Ch 1-10

Summary

🌶️”You don’t remember me,” Liam growled, his blue eyes locked onto hers. “But I remember everything.” A powerful Alpha, a lost mate, and a love strong enough to defy fate. When Vanessa is torn from Liam’s world and trapped in the human realm with no memory of him, the ruthless Alpha will do whatever it takes to bring her back—even if it means making her fall in love with him all over again. But without the mate bond, can he win her heart before it’s too late?

Chapter 1

POV: Liam

Fifteen years.

For fifteen years, I have waited. Hunted. Endured.

Every Moon Ball, I have stood among my kind, watching others find their mates, feeling the bond snap into place for them—never for me. I have told myself to be patient. That the Moon Goddess has her reasons. That my mate will come when the time is right.

But the time has never been right.

Not for me.

And now, I am barely holding on.

The potions the magicians give me are losing their effect. My wolf—restless, on edge, half-mad with the need to claim what is his—scrapes at the inside of my mind, a storm I can barely contain. He howls for his mate, for the one who will complete us, for the missing piece of our soul.

I grit my teeth, locking my hands behind my back as I stand at the edge of the grand ballroom. The scent of roses and moonlit air drifts through the open hall, mingling with the crackling energy of unmated wolves searching, hoping, praying.

This time, I don’t pray. I don’t let myself hope. I only stand there, jaw clenched, forcing my breathing to stay even.

Because I know what will happen.

The bond will not snap into place. The night will end, and I will walk away alone. Again.

An Alpha without his mate is a beast on the verge of losing control.

I have ruled my pack for years, but without her, I am incomplete. My wolf knows it. He feels the void like an open wound, festering, rotting, growing worse with each passing year. The only thing keeping him in check are the spells and potions crafted by my magicians—temporary fixes, numbing the unbearable. But even those are failing now. Every day, I feel myself slipping. Every day, my wolf pushes harder to break free.

And tonight, at yet another Moon Ball, I stand here, waiting for a miracle I no longer believe in.

I swirl the whiskey in my glass, watching the amber liquid catch the light of the chandeliers above. Around me, laughter and music fill the grand hall, the scent of anticipation thick in the air. The Moon Ball—another year, another gathering of unmated wolves searching for the piece of their soul.

Another year of nothing for me.

I’ve stood in this very spot fifteen times. Fifteen years of hope turning to disappointment, of watching others find their mates while I walk away alone. The Moon Goddess must be laughing at me by now.

The ballroom is alive with movement—wolves dancing, mingling, their eyes scanning the room with excitement. I don’t share their enthusiasm. Instead, I stand at the edge, whiskey in hand, forcing myself to keep my expression unreadable.

A familiar presence approaches before I even hear his voice.

Magnus.

My Beta, my closest friend, the only one who truly understands what I’ve endured. He has his mate now—Ein. She stands beside him, her arm looped through his, their bond unmistakable.

“Alpha,” Magnus says, voice low enough that only I can hear. “How are you holding up?”

I exhale sharply, taking a slow sip of my drink. “Same as every year, Magnus. And you?”

He gives me a look, the kind only a brother-in-arms can give. “You know damn well how I am. But that’s not what I asked.”

Ein tilts her head, studying me with soft, knowing eyes. “Do you think this could be your year?” she asks gently.

I let out a short, dry laugh. Cold. Bitter. Hollow.

“The Moon Goddess has a cruel sense of humor,” I say, shaking my head. “If she wanted me to find my mate, she would have done so by now. I’ve stopped believing in fairytales.”

Magnus frowns, but before he can respond, I place a firm hand on his shoulder. “It’s midnight,” I say. “Time for the speech.”

He gives me a reluctant nod, stepping back as I move toward the raised platform.

The music fades. The room stills. Hundreds of eyes turn to me.

I project my voice across the hall, steady and commanding. “Tonight, we gather once more in honor of the Moon Goddess. To celebrate love, to welcome fate. This is the moment where paths align, where soulmates find each other. May the Goddess bless you all.”

The words are empty in my mouth. I have spoken them before. I have heard them before. But I have never felt them.

And I never will.

I lower my glass, preparing to step down—

Then it happens.

A jolt runs through me, sharp as lightning, bone-deep and undeniable.

My breath catches. My entire body goes rigid.

What—?

A scent—warm, soft, sweet, intoxicatingly familiar though I’ve never smelled it before—wraps around me, seeping into my very marrow. My heart slams against my ribs.

No.

It can’t be.

I move before I even realize it, descending the stairs, my eyes scanning the crowd with a desperation I can’t control. My pulse pounds and I could hear my heart beats into my ears. My wolf—silent for so long—surges forward, howling, clawing, demanding.

Where is she?

And then—

I see her.

Across the dance floor, standing near the edge of the crowd.

Dark blonde hair cascading down her back, and she was wearing a beautiful red dress. Warm, deep brown eyes searching the room. Unaware that she has just shattered my world.

The breath leaves my lungs in a single, staggering exhale.

The bond snaps into place, more powerful than I could have ever imagined. Every cell in my body locks onto her, every fiber of my being screams mine.

The world, tilted and wrong for so many years, suddenly shifts into perfect alignment.

And then—she looks at me.

I see it in her eyes. The shock, the recognition, the pull.

She feels it too.

Her wolf—beautiful—pushes forward, changing eyes with her, mirroring my own.

I can’t think. I can’t breathe.

I can only move.

One step. Then another.

She doesn’t run. She doesn’t speak.

She waits.

And I know—she is mine, and I am hers.

Without a word, I reach for her hand.

The moment her hand slips into mine, something inside me snaps.

Her touch, is the most perfect.

My wolf is roaring, wild, relentless. I have waited too long. I have suffered too much. And now, here she is—my mate. Warm, soft, breathtaking. Mine.

The celebration erupts behind us. Cheers, howls, voices raised in excitement. They know. The pack has waited almost as long as I have for this moment. Their Alpha has finally found his Luna.

But I don’t care about them.

I only see her.

Her eyes are wide, searching mine, still caught in the whirlwind of what just happened. She smells like the forest after a summer storm, with a hint of vanilla and fire—clean, warm, irresistible. My restraint is hanging by a thread, every inch of me screaming to take, to claim, to make her mine in every way possible.

I pull her to me, gentle but firm, my hands finding her waist, her delicate frame fitting perfectly against me. She’s so much smaller than me, and the realization destroys me. She needs my protection.

Her lips part, her breath shaky. She doesn’t move away.

I can’t stop myself.

I tilt her chin up and press my lips to hers.

It’s supposed to be soft. Controlled. A simple first kiss.

But I am not a man who does anything softly.

The second our lips touch, fire explodes inside me. My wolf growls in approval, and I lose myself in her warmth. Her taste.

She gasps softly, but then—she kisses me back.

A low, possessive growl rumbles in my chest as her hands slide up, pressing against my chest. So small. So fragile.

And yet, she is the only one who could ever bring me to my knees.

I deepen the kiss, one hand sliding up to cup the back of her neck, the other tightening around her waist, holding her to me, feeling every inch of her pressed against me. I need her closer. I need all of her.

A shiver runs through her, and I feel the exact moment she surrenders. She melts into me.

The world disappears.

Nothing exists but her.

My mate. My salvation.

The sounds of the ball blur into the background, distant and meaningless.

Until she breaks the kiss, her breath coming fast, her forehead pressing softly against mine.

I exhale, trying to ground myself, trying to keep control. I can’t terrify her with the sheer force of what I feel.

She’s mine, but she doesn’t know me yet.

She lets out a soft, shaky laugh, her fingers clutching my shirt. I nearly groan at the sight.

I brush my nose against hers, breathing her in. “Come with me,” I murmur.

She nods.

