Prologue
In the heart of the Phoenix pack's territory, the moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the dense forest. Alex, with his broad shoulders and a confident gait, patrolled the borders of his pack, as he had done countless times checking for invaders. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, soothing his restless spirit.
As he walked along the well-trodden path, his mind wandered back to that eventful day in the forest of ‘Never Now’ the outskirts of his pack territory. The memory of Isabelle's captivating hazel eyes and the inexplicable connection they shared still lingered in his thoughts, leaving him both enchanted and perplexed.
Lost in thought, Alex heard the soft rustle of leaves nearby. Instinctively, he crouched low, his senses on high alert. His keen werewolf senses picked up a faint scent – the scent of an outsider. Intrigued and cautious, he stealthily moved towards the source, eyes scanning the darkness.
There, amidst the trees, stood Isabelle. Her delicate form seemed almost ethereal under the moonlit night. Alex couldn't believe his luck; it was as if fate itself had led him to her once again after she suddenly ran away when he saved her and took her to their camp. He remained hidden, observing her from a distance, curious to know what brought her into the heart of his territory again.
Unaware of Alex's presence, Isabelle stared pensively at the crescent moon overhead. Her heart was heavy with the weight of her secret, the secret of her newfound connection with Alex. She could hardly believe that the powerful Alpha, a figure of strength and authority in her pack's rival, had captured her heart so effortlessly and she decided to spy on him judging from the fact that she ran away the last time.
Her thoughts drifted back to the moments they shared briefly at the place he saved her – the electric energy between them before she collapsed, the ease with which they conversed silently, and the undeniable chemistry that neither could deny. But a cloud of uncertainty loomed over their budding affection, as the bitter reality of their packs' rivalry threatened to keep them apart.
As if drawn by an invisible force, Isabelle took a cautious step forward, closer to the invisible boundary that separated the Phoenix and Nightshade territories. The forbidden allure enticed her, challenging the boundaries imposed by tradition and enmity.
Suddenly, a twig snapped under her foot, breaking the tranquil silence. Isabelle froze her senses on alert. Slowly, she turned to see Alex emerge from the shadows, his intense gaze locked on her. Time seemed to stand still as they locked eyes once again, the unspoken words and emotions swirling between them like a tempest.
Alex's heart pounded in his chest as he approached her, torn between his duty to protect his pack and his longing to explore the depths of this unexpected connection. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a silent agreement that they were meant to be together, no matter the odds.
"Isabelle," he spoke her name, his voice a mere whisper that carried the weight of a thousand promises.
Her name on his lips sent shivers down Isabelle's spine, and her lips curved into a hesitant smile. "Alex," she replied, equally soft-spoken yet resolute.
At that moment, Isabelle found herself irresistibly drawn to Alex, captivated by the intensity in his dark eyes. Her heart raced, and she felt weak in the knees, unable to deny the powerful attraction she felt. Alex was quick to catch her before she could collapse, his touch sending shivers down her spine.
"You drive me crazy, Isabelle," Alex confessed, surprising her with his candid words. She tried to respond, but her tongue felt tied, and all that escaped her were muffled sounds, even her inner animal growl with excitement of finally kissing her mate.
Unable to restrain his emotions any longer, Alex leaned in and kissed her passionately. Isabelle's senses went into overdrive as she felt the softness of his lips on hers. The intensity of the moment overwhelmed her, and she couldn't help but feel her desire for him grow.
As their lips locked in a fervent embrace, Alex's hand ventured to her buttocks, where he realised that she possessed a more alluring figure than he had ever imagined and thought about how she looked more beautiful even in her true form. His desire surged, and he could feel the undeniable arousal in his body. As much as he longed to make love to her right there and then, he knew it had to be special. He wanted their first time to be meaningful and unforgettable.
However, before they could explore their feelings any further, their intimate moment was interrupted by an unexpected intruder. "Isabelle? What are you doing here?" a voice called out, filling the air with anger and surprise.
Startled, both Alex and Isabelle pulled away from each other, their hearts racing with fear and embarrassment. They turned to face the person who had caught them in such an intimate situation, and to their astonishment, it was someone they least expected.
