I was standing on the balcony, gazing at the full moon, lost in my thoughts, when I felt someone approach. He was walking on tiptoe, deliberately, trying not to let me know he was there. I didn’t notice him until his arms wrapped around me from behind. Startled, I turned and caught his familiar scent.
"Eden," I whispered, smiling.
He gently turned my face towards him and kissed my cheek.
"Yes, my beautiful mate," he said.
I looked into his sharp hunter-blue eyes—the kind of eyes that could ignite a fire in any werewolf girl. He was all mine, from head to toe. In the werewolf world, being mates meant nothing could ever separate us—not even the Moon Goddess herself.
His lips met mine, and he kissed me deeply, his usual teasing way.
"Your usual way," I whispered with a chuckle.
Just then, a whistle made me jump. I turned to see Ryan peeking at us, a mischievous grin on his face.
"Oh, come on, Ryan, seriously?" I groaned.
"You two should be in a room," he said, still smiling.
Eden frowned slightly. "What are you doing here on our balcony in the middle of the night?"
"That’s rude," Ryan shrugged, raising his hands in surrender.
"Whoa, don’t destroy my pretty face like you used to when we were young," he teased.
"Spill the beans, Ryan," I said impatiently.
"The cold guy is in a rush to see you, so he asked me to meet him," Ryan replied.
"Who?" Eden asked, confused.
"How many times have I told you to stop calling people names?" Wandy walked onto the balcony at that moment.
"Mom, but he’s cold," Ryan said, winking at me. I rolled my eyes.
"What does Caleb want?" Eden asked, recognising the nickname Ryan still used for him despite no longer being under his control.
"I don’t know. Both he and Aria brought a girl along," Ryan said and walked off.
Eden rolled his eyes. "I really wish he would find his mate," he muttered, following after Ryan.
I stayed behind, a strange sense of déjà vu washing over me, as though I had seen this exact scene before. Wandy smiled knowingly.
"You know, you look just like Alpha Tyler when you seem worried. What’s troubling you?" she asked.
"Nothing… just my wolf feels restless," I said, touching my neck. My long nails were painted a soft pink, looking elegant.
I slowly opened my eyes, my body aching and my head foggy. The room was unfamiliar—warm, softly lit, and clean. Panic surged through me.
“Where… where am I?” I whispered, my voice trembling.
“Aria,” a calm voice said, and I turned to see her lowering her weapon. Her purple eyes glinted in the dim light, sharp and commanding, yet they carried an edge of curiosity that made me wary. She’s strong… dangerous even, but not threatening unless she chooses to be.
“You’re in Riverstone,” another voice said gently. I turned to see a woman with striking blue eyes that reminded me of a clear summer sky. She moved with calm authority, but there was warmth in her expression. Her hands rested lightly in front of her, and her gaze studied me with patience rather than suspicion.
I felt myself relax slightly. She seems… soft. Gentle. Someone I might be able to trust…
“I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to enter your territory. Please don’t hurt me. I’ll leave,” I said quickly, my voice shaking.
“You can’t leave yet,” Eden said, his voice low and controlled. My eyes immediately found him. His piercing blue eyes were like shards of ice, sharp and powerful, and yet there was a magnetic pull I couldn’t deny. Every movement he made exuded strength and control, and I felt a shiver run through me. He’s dangerous… powerful… and utterly captivating. I can feel his presence pressing against me, and I can’t look away.
“I… I didn’t mean to offend you,” I added, glancing between him and the blue-eyed woman. “I came here by accident…”
Hazel stepped closer, her soft blue eyes locking onto mine, warm and reassuring. “I’m Hazel, princess of this pack,” she said. “And this is my mate, an Alpha of the North-Pole Pack. You must be tired. Our pack doctor will arrive shortly. Rogues are welcome here; we don’t harm them.”
Rogues? My wolf stirred, whispering warnings, but Hazel’s calm presence made me want to trust her. She’s different. Soft, but strong in a quiet way… the kind of strength that doesn’t need to dominate.
Before I could say anything more, my wolf’s voice whispered in my mind: Don’t tell her who you are… don’t trust them yet.
I swallowed hard and stayed silent, my heartbeat quickening.
The doctor arrived shortly, a serious-looking man with piercing green eyes that seemed to see through everything. He examined me carefully. “Seems like you’ve just shifted,” he said.
“Yes… just yesterday,” I admitted sheepishly. “My wolf… she brought me here. They’re… untamed.”
“Take a rest. You’ll need a deep sleep,” he instructed.
Hazel stayed near me, her gaze soft and reassuring. I noticed how her presence radiated safety, something I hadn’t felt in a long time. I wanted to believe her, even as my instincts screamed caution.
Eden, however, remained behind her, tall and immovable, his piercing blue eyes never leaving me. I could feel his power pressing down on me, commanding attention and respect. Dangerous, yet… I can’t stop noticing him. Every movement is precise, confident. I should be afraid, and yet…
Hazel crouched slightly to my level, smiling warmly. “What’s your name, dear?” she asked.
“I’m Ember,” I whispered.
“You can stay here as long as you like, Ember,” Hazel said, her voice soft but steady, filled with the kind of reassurance I had almost forgotten existed. I returned her smile, cautious but hopeful. Maybe… maybe I can trust them. For now, at least, it feels safe here.
As I settled back, my eyes flicked repeatedly to Eden, alert and imposing, and then to Hazel, comforting and gentle. I couldn’t help but notice Aria’s purple eyes, sharp and assessing, always measuring, ready for battle if needed. Caleb’s green eyes lingered in my mind, thoughtful and piercing, quietly calculating.
This pack… they’re powerful. Dangerous. And yet… maybe they’re the kind of people I can survive with. Maybe even trust… eventually.
For the first time in a long while, I allowed myself a cautious sense of hope.