Zeke who seemed taller with happiness.


    "There will be war soon. Baron told us he wasing, so we have to do everything we can to ensure the pack''s safety." Zeke said, turning to the elder in charge of the building. "How is the building?"


    "Completed now. The women and children can stay there for the meantime."


    "What about the young adults who has been training? Are they ready?"


    "Yes. They have proven okay enough to fight in the war." Someone said.


    Zeke sighed. "Don''t out them in front. Take them to the back so that they would live to see another war. It''s too early for loss."


    I smiled at his simple disy of wisdom. It wasn''t long before Elder Rosalie and Freya began giving me instructions on where to stand, what to wear and how to go about the ritual. The male elders were also by the side, giving out instructions to my mates while they both nodded solemnly, acknowledging the importance of certain things at the ritual. It became even more serious when the elders began to chant crazy verses and draw symbols in the sync.


    I leaned to Kyle who was closer. "Was this why they chose this room?"


    Kyle nodded. ''They are weird, so just pay close attention okay? We won''t need a crowd since we are in a rush for the ceremony."


    My eyes lit at the revtion. "Does this mean I can avoid the challenge thates with my position?"


    Kyleughed softly. "Baby, once you are officially luna.. your powers wille to you easily, your body won''t be this tiny, I can assure you. Why do you think your mother is so strong?"


    I gaped in shock. Have they always known about this?


    "What about training?"


    "Still valid." Elder Freya responded with a chuckle.


    I felt a strange tingling sensation as the ritual progressed. I could barely contain my excitement. Why didn''t anyone tell me this was the way things worked? Zeke and Kyle had gotten the genes of an alpha! My mother got the genes too... no wonder she was strong enough to take up those monstrous wolves. Now, I would be as strong as her.


    No one would dare bully me with or without my powers.


    "Naya, by the power vested in us by the elderly one, with the agreement of the Moon Goddess, you shall be the Luna of the Wolf Cove pack. It''s time to embrace the gifts from the elderly one and the connection to the moon, for it shall guide us in this current darkness."


    I nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. I shuddered as Zeke and Kyle''s hand found mine, offering silent support. The ritual continued,bining my fate with the elderly one, the pack and the moon goddess.


    I felt the purpledy sail under my skin like a snake.


    Most importantly, I felt the heat.


    The desire and the urge to be bred by my mates.

 Chapter 186

    Naya''s


    POV


    I found myself taken by my mates. Their arousals filled my nose, and I had no option but totch myself into them like parasites. The elders with us all meshed into the background as I was transported by my mates into Zeke''s room. "Thank you." Kyle quickly appreciated it while casting an apologetic look at our indecent appearances.


    "We will leave for now. But when wee back, we hope you all are ready for war." Elder Freya warned. Of course, she had been briefed about the incident. There was no war Zeke could hide from the elders. "Bring her back in one piece." Elder Rosalie called after, and I buried my face in Zekes broad chest as he flew through the stairs leading to his room.


    "Are you sure this is necessary? There is no time." I could hear Elder Roy speak in hushed tones to his fellow elders.


    "We need the Luna genes in her, and the only way that can happen is with her mates. She''s so lucky to be mated to the two strongest in this pack." Else Derek spoke. "I''ll suggest you be careful with your words. The Alpha would be a different person from now on."


    Elder Roy pped his hands on his face as a blush filled them. "I have forgotten thest time I made someone feel that way, hence my ignorance."


    Elder Archer sighed. "The possessiveness." His voice was so quiet that I thought I misheard. He was quickly interrupted by Elder Freya, who didn''t take note of the tiny voice in the background. It was funny.


    "War ising. We always expected this, right?" Elder Rosalie said.


    "Yes." The elders muttered in agreement.


    She paused. "I need her to get my powers back. Why do you think I am putting so much effort into this? The elderly one chose to punish me through an amateur. I feel humbled, contrary to whatever you are feeling."


    I mentally cringed at theughter that came from Elder Rosalie. They were all so far away, yet I could hear them.


    Could it be the genes working their way through my body system? I giggled at the thought of bing stronger after being marked by my mates. I was d to hear Elder Freya say she is humbled by me. I pondered what the elderly woman was thinking before possessing my body and asking me to take away her power. That onlyplicated things between us.


