Steven’s POV
The moment I stepped into the mansion, an eerie silence greeted me. The usually bustling pack house felt deserted.
“Where is everyone?” I demanded, my voice cutting through the stillness as I spotted Williams loitering by the staircase.
“They all went out,” he replied hesitantly, sensing my frustration.
“Go get them, now!” I barked, my tone leaving no room for argument. Williams flinched and rushed out of the mansion.
I began pacing, my mind racing with the gravity of the news I had just received. The demon wolf was alive. Andre was right all along. But what was more alarming was the revelation that Maya was working with it. This wasn’t just a threat; it was a declaration of war.
As I walked to the massive windows overlooking the woods, I saw Liam and Freya returning from their run.
“Where the hell have you two been?” I demanded as they approached.
“Working out in the woods,” Freya said, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. “Is there a problem? And where are Freja and Luna?”
I hesitated for a moment before answering. “Still at the hospital.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. “You left them there? Alone? With everything happening?”
“I had more pressing matters to deal with,” I snapped.
Freya’s voice turned cold. “A war is coming, Steven. You just said it yourself, and you thought it was a good idea to leave them unprotected?”
“They’re not children, Freya. They can handle themselves,” I said, brushing past her.
Freya grabbed my arm, her grip firm. “Brother, this is serious. We’ve lost too many people already. You can’t afford to be careless with the ones we have left.”
“Enough, Freya,” I growled, shaking her off. “I have preparations to make.”
As I walked away, I could feel her glare burning into my back, but I didn’t stop.
*******
Freja’s POV
“James, wait!” I called out, my voice echoing down the hospital corridor as I chased after him.
He stopped abruptly and turned to face me, his expression unreadable. “What is it, Freja?”
I hesitated, searching for the right words. “I just… I wanted to apologize.”
“For what?” His tone was clipped, guarded.
“For judging you too harshly,” I admitted. “I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I see now that it’s made you build walls around yourself. I just wanted to say that your past doesn’t have to define you, James. There’s more to life than pain and darkness. You just have to let yourself see it.”
He let out a bitter laugh. “Happiness? That’s a luxury I don’t have the time or energy to chase.”
“Maybe you don’t remember what it feels like,” I said softly, “but I can help remind you.”
James shook his head. “I have surgeries lined up tomorrow, Freja. And even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t waste my time on something as meaningless as happiness.”
I watched him walk away, his shoulders tense, his steps deliberate. My heart ached for him, but I knew better than to push him further.
******
Mabel’s POV
Ashley’s sobs filled the room, each one a dagger to my heart. I held her close, stroking her hair in an attempt to soothe her.
“Ashley, you have to stop this,” I said gently. “Your mom is strong, and so are you. She’s not going to give up, and neither should you.”
She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “You don’t understand, Mabel. I’ve been holding on for so long, trying to be strong for everyone. But I can’t anymore. If Mom dies, I’ll be completely broken.”
“You’re not alone in this, Ashley,” I said firmly. “Look at everything you’ve achieved. You’re married to one of the most powerful men in the pack. You have people who love and care for you. You’re not as helpless as you think.”
Her lips trembled as she whispered, “You don’t know the half of it.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked, concern etched into my voice.
She hesitated, then broke down again. “Steven and I… we’re not okay, Mabel. And there’s nothing anyone can do about it.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. “If Steven has hurt you-”
“It’s not just him!” she cried, cutting me off. “It’s everything. My life feels like a never-ending nightmare.”
Before I could respond, she stood abruptly. “I need some water,” she muttered, wiping her eyes.
“I’ll get it for you,” I offered, rushing out to find a vending machine.
When I returned, the room was empty.
“Ashley?” I called out, scanning the room. There was no response.
Panic bubbled in my chest as I noticed her phone lying on the table. I picked it up and dialed her number, only to hear it ring in the room.
“Where could she have gone?” I murmured to myself.
Just then, Freja walked in, her brow furrowed. “What’s going on, Mabel?”
“Ashley’s gone,” I said, my voice trembling. “She was here a moment ago, and now she’s just… gone.”
Freja’s eyes narrowed. “We need to find her. Now.”
*******
Steven’s POV
“Roy,” I barked as he entered the room, “I need you to assist Liam in training the warriors. Double the guards around the vulnerable areas of the woods. If this war is coming, I want to know about it before it reaches us.”
“Yes, Alpha,” he said, bowing before leaving.
Williams stepped forward. “What about me, Alpha?”
“You’ve proven yourself capable,” I said. “But there’s still room for improvement. Your training with me will intensify starting tomorrow. For now, join Liam and Roy and assist them.”
“Understood,” he said, bowing deeply before leaving.
Freya stormed in just as I was about to sit down.
“Freja called,” she said, holding up her phone. “Luna’s missing.”
“What do you mean missing?”
“She wasn’t at the hospital when they checked,” Freya said, her voice trembling with barely restrained anger.
“She probably went for a walk or to visit someone,” I said dismissively.
“How can you be so nonchalant about this?” she snapped.
I sighed, rubbing my temples. “I have more pressing matters to deal with right now, Freya.”
Her eyes blazed with fury. “You should understand her pain better than anyone. Her mother is dying, Steven! If you’ve forgotten how it feels to lose a parent, then maybe the power you’ve gained has turned you into the monster you once fought against.”
I clenched my fists, her words cutting deeper than I cared to admit. “Freya, watch your tone.”
“No, you watch yours, Alpha,” she shot back. “If anything happens to Luna, I will never forgive you.”
She stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
For a moment, I stood there in silence, the weight of her words pressing down on me.