I take her hand and lead her through the crowd, past the cheers and the knowing grins, ignoring every wolf who calls my name. They’ll celebrate without me.

Right now, nothing else matters but her.

I pull her into a quiet room, closing the door behind us.

Only then do I let myself truly look at her.

She’s perfect.

Her hair is slightly messy from my hands tangling in it. Her lips are red, swollen from my kiss. Her chest rises and falls with uneven breaths, and she’s watching me with something undeniable in her eyes.

Fate.

Destiny.

And want.

I lean against the door, exhaling slowly. “Your name,” I ask, my voice rough. “Tell me.”

She hesitates, like she’s caught between the moment and reality, but then she whispers, “Vanessa Cameron.”

Vanessa.

My mate’s name is Vanessa.

I roll the name over in my mind, branding it into my soul.

And then I smirk. “You already know who I am, don’t you?”

Her lips twitch. “Liam Nightfang,” she says, her voice softer now.

I chuckle, shaking my head. “I suppose the whole ‘Alpha’ thing gives it away.”

She gives a small laugh, and I swear it’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.

I step closer, my fingers tracing her jaw, feeling the sparks dance between us. “Vanessa,” I say, tasting her name.

She shivers.

And then, before she can second-guess this—before I can second-guess this—I kiss her again.

This time, there is no hesitation.

No restraint.

She whimpers into my mouth, and my control shatters.

I lift her, pressing her back against the wall, devouring her, tasting her, losing myself in her completely.

Her hands tangle in my hair, her nails grazing my scalp, and a deep growl rumbles from my chest. I want more.

I need more.

But I force myself to slow down. To savor.

I pull back just enough to see her eyes, to watch the way she looks at me.

Like she feels it too. Like she knows she’s mine.

I brush my lips against her cheek, down to her neck, inhaling her scent. “Say my name,” I murmur.

She exhales shakily, her fingers digging into my shoulders.

“Liam.”

Fuck.

I capture her mouth again, sweeping her into my arms.

Tonight, nothing else exists.

Just me.

And my mate.

Chapter 2

POV: Liam

The moment her lips touched mine, the world narrowed down to just us—just her. The bond roared to life between us, raw and all-consuming, but I fought against the overwhelming need to claim her. She was mine, yet I couldn’t risk scaring her away. My entire body trembled with restraint as I kissed her softly, a sharp contrast to the inferno burning inside me.

Her small hands slid up my chest, hesitant at first, then firmer as she responded to me, pressing closer. I groaned against her lips, my grip tightening around her waist.

My focus was on her, on the way she fit against me, on the way her scent wrapped around me like the first breath of air after drowning.

She pulled away just slightly, panting, her brown eyes wide as she looked up at me. My heart pounded in my chest as I forced myself to slow down. I pressed my forehead against hers, breathing her in, grounding myself in the moment.

“I can’t believe I finally found you,” I murmured. My voice was hoarse, thick with emotion I could barely contain. My fingers traced gentle patterns against her lower back, my wolf howling in satisfaction.

She smiled—a soft, teasing thing that sent a fresh wave of heat through me. “I guess the Moon Goddess wasn’t joking with you after all.”

A rough chuckle escaped me, but it was short-lived because the moment I loosened my grip on her, a new fear crept in. She had only just met me. She didn’t know me the way I knew her already, the way my soul had been waiting for her. I couldn’t push too hard, too fast.

“Come with me,” I murmured, brushing my nose along her cheek, inhaling the addictive scent of her. “I don’t want to share you with the entire pack right now.”

She hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly against my chest. It was just a second, but I caught it.

I pulled back enough to search her face. “It’s okay,” I said, voice low and tender. “I know this is a lot. I’ve waited so long for you, but if you need time—”

Her eyes softened, and she let out a quiet laugh, reaching up to trace my jaw with the tips of her fingers. A shiver ran through me at the delicate touch. “I would love to, Alpha.”

A growl rumbled deep in my chest at her words, at the way my title sounded on her lips. Possessive. Fierce. Mine.

Without warning, I swept her up into my arms, reveling in the surprised squeal that escaped her. Laughter bubbled from her lips as I tossed her over my shoulder with ease, one arm wrapped securely around her thighs.

“Liam!” she gasped, wriggling slightly, but there was amusement in her voice. “Put me down!”

I smirked, swatting her lightly on the backside, savoring the way she tensed in response. “Not a chance, little mate.”

I carried her through the grand halls of the packhouse, taking the stairs two at a time. She grumbled something under her breath about arrogant Alphas, but I could hear the smile in her voice.

When we reached my bedroom, I set her down carefully. She blinked up at me, taking in the space—the massive bed, the heavy wooden furniture, the moonlight spilling in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

“This is… wow,” she murmured, her fingers brushing against the smooth dark wood of a nearby dresser.

“It’s ours now,” I said, voice rough as I stepped closer, tilting her chin up to look at me. “If you want it to be.”

Her lips parted slightly, and for a moment, I saw the depth of emotion in her eyes, a flicker of something vulnerable beneath her strength.

Then she smiled. “You’re sweet when you’re not being bossy, you know that?”

A grin tugged at my lips, but it faded quickly as I reached for her again. This time, I didn’t hold back. I kissed her deep, claiming her mouth with the hunger I had restrained before. Her fingers tangled in my hair, tugging, and I groaned against her lips, pulling her flush against me.

The need was unbearable, scorching through me like wildfire. I wanted to take my time, to cherish her, but my control was hanging by a thread.

“Tell me to stop,” I rasped against her lips, my hands roaming over her waist, her back, memorizing every curve. “Tell me now, or I won’t be able to.”

She pulled back just enough to meet my gaze, her brown eyes dark with desire. “Don’t you dare stop.”

A snarl of satisfaction tore from my throat as I lifted her into my arms again, carrying her toward the bed.

Tonight, nothing else mattered. Tonight, she was mine, and I was hers.

And I would show her just how deeply I had waited to love her.

The moment I laid Vanessa on my bed, I felt my control slipping away. It was a war within me—between the need to be gentle, to cherish her, and the primal, all-consuming desire to claim her, to mark her as mine. My wolf howled inside me, desperate, impatient. I had waited too long. But she was my mate, my everything, and I would not scare her. Not tonight.

I took a shuddering breath, forcing myself to pause. My lips barely left hers, lingering just a fraction away. I met her gaze, her warm brown eyes filled with an intoxicating mixture of innocence and fire. Her dark blonde hair was tousled from my fingers threading through it, and I traced a gentle path down her face, to her neck, pausing over the spot where my mark would one day be. A promise. A claim. I wanted to brand her, but I held back.

Slowly, I slid my fingers over the strap of her dress, pushing it down, giving her every chance to stop me. She didn’t. She inhaled sharply, her chest rising and falling, her lips parting slightly. And then—she moved. A single shift of her shoulder, letting the fabric slide lower.

That was all I needed.

A growl rumbled in my chest as I peeled the dress from her body, inch by excruciating inch. She trembled under my touch, her body taut with anticipation. When I finally freed her, my breath caught. She was breathtaking, every inch of her a masterpiece crafted by the Moon Goddess herself.

“God, Vanessa,” I murmured, my voice rough. “You’re perfect.”

She blushed, but there was something in her gaze—something fierce, unafraid. My little mate was no delicate flower. She was fire and steel wrapped in silk.

I dipped my head, capturing one of her peaked nipples between my lips, flicking my tongue over the sensitive bud. A soft moan spilled from her lips, and the sound shot straight through me like a drug. My hand trailed lower, over her ribs, her waist, until I reached the last barrier between us.