    We were never friends, but now? Elder Freya was better. I could see that she truly cared about the pack, even though she was being a b*itch about it. Once a bitch, always has been.


    "Why are you smiling?" Zeke asked, throwing me not so gently to the bed. He seemed ever-ready to take me. I began to feel some kind of emptiness as I nced around for Kyle.


    "Where is Kyle?" I asked, feeling the emptiness spread wider around my chest. With Zeke''s hands on my body, I felt hit, but at the same time, I needed the cooling part. Kyle was that, and without one, I was missing the whole picture.


    The bed dipped as Kyle''s happy face met mine. Then he reached for the door, closing it, blocking out the somewhat happy and worried voices of the elders.


    "Is someone looking for me?" He began to take off his clothes alongside Zeke. Their fangs had elongated, and my body trembled with anticipation. Today was the day they would mark me and make me mine!


    Suddenly, I remembered I hadn''t freshened up. I sat upright.


    "Em, I need to take my bath."


    Zeke and Kyle exchanged surprised looks. "Really?"


    Sometimes I forget they are twins.


    Their looks changed into sly ones, and I knew I was going to be followed into the bathroom. I calcted my steps, hoping to get into the bathroom before they could catch me, but before I could reach the bathroom, they hoisted me into the air and followed me into the bathroom, clothes and all.


    My mind was all hazy from what happened in the bathroom.


    Lots and lots of smooching...


    They f*vcked me and marked me for daybreak


    I was pink and fresh by the time theyid me down. I raised my hands to feel the mark on my cor. They both marked me at the same time, but on different sides of my neck.


    Zeke took the right side, while Kyle took the left. When I looked in the mirror earlier, I noticed how different yet simr their marks were. They were so beautifully carved that I couldn''t stop tracing the lines over my neck.


    It was an art of their fangs creating deep lines from one end to the other. It was faint, but there were also the curves of their wolves on both sides. One was dark, and the other was mey.


    I adorned it.


    Those were myst thoughts before I went to sleep, satiated. My friends'' scents enveloped me, and I felt safe.


    Safe indeed.


    The next day came with ominous anticipation for the Blood Moon. I could hear whispers outside the manor. They sounded like buzzing bees. I groaned, diving deeper into a warm chest. "What''s wrong?" The voice rumbled, sending sweet vibrations through my body. He was referring to someone else. I wonder who.


    "The elders and the warriors... they are here. We need to prepare for war. The elders sent word that Baron was close by. We are in danger, Zeke."


    Oh, I was lying on Zeke. He smells so good. "What danger?"


    "You don''t have to worry, baby." Kyle, the one at the window, whispered. Or was it Zeke? Urgh, I had no idea.


    I raised my head gently to watch the both of them already eying me worriedly. I didn''t like it one bit.


    "What''s going on?" I asked in confusion before it all came rushing back to me. I was kidnapped; I just had the mating ritual and Baron''s promise toe back. I jumped up immediately, ready to stop Zeke and Kyle. I gripped his arms, surprised a bit by how strong I felt while holding my mate. "No, no, no." Zeke chuckled. "Feeling better now?"


    I rolled my eyes, not ready to let go, even if they teased me to death. "Yes, I am. Is Baron here already?"


    Kyle was at my side in an instant. "Why are you so afraid?


    Nothing will happen to us, I promise."


    I shook my head. Baron was sly, and he always knew everything. To say I wasn''t scared would be an understatement. "Don''t go, Zeke. Kyle, stay with me," I pleaded, the fear of losing them overwhelming.


    Zeke gently pulled himself away. I knew he was going to perform his duty with or without my blessings. I was only being selfish, and he knew it. I mean, I was just enjoying the peace and quiet, only to be harshly reminded of our hostile environment. If only I was a normal omega and wasn''t mated to twin Alphas.


    I froze when Zeke kissed my forehead with love. "I have to


    protect our pack, Naya. Kyle will be in charge. I''ll be back before the moon rises."


    I watched, expecting his mouth to move, but they weren''t moving. I smiled in realization as Zeke spoke again in my head without noticing. In fact, all these years, we have been in each other''s heads. "Zeke?" I called, batting my eyshes.