She shifted beneath me, her hips arching slightly, her black lace panties damp against my fingers. My restraint was in shreds. Hooking my thumbs beneath the delicate fabric, I pulled them down, savoring the way they clung to her wetness. I kissed her again, deep and slow, letting her taste the hunger in me. My fingers mapped her body, teasing, worshiping, until I reached her core.

She gasped as I ran a single finger along her slick folds. “Liam,” she breathed, her voice barely a whisper.

I groaned, pressing my forehead against hers. “You’re so ready for me,” I rasped.

She whimpered as I spread her thighs wider, my mouth following the path of my hands, trailing kisses down her stomach, her hip, until I was exactly where I needed to be. The moment my tongue flicked over her clit, her entire body jerked, a broken moan escaping her lips.

“Oh—”

I growled, gripping her hips, holding her still as I feasted on her. She tasted like sin, like paradise, like everything I had ever wanted but never deserved. Her hands found my hair, fingers tangling, pulling. Her hips trembled as I slid a finger inside her, feeling her tightness, her warmth.

I nearly lost myself.

She was untouched. Mine. My mate.

I worked her slowly, teasing, building, until she shattered with a cry, her release soaking my fingers, her body convulsing beneath me. I kissed my way up, swallowing her gasps, letting her taste herself on my tongue.

Her small hands found the buttons of my shirt, her fingers unsteady but determined. She pushed it off my shoulders, her touch searing into my skin. When she reached my belt, she hesitated for only a second before unbuckling it, pulling it free. I groaned, helping her strip me bare until there was nothing between us.

Her gaze dropped, widening as she took in the sight of me—hard, thick, aching for her. Her tiny fingers wrapped around me, and I sucked in a sharp breath, my entire body tensing.

“Vanessa,” I gritted out, barely holding on. “You have no idea what you do to me.”

She looked up, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “I think I do,” she whispered, stroking me once, twice.

A curse slipped past my lips. “Enough.” I covered her body with mine, positioning myself at her entrance. She was so small beneath me, yet so fearless.

I cupped her face, forcing her to look at me. “Are you sure?” I asked, my voice raw.

She nodded, her eyes burning with certainty. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

I lost my mind.

Slowly, I pushed inside her, inch by inch, feeling her stretch around me. She gasped, her nails digging into my shoulders. I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to move carefully, to give her time to adjust. But she didn’t pull away. Instead, she moved, tilting her hips, taking more of me, until I met the barrier of her innocence.

I froze, searching her face. “Vanessa—”

She silenced me with a kiss, a fierce, desperate kiss. And then, with a determined breath, she moved against me, breaking the last barrier between us. I groaned, burying myself fully, feeling her walls tighten around me like a vice. She gasped, her body tensing, and I held still, stroking her hair, whispering her name like a prayer.

After a moment, she exhaled, her body softening. Then, she moved.

A low, guttural sound tore from my throat as I pulled back and thrust again, setting a slow, deep rhythm. We found our pace effortlessly, like we had been made for this—because we had. She fit me perfectly, every part of her molding to mine. Her moans grew louder, her fingers dragging down my back, leaving marks I would wear proudly.

I reached between us, brushing my thumb over her clit, feeling her tighten around me. Her breathing hitched. “Liam—”

“I’ve got you, baby,” I murmured, pressing my lips to her temple. “Let go.”

And she did.

Her release hit her hard, her body arching, her nails digging into my shoulders. I followed, my climax slamming into me, a raw, overwhelming sensation unlike anything I’d ever felt. I spilled into her, my body trembling as I buried my face in her neck, holding her close as we both came down from the high.

For a long moment, neither of us moved. We lay tangled together, breathless, hearts pounding in sync.

Then, she let out a soft, breathy laugh. “That was…”

I lifted my head, pressing a kiss to her swollen lips. “Perfect,” I finished for her.

She smiled, warmth radiating from her. And in that moment, I knew—I would never let her go. She was mine. My mate. My love. My everything.

Chapter 3

POV: Liam

I woke up to warmth. Soft, delicate warmth curled against me, her scent flooding my every sense before I even opened my eyes. A scent I knew now better than my own.

Vanessa.

The night came back to me in flashes. Her body moving against mine, the way she trembled and gasped my name, how many times I lost myself in her. I couldn’t even count how many times I’d made her come—or how many times I’d followed right after, completely overwhelmed by the pull between us.

I was still wrapped around her, my arm heavy over her waist, her bare skin flush against mine. Even in sleep, she fit against me perfectly, as if she was made for me. And she was. The Moon Goddess had written her into my fate, into my very soul.

The feeling settled deep in my chest—a fierce, undeniable certainty that I would never let her go.

A soft sigh left her lips, and then a small hand smacked against my arm. I opened my eyes just in time to see her stretch, her golden hair fanning over the pillows. She blinked up at me, her brown eyes still hazy with sleep.

“You’re staring,” she murmured.

I smirked, running my fingers lazily along her hip. “I can’t help it. I spent years searching for you, Vanessa. Let me look.”

Her lips curled into a sleepy smile as she traced lazy patterns over my chest, her fingers leaving trails of warmth on my skin. “Can I ask you something?”

I caught her hand and brought it to my lips, pressing a kiss to her palm. “You can ask me anything, my love.”

Her expression turned thoughtful, and for a moment, she hesitated. Then, softly, she asked, “Why didn’t you mark me?”

My wolf rumbled inside me at the question, the primal urge to claim her surging forward. But I pushed it down. Carefully, I brushed my knuckles over her cheek, memorizing every inch of her. “Because I’ve waited for you for too long to rush this.”

She blinked, surprised. I let my fingers slide down her jaw, resting lightly against the delicate curve of her neck—the place where my mark would one day be. “I wanted you the moment I saw you, Vanessa. More than anything. But this is new for you. I don’t want you to wake up and feel overwhelmed, like you had no choice. I want us to mark each other when it’s special, when it’s something we both decide together.”

Her eyes softened. “You really are incredible, you know that?”

I arched a brow. “I do. But you can tell me again if you want.”

She laughed and smacked my arm again, and I caught her wrist, pulling her closer until she was half on top of me. I let her feel the strength of my arms around her, the steady beat of my heart against her palm. “You’re mine,” I murmured.

She hummed, tilting her head. “Am I?”

“Of course,” I said, nuzzling my nose against her temple. “You’ve always been mine.”

Vanessa rolled her eyes. “That’s a little dramatic, considering we met last night.”

“Is it?” I smirked, rolling us so that she was under me, the blankets tangled around us. I braced myself on my forearms, keeping my weight off her even though every part of me wanted to sink into her again. “Tell me something, little wolf. What do you do for a living?”

She tilted her head, amused by the sudden change in topic. “You never asked before.”

“I was a little distracted.”

She snorted. “Yeah, I noticed.”

I arched a brow, waiting, and she sighed dramatically. “Fine. I’m a lawyer.”

A slow smile spread across my lips. “A lawyer.”

“Yes. I graduated last year, finished my internship, and started my job at the beginning of this year.”

I hummed, running my fingers down her side. “And where, exactly, do you work?”

She narrowed her eyes at me, suspicious now. “At the pack’s legal department.”

I grinned, satisfaction curling in my chest. “So you worked for me.”

She groaned. “Not this again.”

“I’m just saying,” I mused, pressing a teasing kiss to her jaw. “You were mine even before we met.”

“I was your employee,” she corrected, pushing lightly at my shoulder. “Not yours.”

“But now you are.” I captured her lips before she could argue, swallowing her laugh into a deep, slow kiss.

When I pulled back, she sighed, a content little sound that sent warmth flooding through me. I could stay in bed with her all day, but the scent of food wafting from downstairs told me Magnus and Ein were already awake.

“Come,” I murmured against her lips. “Let’s eat. You’ll need your strength, little wolf.”

The scent of Vanessa clung to my skin, a mix of warm vanilla and something uniquely her. It made me want to pull her back into bed and keep her there for the rest of the day. But instead, I found myself watching her move around my room, drowning in one of my shirts. The fabric nearly swallowed her whole, but damn if it wasn’t the best thing I’d ever seen.

She caught me staring, a teasing smirk curving her lips. “Do I pass as an Alpha’s mate now?”

I growled, stalking toward her. “You passed the second I laid eyes on you.”

Her laughter was soft, warm. I reached out, tugging her closer, but a knock at the door interrupted us. Magnus’ voice followed a second later. “Alpha, Beta Ein is waiting. We’re gathering for breakfast.”

Vanessa arched a brow at me, clearly waiting to see how I’d react. I sighed, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead before stepping back. “Let’s go, little wolf.”

Downstairs, the dining hall buzzed with energy. Magnus and Ein sat close, their fingers lazily intertwined, the easy comfort of longtime mates. Pack members greeted us, and I made sure to keep my hand on Vanessa’s lower back, silently reminding everyone that she was mine.

Ein grinned when she saw us. “So, our new Luna finally joins us.”

Vanessa’s fingers tensed slightly on my arm, but she recovered quickly. “I think ‘newAlpha mate’ is still more accurate,” she said, flashing a playful smile.

Magnus snorted. “Yeah, sure. You really think anyone’s going to see you as just it?”

I shot him a look, warning him to back off. Vanessa was strong, but I wasn’t about to let anyone push her into something before she was ready. She met my gaze then, something unreadable in her warm brown eyes. She wasn’t afraid—no, she was assessing, considering.

Before she could say anything else, the doors swung open. The energy in the room shifted instantly.

A group of robed figures entered, their presence demanding attention. The pack’s mages and wizards—our link to the ancient magics that governed our world. My wolf bristled instinctively, knowing that whatever they had to say would change things.

“Alpha.” The lead mage, the most wise and powerful mage named Aaleric, inclined his head. “We sensed the bond. You have found your mate.”

Tension tightened my shoulders. “I have.”

Aaleric’s sharp eyes landed on Vanessa, studying her as if trying to decipher some hidden truth. “Then the prophecy has begun.”

A murmur rippled through the gathered pack members. Vanessa shifted beside me, but when I looked at her, she wasn’t scared. She was curious, steady.

My strong little wolf.

I exhaled slowly, trying to find the right words. “Not here.”

The mages exchanged glances but nodded, stepping back in silent agreement.

Vanessa, of course, had no interest in waiting. “It’s okay, Liam,” she said, turning to face me fully. “I can handle it.”

I studied her, weighing the moment. The last thing I wanted was to overwhelm her, but she wasn’t a woman who needed to be shielded. She was a fighter.

Finally, I nodded. “Then let’s talk.”

Chapter 4

POV: Liam

We go to the meeting room, the room fell into a tense silence as Aaleric stepped forward. My muscles coiled with unease, instincts sharpened by years of leading my pack. Vanessa sat beside me, wearing my shirt, her scent mingling with mine. It should have comforted me. Instead, my wolf bristled, sensing the weight of what was coming.

“You have found your mate at last, Alpha,” Aaleric intoned, bowing his head slightly. “And with her, the prophecy is set into motion.”

Vanessa’s fingers twitched slightly against her lap, but her face remained composed. Strong. Fierce. My Luna. I fought the urge to pull her closer, to shield her from whatever came next. But she wasn’t someone who needed shielding—she had made that clear.

“Tell us,” I commanded, my voice even, though inside, tension curled in my gut like a coiled snake.

Aaleric’s gaze flicked between me and Vanessa before he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of knowledge:

“When the moon hangs low and the stars align,

The alpha’s heart shall seek its sign.

Through shadows deep and worlds apart,

A luna’s love shall mend his heart.

Twins of fate, with gifts untold,

Shall rise to lead, both brave and bold.

But beware the witch who weaves the night,

For only true love can break her spite.

The bond of the moon, though strong and pure,

Must be forged in choice to endure.

For love beyond the veil shall prove,

The alpha’s strength, the luna’s move.”

The room was thick with the echoes of the prophecy, the weight of it settling in my chest like a stone. My jaw clenched. Twins of fate. Heirs. My heirs. Vanessa and I weren’t just fated for each other—our children were destined for something greater, something that could change the course of our world.

My gaze flicked to her. Her lips parted slightly, her brows drawing together as she processed the words.

“Well,” she finally said, exhaling sharply. “That’s a lot.”

A snort nearly escaped me. Only she could take something like this and reduce it to a single sentence. I reached for her hand, running my thumb over her knuckles. “Are you okay?”

She tilted her head, considering. “I mean, I thought meeting my mate and becoming Luna overnight was a lot, but apparently, I’m also supposed to give birth to some kind of prophesied twins while dodging an evil witch. So yeah, it’s a bit much.”

A low chuckle rumbled in my chest. Gods, she was perfect. “You can handle it.”

She arched a brow. “You sound pretty sure.”

I lifted our joined hands, pressing a kiss to her palm, letting my lips linger. “I have no doubt.”

The mages watched us in silence, their expressions unreadable. Finally, Aaleric spoke again. “You must be careful. The dark witch knows of this prophecy. She has tried before to prevent it. She will try again.”

My grip on Vanessa’s hand tightened slightly. “Let her come,” I growled. “I’ll rip her apart.”

Aaleric sighed. “It will not be so simple, Alpha. This is not a battle won with strength alone.”

Vanessa straightened beside me. “Then we’ll find another way. We’re not backing down.”

Pride surged through me, fierce and unwavering. My mate. My Luna. Even when faced with something so immense, she stood tall.

I turned back to the elder. “We’ll be ready.”

The mages exchanged glances before bowing. “Then may the Moon Goddess guide you both.”

As they departed, Vanessa leaned into me slightly, her warmth grounding me. I kissed the top of her head, inhaling deeply. The prophecy loomed over us, but for now, she was here. With me. And I would do whatever it took to protect her.

Whatever it took.

Vanessa was still wearing my shirt. The oversized fabric draped over her frame, and I had to fight the primal satisfaction roaring in my chest. She was mine, and the sight of her in my clothes made that even clearer.

As much as I wanted to keep her like this all day, Ein had loaned her a pair of jeans and a soft sweater so she wouldn’t have to parade around the pack house in just my shirt. I still wasn’t sure how I felt about that. But as I led her through the halls, showing her every corner of what would now be her home, I knew one thing—I wanted her to feel comfortable, not just as my mate but as herself.

“This is where all the pack’s administrative work happens,” I explained, gesturing toward the different rooms. “I know you’re already familiar with a lot of it because of your legal work, but there’s more behind the scenes.”

She nodded, taking it all in, her sharp mind assessing everything. “It’s interesting seeing it from this side. I knew the legal department worked closely with you, but I never really thought about how much else goes into running the pack.”

I smirked. “You’re saying you never imagined sneaking into my office to see me?”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t hide the small smile playing on her lips. “No, Alpha, I was too busy actually working.”

I chuckled and pushed open the heavy door to my office. “Well, if you ever feel like sneaking in, I won’t complain.”

Vanessa stepped inside, looking around. “This suits you,” she murmured, running her fingers over the dark wooden desk. “Strong, organized, a little intimidating.”

I stalked up behind her, leaning in close. “Just a little?”

She laughed, turning to face me. “Alright, maybe more than a little.”

I grinned, loving the way she didn’t back down from me. It made the bond between us burn even brighter.

After showing her the rest of the pack house, we made our way to the legal department. The moment we walked in, a few of her colleagues turned with knowing smirks.

“Well, well, look who finally showed up,” one of them teased. “And here we thought you’d forgotten all about us.”