    He paused with a puzzled look. "What? Please, let me go, Naya." He was pleading now. I didn''t know I had this much effect on him. I love that he was still unaware of the mental link. I guess I''ll have to tell him myself. I begged both of them toe closer, and when they did, I pointed at my neck, which they reacted to by touching the marks I gave them. I proudly had my distinguished teeth lined up and my wolf''s head on the side of their neck. I chose the right side of Zeke''s neck and left for Kyle''s.


    It was perfect. Then I tapped my lips. "I haven''t been saying anything, my love. The mindlink works with the three of us!" I announced it in their heads excitedly.


    "What?" Zeke asked, baffled. Then he opened his mouth.


    "Oh, my goddess! I thought..."


    "Mind-blowing, isn''t it? Kyle smiled cheerfully. "Now, I feel we areplete."


    I was still against my mates leaving, but after much kissing and assurances that they would be back for me, I had to concede. I couldn''t shake the gnawing fear that clung to my heart.


    "Kyle, please stay back and protect her." Zeke pleaded as he went down. For some reason, Kyle refused to allow me up the window. He kept coaxing me away from the window.


    Why would the elders and warriors be waiting? Beta Brooke should havee to ry the message himself. What the heck was happening? I pondered, waiting for Zeke''s return.


    Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the stillness. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the voice-it was my mother. Panic surged through me, and I clutched Kyle''s arm. I hadn''t seen my mother since yesterday. I had been so cut up in my heat that I forgot my mother. Where was she after all this time? Was she locked up? There was only one way to find out.


    "My mother! Kyle, we have to save her!" I eximed with urgency in my voice. This was the best I could do, and I really do hope Kyle didn''t hear the fake pitch in my tune. I only wanted to know what she was doing, and if Kyle could check it out, I would have a good look too.


    Without hesitation, Kyle''s eyes shifted into the fierce gaze of his wolf form.

 Chapter 187

    Naya''s POV


    Despite his glowing eyes, he ced a gentle hand on my shoulder, trying tofort me. I must have looked so shocked. Yeah, I was, knowing what was outside.


    "It''s going to be okay, Naya. We''ll find a way out of this." Poor Kyle. if only he knew what I was thinking was the opposite. How could it be okay when my own mother betrayed me? I''d trusted her, and now everything felt like it was falling apart. Kyle seemed to catch my emotions somehow. His eyes stopped glowing for a moment.


    "Your mother wasn''t the best, I know, but we have to save her. You said I should, why the cold feet?" He seemed impatient too because the more time we wasted here, the more she was at risk.


    "But Kyle, my mom... How could she do this?" I questioned, shocked tears streaming down my face as I remembered how she allowed Baron take me away. Just how ambitious was she? Updated by


    When he looked into my eyes, I felt his understanding. The mating bond made us feel each other''s emotions in a way...


    I could tell that he was trying to understand. "Sometimes, people change, Naya. We can''t always predict their actions.


    This night will be full of traps for all we know." He was calcting too. I was right- Baron was outside and not the elders. Mother had found a way to bring them into the pack. In my heart, I disagreed. It felt like a stab, thinking of how hypocritical my mother was. I had asked Kyle to save her, and now she was part of this nightmare. I dropped my gaze to my arms that were holding Kyle back, tightly.


    Oh, I had said he Shi save her, but my hands held him back.


    No wonder he paused. I felt like a fool.


    I removed my hands. "You know what? I don''t care if it''s a trap. Lets just check what''s wrong. We can''t stay here." It was impossible to let Zeke fight the war alone.


    "We need to find a way out of here," Kyle quickly suggested, scanning the surroundings.


    I nodded, my thoughts conflicted. How could I stay when my mother screamed bloody murder? Yet, going to her meant facing more horrors.


    Kyle''s voice softened, he continued talking as he tapped on the walls for any hollow sound. "We can''t change what happened, but we can get through this together. We''ll find safety, and you''ll be okay."


    I looked away. Would I really be okay? How could anything be normal again?


    "We''ll sneak away quietly," Kyle continued, "and make sure no one notices." He tapped on the wall, sighing in relief and giving it a quick push. It was like a door that led into the unknown. Everything was a mess from the beginning. My trust was shattered by my mother. I had believed my mother was good, and now everything seemed like a twisted nightmare.