Vanessa crossed her arms. “I would never.”

Another lawyer, a woman she seemed close to, gave her a playful nudge. “Yeah, well, I’m guessing you won’t be reviewing contracts for too much longer.”

Vanessa hesitated for a second, and I could feel the flicker of uncertainty through the bond. This was her dream—being a lawyer. And now, everything was shifting.

I stepped closer, my hand finding the small of her back. “If you want to keep practicing law while easing into your Luna duties, it’s more than okay with me,” I told her, my voice softer now.

She looked up at me, surprise flickering in her warm brown eyes. “You mean that?”

I nodded. “I want you to be happy, Vanessa. Being Luna doesn’t mean giving up everything you love.”

She let out a breath and smiled, squeezing my hand. “You’re a lot more understanding than I expected, Alpha.”

I smirked. “Don’t get used to it.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Too late.”

The moment was light, but I knew it meant something. She saw me—not just as an Alpha, but as someone who cared about her dreams, her happiness. And for the first time in years, I felt like I had something more than duty.

I had her.

I let the moment settle before stepping back. “Come on. My wolf is desperate to see yours.”

Vanessa tilted her head. “You want to shift?”

“I want to run with you,” I said simply. “Just us, no titles, no expectations. Just our wolves.”

She grinned. “Alright, Alpha. Let’s run.”

Chapter 5

POV: Liam

The moment we reach the edge of the forest, Vanessa hesitates only for a second before glancing at me. The sunlight filters through the towering pines, casting golden shadows across her golden hair. My wolf stirs inside me, desperate to be free, desperate to run with her.

I smirk, reaching for the hem of my shirt and pulling it over my head. “Come on, little wolf,” I tease. “Let’s see if you can keep up.”

Vanessa rolls her eyes but grins as she slips out of her borrowed clothes. My gaze traces every inch of her bare skin, my wolf growling in approval.

Mine.

But before I can even take a step toward her, she shifts—her body dissolving into a flash of golden light before her small, sleek wolf stands before me. Her fur is caramel, a soft contrast against the dark forest, and her eyes—gods, they are even more stunning in this form. Large, expressive, and filled with mischief.

I give her a warning growl, my own body rippling as I let go, embracing the shift. Pain and power surge through me, bones cracking, muscles stretching, and in the next heartbeat, I am on all fours. My paws sink into the cool earth, my massive frame towering over her small, agile form. She lets out a playful yip and darts forward, her tail brushing against my muzzle before she sprints into the trees.

She’s fast. My wolf rumbles with approval, but we are faster. The bond between us pulses stronger in this form—raw and untamed. It’s not just love; it’s instinct, primal and undeniable. We were created for each other.

I chase her through the dense forest, weaving through trees, leaping over fallen logs. She tries to outrun me, twisting and turning with impressive agility, but I stay close, hunting her. Every time I gain on her, she lets out a teasing bark and dashes ahead. My wolf enjoys the game, but the moment she miscalculates a turn and stumbles slightly, I pounce.

We tumble together, rolling across the forest floor in a blur of fur and laughter. Her wolf snarls playfully as she tries to wrestle free, but I keep her pinned beneath me, my massive paws braced on either side of her. My snout brushes against hers, and she lets out a soft whimper—recognition, surrender.

I shift first, my human form pressing against hers as I cage her between my arms. She follows, her caramel fur giving way to warm, soft skin. The second we are both human again, breathless and tangled together on the forest floor, the teasing fades into something deeper. Something darker.

My gaze rakes over her, the sunlight casting a golden sheen over her bare skin. Her body is warm beneath mine, her chest rising and falling with ragged breaths. My hand finds her wrist, pinning it above her head as I press my lips to her neck. She shivers, her fingers sliding into my hair.

“I caught you,” I murmur against her throat, my voice thick with desire.

Her breath hitches. “Maybe I let you.”

I chuckle, trailing my lips down her collarbone, across her shoulder. “Oh, little wolf,” I whisper. “I’m going to make sure you never want to run from me again.”

She gasps as I press against her, the last bit of space between us vanishing. The mate bond surges, hot and undeniable, and when she pulls me closer, nails biting into my back, I know—this is where I belong. Always.

Here, with her.

Mine.

I felt her warm body against mine, a perfect contrast to the cool dampness of the leaves beneath my palms. For a moment, I just stared at her—my mate, finally in front of me. My fingers traced the delicate lines of her face, as if my brain still couldn’t process that she was real, here, mine.

Vanessa closed her eyes, a soft shiver running through her at my touch.

“I can’t even believe you’re real,” I whispered.

I kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose, her soft, full lips. Then her jaw, her collarbone—slow, reverent touches, each kiss leaving a trail of heat along her skin. I felt it, the way her body responded to me, the way she melted under my touch. She was perfection.

My lips found her breasts, worshipping every inch, before I made my way lower, my hands spreading her thighs. The moment my tongue met her, her body arched, a sharp gasp escaping her lips. I would never get used to this—her taste, her scent, the way she came undone for me.

She moaned, breathless, and I kept going, relentless in my need to hear her fall apart. And when she did again, when she trembled and shattered beneath me, I knew I’d never crave anything more than this.

Good gods, I would never get enough of her.

I kissed her again, pouring every ounce of love, passion, and hunger into it. But then she surprised me. A growl rumbled in my chest as she pushed me back, flipping us until she straddled me, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders.

“Bold, little wolf,” I murmured, a smirk tugging at my lips.

She only smirked back, positioning herself over me before sinking down in one slow, torturous motion.

“Fuck—” My head fell back, my control unraveling in an instant.

She was warm, tight, perfect. And for once, I wasn’t the one in control. I let her take it, let her move, and gods, I loved it.

She set the pace, slow at first, teasing, and I gritted my teeth, letting her have this moment, letting her lead. But when she tilted her hips just right, a strangled groan left my throat. I couldn’t hold back anymore. My hands gripped her waist as I thrust up to meet her, and her moans turned into desperate cries of pleasure.

She was close—I could feel it in the way her body trembled, in the way her nails dug into my chest. And I was right there with her, pleasure coiling tight in my core, ready to snap.

I reached between us, brushing my thumb over her clit, and that was it. She shattered, crying out my name, her body clenching around me, dragging me over the edge with her.

My head fell back, my canines descending as my release tore through me, raw and primal. And when I looked at her, hers had descended too. Our wolves, reacting to each other. The urge to mark her, to claim her, was overwhelming.

Vanessa’s breath hitched as she looked at me, her amber eyes wide, hesitant.

“Your wolf… he needs to mark me…” she whispered.

I pulled her into my arms, pressing a kiss to her temple.

“He does,” I admitted, my voice rough. “But I told you I’d wait until you’re ready. It’s okay.”

And it was. I would wait for her—because she was mine, and I would never rush what was meant to be forever.

Vanessa stayed curled against me, her warm, soft body pressed to mine as we lay tangled in the leaves, our breaths still uneven. The forest air was cool against our heated skin, but neither of us moved to get up. I didn’t want to. I just wanted to stay like this, holding her, feeling her heartbeat against mine.

For the first time in my life, I felt whole.

Her fingers traced slow circles on my chest, and I knew she was lost in thought. I could feel it in the way her body tensed slightly, the way her breathing shifted.

“Liam…” Her voice was soft, but there was something heavier beneath it.

I ran my fingers through her hair, encouraging her to speak.

“The prophecy…” she hesitated. “I know it’s important. But what does it actually say about me? About our… heirs?”

The way she said it—our heirs—sent something primal through me. My mate. My Luna.

The mother of my future children.

I pressed a kiss to the top of her head before answering. “There is an old prophecy, that speaks of an Alpha born under the blood moon, destined to lead his kind into a new era. But it says he will only succeed if he finds his fated Luna—the one chosen by the Moon Goddess herself. Without her, he will fall to ruin. This was about me…”

She exhaled slowly. I could feel the tension in her shoulders.

“And this other prophecy is other one, that talk about our children?” she asked, her voice quieter this time.

I tightened my arms around her. “It says they will be unlike any before them. Stronger, more powerful. That they will bring great change, that they will shape the future of our kind.” I paused, choosing my words carefully. “And that’s why the witches wants to stop us. She fears what we will create together.”

Vanessa was silent for a long moment, and when she finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper.

“It’s a lot.”

I shifted, tilting her chin up so she had to look at me. Her brown eyes were full of emotions—concern, uncertainty, something almost vulnerable.

“It is,” I admitted. “And I won’t pretend I haven’t thought about it every day for years. But, Vanessa…” I brushed my knuckles along her jaw. “You’re not alone in this. You never will be.”

She swallowed, her gaze searching mine. “But what if I’m not ready? What if I never become the Luna they expect?”

I cupped her face gently. “You are my Luna. Not because of some prophecy. Not because of fate. But because you are mine, and I am yours. That’s all that matters to me.”

Her lips parted slightly, and I could see the emotions swirling behind her eyes.

“And as for our children,” I continued, my voice firm, “I will protect them. I will protect you. No force in this world or any other will ever take you from me.”

Her breath hitched, and then she was pressing closer, her arms tightening around me. I felt her sigh against my skin, the tension in her body finally easing.

We lay there in silence, wrapped in each other, as the forest whispered around us.

She was mine. My mate. My future. And no prophecy, no dark magic, no force in existence would ever take her away from me.

Chapter 6

POV: Liam

The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting golden light over the forest floor where Vanessa and I lay tangled together. Her body was warm against mine, her head resting on my chest, fingers lazily tracing patterns on my skin. The scent of the damp earth mixed with her intoxicating smell, grounding me in this moment—a moment I had dreamed of for so many years.

I ran my fingers through her hair, relishing the simple pleasure of touching her. “I waited for you for so long,” I murmured, my voice low, reverent. “Every night, I wondered if I would ever find you. If you even existed. And now you’re here, in my arms.”

Vanessa lifted her head slightly, her warm brown eyes meeting mine with an unreadable expression. Then, without warning, she pinched my arm.

I chuckled. “What was that for?”

“Just checking if you’re real,” she said, a teasing smile playing on her lips, though there was something deeper in her gaze—something raw and uncertain. “Sometimes I have dreams that feel so real, and I’m afraid I’ll wake up and this will be one of them.”

I turned, shifting until I was above her, my forearms braced on either side of her head. “This is real,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead, then to the tip of her nose, before capturing her lips with mine in a slow, lingering kiss. “You’re mine, Vanessa. And I’m yours.”

She exhaled softly, her hands sliding up my arms. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this,” she admitted. “To you.”

“Good,” I smirked. “I plan to keep surprising you.”

For a while, we just lay there, basking in the peace of the forest, in the warmth of each other. But eventually, the rumbling of Vanessa’s stomach broke the silence, making her groan and hide her face against my chest.

I laughed, the sound vibrating through both of us. “I think that means it’s time to head back for lunch.”

She nodded reluctantly, and we dressed in the clothes Ein had lent her before making our way back to the pack house. The dining hall was already filled with pack members when we arrived, the scent of freshly cooked food filling the air. I guided her to a private table, wanting to enjoy this moment with just the two of us.

As she looked over the food options, I leaned in. “So, what should I know about my mate’s taste in food? What’s something you absolutely love?”

Vanessa’s eyes lit up as she thought. “Blue cheese and honey risotto,” she said without hesitation. “Oh, and pickles with melted cheese.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Pickles with melted cheese? That’s… unexpected.”

She grinned. “Don’t knock it till you try it, Alpha.”

I laughed, tucking that detail away for later. “And wine?”

“Red,” she said immediately. “I refuse to drink white or rosé. But if you really want to impress me, a smoky Syrah is the way to my heart.”

“Noted,” I murmured, enjoying the way she opened up, how she let me in, piece by piece. “And coffee?”

She sighed dreamily. “I love a strong black coffee in the morning, but I’m obsessed with cardamom lattes.”

I smiled, committing all of it to memory. These little things about her—they made her who she was, and I wanted to know everything. “I love learning these things about you.”

Vanessa tilted her head. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” I reached across the table, brushing my fingers against hers. “Because it means I get to know you. The real you.”

She was quiet for a moment, then squeezed my hand, her gaze filled with something unspoken. “You’re real,” she whispered, almost to herself.

“And I’m not going anywhere,” I promised.

The rest of the meal passed in warmth and quiet conversation, but I could sense something lingering beneath the surface. The connection between us had solidified even more after our night together, but there was still something Vanessa wasn’t saying. Something she was working through in her mind.

And I would wait. I would be patient.

Because she was worth it.

Vanessa’s scent lingered in our bedroom—our bedroom. The realization sent a deep satisfaction through me. She had brought some of her clothes from her old room, hesitantly at first, but I had watched with silent amusement as she settled in. Small things—her hairbrush on the dresser, a book she had been reading placed beside mine, the faint scent of her perfume clinging to the space—made the room feel fuller, as if she had been here all along.

I had left her to adjust and take care of things at her office while I returned to mine. The weight of my responsibilities was ever-present, but today, it felt lighter. Even the endless reports Magnus had piled onto my desk couldn’t pull me down. Not when I knew she would be waiting for me later.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Enter.”

The heavy wooden door creaked open, and a familiar presence stepped inside.

Aelric, the oldest and most revered wizard in my pack, stood before me. His silver hair was long and braided, his robes dark blue with intricate silver embroidery—symbols of his wisdom and power. His piercing gray eyes studied me with an amused glint, as if he had been waiting for this moment for years. And perhaps he had.

“You look… different, Alpha.” His voice was deep, yet always carried a sense of calm. “More at ease.”

I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my jaw. “It’s Vanessa.” There was no need to elaborate; he understood.

Aelric nodded knowingly, stepping further into the room. “I have spent more then a decade watching you search for her. Your wolf was barely contained… If it weren’t for the potions, I fear you would have lost yourself long ago.” He sat in the chair across from me, his gaze sharp yet kind. “And yet… you have not marked her.”

I exhaled, feeling the tension coil in my chest at the mention of it. “She needs time.”

Aelric arched a brow. “Or do you?”

I scowled, but he merely chuckled. “I am not questioning your devotion, Liam. I know what she means to you. But I also know the dangers of an unmarked Luna. The bond between you is strong, but it is still vulnerable. Your enemies will sense it.”

I stiffened. “You’re worried about an attack.”

“There is… a disturbance in the magic,” Aelric admitted, his tone growing more serious. “It is faint, but it is there—dark, twisted. I cannot yet trace its source, but it is watching. Waiting.”

I clenched my fists. “Who?”

He shook his head. “I do not know yet. But I fear it is drawn to Vanessa. To your union.”

My wolf stirred uneasily, a low growl rumbling in my chest. The mere thought of anything threatening her sent my instincts into a frenzy. “No one will touch her.”

Aelric leaned forward. “Then mark her, Liam. Solidify the bond. Make her yours in every way. It will strengthen you both.”

I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly. “I can’t force this on her. She’s still adjusting—accepting what this means for her. She is my mate, but she is also her own person. I won’t take that choice from her.”

The wizard studied me for a long moment, then nodded. “A wise choice, but a dangerous one. If this darkness is growing, it may not wait for her to be ready.” He rose to his feet. “Be vigilant, Alpha.”

I stood as well, my muscles tense. “I always am.”