    Kyle stretched out his hands and I took them, following him into the wall cautiously. He was my guide in this and I have to fully trust him to get out of here alive. Kyle''s attempts to reassure me echoed in my mind. He was doing his best to be a protector, but all I could think about was the drama outside.


    "We''ll find a safe ce," Kyle promised, his voice warm.


    "And don''t worry about Zeke. He can handle himself alongside the elders."


    I closed my eyes tightly to shut my negative thoughts when almost tripped over a heavy stone. Jeez... no sh*t, I was light on my feet.


    "Stay close." Kyle urged. I was grateful he didn''t let his frustrations show through.


    I was really scared when Kyle held my hand, and we walked through the dark halls into the forest. I didn''t let my fear show as soon as I recognized the back of the manor. dark forest. However, due to my infrequent visits, I wasn''t used to the trees and they made me feel so small... They were like gigantic shadows and I was the little rabbit.


    1 kept looking everywhere, wishing my mom would be safe.


    That was the good side of me. The bad side of me wished she was truly eaten by those things. The air felt heavy, like when you know something spooky is about to pop up.


    Finally, we reached the end of the manor, and there they were. Zeke standing in front of the manor protectively. I nced around and saw it. Oh no, something really bad was happening. Baron and his monsters were everywhere, and I got even more scared. What the heck was this freak show? They all looked demonic even!


    "What''s happening?" I whispered to Kyle, my voice trembling.


    Kyle''s eyes scanned the surroundings, a deep frown etched on his face. "We used a secret door. We are surrounded, and We need to be cautious." He exined this in three sentences to shut me up. Follow me carefully, we shouldn''t draw attention." He began to creep slowly towards the drama.


    Great.


    As we approached the manor, the chilling sight of Baron and his deformed wolves sent shivers down my spine. I gasped, realizing I was helpless to stop the unfolding horror. How would Zeke fight these things alone? Thepound was eerily silent, and my mother''s screams echoed in the air. Panic surged through me as we turned a corner, only to witness the unthinkable.


    So that was where the screams came from! I stood glued to the floor as Baron stood there, my mother, Marley slung over his shoulder, surrounded by a circus disy of his monstrous minions. Except they weren''t here for fun, but for serious business. "Marley!" I cried out, a lump forming in my throat. I thought they were friends. What was happening?


    Zeke turned his angry gaze on me and that was when I noticed over two hundred warriors and the elders at the far corner of the hill waiting for approval or the Alpha''s war cry, guess.


    Before any of them could react, Baron''sughter echoed, sending a chill down my spine.


    "You''re toote, little wolves. Witness the consequences of your actions. Its never wise to make a deal with the devil.


    You will only hurt yourself."


    I shook my head slowly, to beg him not to do anything with my mom. What made him hate her enough to eat her? The way he held her... that was pure suicide. Poor Marley struggling in the arms of an alpha. Suddenly, Ren¨¦e appeared out of nowhere, her eyes filled with tears as she stared at me.


    "What the f*vck? Renee what are you doing here?" If I was excited to see her, it didn''t show. This wasn''t an exact reunion environment. Was it?


    "I''m sorry... I didn''t want this," she cried.


    "Want what?" My heart raced, confusion and horror twisting my emotions. "Ren¨¦e, what''s happening?"


    "Damnit, Naya! Get inside!" Zeke yelled angrily. He also threw angry res at his brother for bringing me outside.


    "Zeke.. my mom!" I gasped as Baron smirked, revealing his true malevolence.


    Renee wiped her tears. "I am sorry... I didn''t expect things to go out of my control. I wanted immunity and this is the only way to get it. I don''t want to be weak and it seems you are on the weak side, Naya. Other packs have conceded except your pack. It''s time for you to submit." She finished with a dark look.


    What? So Renee was the one Brooke was hiding? sh*t! It took everything in me not to snap her neck. I felt the purpledy rise to the surface.


    "It''s a trap, my dear. We gambled if you woulde out or not and you came out." He cackled. "I mean, she sold you! Now, she dies. Enjoy the show."


    In shock, I watched as Marley, my own mother, was thrown to the ground. The monstrous wolves circled her, their feral snarls drowning out her pleas for mercy.


    "No, please..." I felt a scream building up within me, but fear rendered me silent.