Aelric offered a small, knowing smile. “For her sake, I hope it is enough.”

As he left, his warning echoed in my mind. I had waited years for Vanessa. I could wait longer to mark her.

But would time be on our side?

Chapter 7

POV: Vanessa

The air hummed with excitement, the grand ballroom glowing under the silver light of the full moon. I could hear the music, the laughter, the quiet whispers of anticipation from unmated wolves like me, waiting for fate to weave its magic. But all of it faded into the background as I stood at the edge of the dance floor, my heart hammering in my chest.

Tonight could be the night.

I had dreamt of this moment since I was old enough to understand what it meant. Finding my mate. The one meant for me by the Moon Goddess herself. The person who would complete me. My fingers clenched around the soft fabric of my dress—a deep, striking red. I had chosen it carefully, knowing this could be the most important night of my life. The silky material clung to my body in just the right way, the low-cut back exposing my spine to the cool night air. I wanted to feel beautiful. Wanted to be memorable if I met him tonight.

I swallowed hard, my throat dry despite the wine I had sipped earlier. My wolf was restless inside me, pacing, sensing something I couldn’t yet understand. The anticipation crawled under my skin, making my breaths short, my hands unsteady.

Then, I heard his voice.

Deep, commanding, smooth as velvet yet edged with something raw. “Tonight, we gather once more in honor of the Moon Goddess.” he announced, his tone carrying across the ballroom, silencing the crowd. “To celebrate love, to welcome fate. This is the moment where paths align, where soulmates find each other. May the Goddess bless you all.”

A shiver ran down my spine. I turned toward the platform, my eyes landing on him.

And the world. Stopped.

The bond snapped into place like lightning striking the earth, a force so sudden and powerful that I gasped. My vision blurred for a split second before focusing with impossible clarity on the man standing above everyone else.

Liam Nightfang.

The Alpha. My Alpha.

Tall, powerful, imposing. His dark brown hair was slightly tousled, as if he had run a hand through it in frustration. His shoulders were impossibly broad under the black suit that fit him perfectly. But it was his eyes that trapped me, stole the air from my lungs. An intense, piercing blue—the color of a sky moments after a storm. So handsome was deconsertant.

Breathtaking.

My mate.

Every inch of me buzzed with awareness, a pull so strong my knees nearly buckled. His gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment, neither of us moved. The ballroom, the music, the people—it all faded into nothing. There was only him. Only us.

Then, he moved.

His steps were purposeful, his eyes never leaving mine as he descended the platform. Wolves parted for him instinctively, their whispers lost to the roaring sound of my pulse in my ears. My breath hitched as he reached me, his towering frame consuming all the space around me. I tilted my head back to meet his gaze, my lips slightly parted, my body trembling from the sheer force of the bond.

The moment Liam reaches for my hand, warmth rushes through me like wildfire. The bond snaps into place, overwhelming and undeniable. My breath catches, my heart hammering against my ribs. I barely notice the eruption of cheers and howls around us—I only see him.

Liam.

His intense blue eyes blaze as he looks down at me, something raw and unrestrained in his expression. I should be nervous, maybe even hesitant, but I’m not. Something about this feels right—like coming home after being lost for years.

He pulls me closer, his hands settling on my waist with a firm but gentle grip. He’s so much bigger than me, his presence consuming, and yet I don’t feel small. I feel seen. Wanted. Needed.

His lips brush against mine, soft at first, as if he’s holding himself back. But then, the moment deepens, and I feel it—his desperation, his longing, his absolute certainty that I belong to him. And the strangest part? I don’t want to pull away.

I kiss him back, my hands sliding up to press against his chest. He growls low in approval, the sound vibrating through me, sending a shiver down my spine. The world around us fades into nothing. There is only him, his warmth, the way he holds me as if letting go is not an option.

When I finally break the kiss, my breath comes in short, uneven gasps. My forehead rests against his, grounding me in this moment, in this reality that’s shifting faster than I can process.

He exhales, his grip tightening slightly, like he’s afraid I’ll disappear.

“I can’t believe I finally found you,” he murmurs, his voice hoarse, full of something deeper than words can express. His fingers move in slow, soothing circles against my back, and it’s grounding, calming—despite the storm raging inside me.

A breathy laugh escapes me, and I look up at him, my lips twitching. “I guess the Moon Goddess wasn’t joking with you after all.”

His chuckle is rough, but there’s something about it that makes my chest tighten. He’s holding himself back—I can feel it. The weight of years, of waiting, of a longing so intense it’s almost painful.

“Come with me,” he whispers, his nose brushing against my cheek. His voice is softer now, coaxing. “I don’t want to share you with the entire pack right now.”

Something in me hesitates for the briefest second—not because I don’t want to go, but because this is happening so fast. My entire world just changed in an instant.

Liam senses it immediately. He pulls back slightly, his blue eyes searching mine. “It’s okay,” he says gently. “I know this is a lot. I’ve waited so long for you, but if you need time—”

His understanding, the way he doesn’t push, makes something inside me ease. He’s intense, overwhelming, but he’s also… patient.

I let out a small laugh, reaching up to trace the sharp line of his jaw. His breath hitches at my touch, his muscles tensing beneath my fingertips.

“I would love to, Alpha,” I murmur.

A deep growl rumbles in his chest at my words, and before I can react, he sweeps me off my feet. A surprised squeal escapes me as he throws me over his shoulder with ridiculous ease.

“Liam!” I gasp, wriggling slightly. “Put me down!”

He smirks, landing a playful swat against my backside. “Not a chance, little mate.”

Laughter bubbles up in my chest as he carries me through the packhouse, ignoring the cheers and whistles from the others. I grumble something about arrogant Alphas, but I can’t stop smiling.

By the time we reach his room, he finally sets me down. I glance around, taking in the massive bed, the dark wood furniture, the moonlight filtering through the enormous windows. It’s… beautiful. Grand, but warm.

“This is… wow,” I murmur, brushing my fingers along the smooth surface of a nearby dresser.

His voice is rough, reverent. “It’s ours now, if you want it to be.”

I look up at him, something unspoken passing between us. His gaze is steady, unwavering, waiting for my answer. And despite the whirlwind of emotions, despite how fast this is all happening… I don’t want to run.

A slow smile tugs at my lips. “You’re sweet when you’re not being bossy, you know that?”

A deep chuckle escapes him, but there’s something else in his expression now—something fierce, something possessive. He steps closer, his fingers brushing along my jaw, tilting my chin up.

“Your name,” he says, voice rough. “Tell me.”

I swallow, my heart pounding. “Vanessa Cameron.”

His eyes darken, his jaw clenching slightly as if he’s branding the name into his soul.

“Vanessa,” he repeats, like he’s tasting it.

Then, he smirks. “You already know who I am, don’t you?”

I arch a brow, amusement flickering through me. “Liam Nightfang.”

He lets out a low chuckle. “I suppose the whole ‘Alpha’ thing gives it away.”

A small laugh escapes me, but it quickly fades as he closes the distance between us, his fingers tracing along my skin, igniting sparks wherever he touches.

And then he kisses me again.

This time, there’s no hesitation. No restraint. Just heat, just want, just the overwhelming certainty that this—whatever this is—was always meant to be.

I don’t know what comes next. I don’t know what my future looks like anymore.

But right now, none of that matters.

Because in this moment, I am his.

The moment Liam settled between my thighs, his body pressing against mine, everything else faded away. There was no past, no future—only this. Only us.

My heart pounded as I felt him, hard and ready, poised at my entrance. His hands cradled my face, his stormy eyes searching mine, filled with a tenderness I hadn’t expected.

“Are you sure?” His voice was rough, edged with restraint.