    "She wanted too much. I couldn''t have such a person who would so easily betray her pack, leave her daughter... her "Who are you to judge her?" I screamed, but my pleas went unheard as Baron''s inhuman form lunged forward, snapping Marley''s screaming neck with a sickening crunch.


    Horror clutched my chest as he proceeded to devour her, leaving nothing but a gore scene of brutality.


    "Naya, don''t look!" Kyle yelled, shielding me from the gruesome sight. Hisrge frame covered me from seeing my mom being devoured by those things. They were neither wolves nor humans. I gaped, watching as her neck was ripped off and her brains sttered over the floor.


    I tried to tear my eyes away, but the nightmare kept unfolding before me. The monstrous wolves retreated, and Baron, now sated, turned toward us.


    When he opened his mouth, it was filled with blood.


    Marley''s blood. Mother had made a mistake: this time. She had fulfilled her duty to bring him into the heavily guarded pack border. Then he saw her as useless and killed her. His blood-stained mouth opened in a twisted grin. I felt sick.

 Chapter 188

    I was trying to make sense of it all, trying to figure out what to do when Beta Brooke suddenly stood in front of me. He looked like he was going to jump right in the middle of the monsters to save my mother.


    I felt nothing but sorry for her. However, my attention snapped back to the man contemting getting into the fight. "What are you doing?"


    Beta Brooke sighed, turning to me. "The only thing I can do for my Aloha and the Luna of this pack is to get your mother''s body, before it is torn to piecespletely."


    I shook my head in disbelief. "Don''t tell me you are.." I gasped in realization of what he was about to do. "Please, don''t. My mates need you, Brooke needs you."


    "Say nothing more, Naya i have chosen this part. Tell Brooke what happened, she will understand."


    I frowned, finding a way to understand his words. Why would Brooke understand her father venturing into death?


    "Please, don''t..." The words got stuck in my throat as Beta Brook shifted into his elegant wolf. He almost looked like an Alpha, but he was nowherepared to the size of Baron''s wolf. It wasn''t like the time at school. He wasn''t scrawny like me...


    He was Alpha. I gaped in shock as he transformed into something without emotions. Darkness suddenly covered the manor, yet my mate and his warriors were calm. They knew that unless being attacked, they would never attack. I was proud of my mates for thinking of ways to minimize the bloodshed that was going to happen tonight.


    They seemed too calm for my liking apart from the asional anger shed in their eyes. They didn''t try to stop Beta Brooke.


    "Did you know about this?" I asked Zeke and Kyle who immediately turned to me. I knew they heard me inside their heads. They better answer me. "Imand you to stop!" I screamed. Surprisingly, Beta Brooke stopped. Then he started moving and I felt my heart slice into two. There were distant echoes of howls and growls filled the silence. I could tell that no one from our side was happy with him.


    He was going to get himself killed!


    "Ah, someone has decided to y hero." Baron mused with a bloody smile.


    I shuddered.


    Beta Brooke seemed a little cocky if I was honest. "We have the right to take her body. She was the former Luna of this pack."


    I gripped the hems of my skirt with my heart pounding with worry. Baron tilted his head as if he was considering the idea. I knew he wasn''t and was just thinking of strategic ways to weaken him. "Are you watching this, Zeke?" He yelled from where he stood. "He is a fool! Get him."


    No!" I screamed again, my hoarse voice echoing through the night. Surely, the pack erupted in gasps and horrified howls as they witnessed the gruesome scene. It didn''t take long for Beta Brooke to turn into a limping mess. He was snapped into two by Baron which made me wonder just how strong he was. I looked up at the sky... he was drawing his power from the red moon. The purpledy was swirling underneath me. I needed her full strength to survive this battle and save my pack. Zeke and his army are clearly no match for this group of monsters. Baron said he wasing back and he did.


    By this time, I wasn''t shocked by deaths any longer. I was just going to retrieve their bodies, hopefully we win the war and I go back to my mates. My blood ran cold as I saw Beta Brooke and Marley''s lifeless body on the floor, all mangled and sh*t.


    I scanned the pack for the elders to do something!


    "Boys, feed" Baron ordered and they both devoured their flesh like bacon. Panic set in as the realization dawned on me - we were vulnerable.


    I was vulnerable. I have to summon my purpledy. I was supposed to be alongside the elders, protecting this pack... but here I was. Without a second thought, I shifted into my wolf form, ready to face Baron and his minions.


    I felt my fangs elongated a bit too fast and my ws were out then usual. "Where did this strengthe from?" I asked my wolf who has been silent. She has been quite a lot actually. longed at Baron, not giving him time to recover, I went for his throat.


    I felt another presence behind me and I knew it was his minions. "Step back or I will kill him!" I barked angrily.


    "Don''t harm her boys, we are just having a father and daughter moment."


    What? "What are you talking about?" I barked again, pausing mid bite. It was dangerous I know, but considering his words, we were having a father and daughter''s moment. I knew he understood me, after all he was a monster.


    "I never knew you were this dumb! The hints all those times! I thought you could be better, but you were weak and I decided to take your heart."


    I swallowed, connecting the dots between my mother''s rtionship and him. He has kept her alive all these years to use her and kill her. Damn! I thought papa was my father. It was a real punch in the guts. I eyed the man called Baron Diego. How could he be my father? I wasn''t scrawny. Updated by


    "I did an experiment and it worked out fine. You have the goddess genes in you, I didn''t know she would help you survive. I mean, you were really fragile and could break, so I am paid someone to take care of you until your mother found papa." He grinned, knowingly. Suddenly, He seized me, his ws sinking into my side.


    Pain shot through me, but I fought back with desperate determination. Baron, however, was relentless, ready to consume me as he had done to others. He threw me off like a piece of paper and Inded on Zeke''s hands. I wondered why he was so close. He wanted to rescue me and like a clue, I was flung away.


    "You blocked us out again." Zekeined. He wasted no time in charging towards Baron Diego. With a shout of cry, he asked his warriors to take care of the minions. The elders took it as an opportunity to guard our properties. We just built new houses. It would be sad to lose


    them all.


    Swords shed, blood sttered, and the scent of blood hung heavy in the air.


    "Zeke! Kyle!" I gasped, the sight of them rekindling hope within me. The purpledy came forth and I channeled my energy towards those that felt like they were on top of the world. I didn''t need training, I just needed to protect my pack better. I summoned every bit of strength I had, warding off monsters that threatened to interfere with the elders who were concentrating most of their energies to protect the women, children and building. They were really strong enough to keep pping waves after waves. They were so loud that my ears tingled.


    I just finished blowing a monster to pieces when Zeke and Kyle impaled Baron Diego with their


    swords,


    simultaneously sinking their fangs into him and ripping out it wasn''t s*xual like mine.


    Baron staggered. I froze when a guttural growl escaped his lips. Then he fell down. He was


    dead


    Most of the pack members who had witnessed the downfall of their nemesis, howled in triumph-with the leader dead, it would be easy...


    It was immediately on my mind that Baron''s pack scattered into the forest, pursued by us. I stood on the spot, waiting, waiting and waiting...I sighed in relief when Zeke, covered in blood, approached me with concern. "Naya, are you okay?"


    I winced, clutching my stomach wound. "I''ll be fine. Thanks to you both."


    Zeke and Kyle exchanged a look. "You are stubborn. You practically ignored us when we called you back. I didn''t like it."


    "We won''t let anything harm you," Kyle vowed. His eyes told me that I would have avoided the injury if only I had stayed where they asked me too. I learned that lesson now and a bit too


    "Of course you won''t." Zeke smiled at his brother lovingly.


    "You have proven yourself worthy to be an alpha, brother.


    You are the protector of this pack."


    I grinned. Finally, Zeke acknowledged his brother as Alpha material. With me here, they won''t


    fight for long,


    Zeke Howled to the heavens and everyone from the pack howled back. I was d their voices were strong. It means the monsters didn''t get to them.


    Although Baron''s revtion, my mother and beta Brooke''s death shook me, I was pretty much calm. I didn''t see Renee in the rumble... I knew she was either dead or alive. If she was alive, I would know from the ''watcher.''


    There were so many emotions I felt from the victory of this battle, but I couldn''t because the


    best emotion was that of being with my mates. I could care less about the other pack rival... we would sort them out one by one. They were my world, my peace and my home. Chaos could be happening around me, but if it wasn''t onto them, I was fine.


    My mates are the Alphas of the pack, they love the wolf cove pack as much as I do.


    I''ll protect everyone.


    As long as they protect me.