I swallowed, overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of him. Of this moment. I had never wanted anything more.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” I whispered, my fingers threading through his hair, pulling him down for a kiss.

His lips were warm, reverent, his touch worshipful as he pushed forward, inch by inch. A gasp escaped me as my body stretched to accommodate him, a sharp sting followed by a slow, burning fullness.

Liam froze, his body rigid, his breath coming in heavy pants against my neck. “Vanessa…” His voice was raw, almost broken, as if he was barely holding himself together.

I exhaled shakily, adjusting to the unfamiliar sensation, my fingers gripping his broad shoulders. It wasn’t just the physical aspect that overwhelmed me—it was the intimacy, the depth of emotion in his gaze.

I wasn’t just giving him my body. I was giving him all of me.

After a moment, I moved, tilting my hips, urging him deeper. The discomfort melted into something else—something electric, something that sent a slow, curling heat through my core.

Liam groaned, pressing his forehead against mine. “You’re perfect,” he rasped, reverence laced in every word.

Then, he moved.

A slow, deep thrust that stole the breath from my lungs. The pressure built, pleasure blooming in waves that had me clutching at him, gasping his name. He kept his pace steady, controlled, as if savoring every second, but I could feel his restraint slipping.

I didn’t want restraint.

I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him closer, deeper. A growl rumbled from his chest, and he gave me what I wanted, his movements growing more urgent, more consuming. My body sang under his touch, every nerve ending alight with sensation.

It was overwhelming. It was perfect.

The pressure inside me coiled tighter and tighter, and then—

I shattered.

A cry tore from my lips as pleasure crashed over me, a wave of pleasure so powerful I thought I might break apart. Liam followed, his release sending tremors through his body as he groaned my name, burying himself deep inside me.

For a long moment, we stayed tangled together, our bodies still joined, our breathing ragged. He brushed his lips over my temple, his touch impossibly gentle despite the raw intensity of what we had just shared.

I had given him something no one else ever had. And I knew, without a doubt, he would never take it for granted.

Liam pulled back slightly, his fingers tracing lazy circles over my skin. His eyes burned into mine, filled with something fierce, something unshakable.

“You’re mine,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. Not just a claim, not just an Alpha’s possessiveness—but a vow.

I smiled, feeling warmth bloom in my chest. “And you’re mine.”

And I knew, in that moment, that I had just changed forever.

Chapter 8

POV: Vanessa

Liam was overwhelming.

In every way.

He was intense, commanding, larger than life. His presence filled a room effortlessly, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine with nothing more than a word. But then there was this other side of him—the one that was gentle, patient, endlessly kind. The one who worshipped me like I was the most precious thing in his world.

And maybe I was.

The afternoon had passed in a blur as I tried to regain some sense of normalcy. Liam had let me have time to organize my thoughts, my responsibilities—both as a lawyer and as his Luna. I had begun looking into my duties, slowly understanding the role I would take within the pack. It felt daunting but exciting, a new purpose unfolding before me.

At the same time, another change had started to happen—one I hadn’t fully realized until now.

I stood in Liam’s bedroom—our bedroom, I supposed—placing some of my personal things on the dresser. Small, simple touches. My favorite perfume. A book I had started reading. The necklace my mother had given me when I was little.

I didn’t even know when I had made the decision, but it felt natural, inevitable.

I was merging into his life. Into his space.

A shiver ran through me when I felt him before I even heard him.

Strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind, pulling me against a body that radiated warmth and power. I sighed as Liam pressed his lips to the side of my neck, lingering, his breath sending tingles down my spine.

“You have no idea how much I love seeing this,” he murmured, his voice husky, filled with emotion.

“Seeing what?” I asked, my fingers resting over his arms, holding him close.

“You. Here. In my room, making it yours too.” He nuzzled my hair, inhaling deeply, as if he could never get enough of my scent. “I’ve dreamed about this, Vanessa. About you, with me. Like this.”

My chest tightened.

I turned in his arms, looking up at him, at the sheer devotion in his eyes. “I guess… I’m starting to live here, little by little,” I admitted, a small smile tugging at my lips.

His grip on me tightened, his expression unreadable for a second before something fierce and possessive flashed across his face.

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for that,” he murmured before kissing me again, slow and deep, making my toes curl.

When he finally pulled away, his thumb brushed over my lower lip, his expression softening. “Come,” he said. “I have something planned for us.”

Curious, I let him lead me out of the room, down the hall, until we reached a private dining room I hadn’t seen before.

The sight made my breath catch.

Candles flickered on the table, casting a golden glow against the dark wood. The room was intimate, warm, the scent of something rich and savory filling the air. A single table was set for two, and everything about it felt… special.

Liam pulled out a chair for me, waiting until I was seated before taking his own. He poured the deep red wine into my glass, the scent immediately familiar.

I blinked in surprise. “Smoked Syrah?”

He smirked. “Of course. Your favorite.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest.

And then the food arrived.

A plate was placed in front of me, the rich, unmistakable scent of blue cheese and honey rising with the steam.

I stared. “Liam… You remembered?”

His smirk softened, turning into something deeper, something reverent. “Of course, I did. I pay attention, Vanessa.”

Emotion clogged my throat.

This man—the Alpha feared by so many, the warrior who had spent years carrying the weight of an entire pack—had remembered something so simple. My favorite dish, my favorite wine. Because it mattered to him. Because I mattered to him.

I swallowed hard, my heart full.

“I don’t know what to say,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Liam reached across the table, taking my hand in his. “Then don’t say anything,” he murmured. “Just know that I will always remember the little things, Vanessa. Because they’re a part of you. And I want to know everything about you.”

Tears pricked my eyes, but I didn’t let them fall. Instead, I squeezed his hand, my chest aching with something deep and unshakable.

Love.

There was something in Liam’s expression that unsettled me.

He kept his face neutral, his grip on his wine glass steady, but his entire body was coiled tight, like a predator sensing something just out of sight. The easy warmth that had filled the room earlier, the quiet, intimate connection between us, had shifted. Now, an undercurrent of tension crackled beneath the candlelight.

The unsettling sensation prickled at the back of my mind long before Liam admitted to feeling it. He kept glancing around, his jaw tight, his grip on his wine glass just a little too firm.

“Liam?” I set my fork down, watching him closely. “What’s wrong?”

He exhaled through his nose, his deep blue eyes meeting mine. “I don’t know. Just… a feeling.”

I frowned. “A feeling?”

His gaze flickered toward the entrance of our private dining room, then back to me.

He looked at me then, and for a moment, I swore I saw his irises darken. “An instinct,” he admitted. “Like something is… off. Something magical.”

A shiver ran down my spine. The word magical carried weight in his world—our world.

“Should we be worried?” I asked, my voice quieter now.

Liam hesitated, then forced a small smirk, reaching across the table to take my hand. “No. We’ll eat, we’ll drink, and I’ll pretend I’m not imagining things.”

I narrowed my eyes. “That doesn’t sound very Alpha-like.”

He chuckled, the sound more genuine this time. “Even Alphas are allowed to enjoy a dinner with their mate.”

I squeezed his hand, letting him comfort me, even if a strange unease had settled in my own chest. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe he was just being overly cautious.

We continued eating, our conversation shifting back to lighter topics—my role as Luna, my thoughts on the pack, even playful banter about our first kiss at the Moon Ball. He watched me the entire time, his expression softening whenever I spoke, his attention unwavering. I loved that about him. How he made me feel like the only thing that mattered.

And then—

A crash.

The entire building seemed to shake.

Both of us were on our feet instantly. Liam’s chair scraped against the floor, his entire body shifting into battle-readiness in the blink of an eye. My heart pounded as another loud boom echoed through the halls.

He grabbed my wrist. “Stay behind me.”

I barely had time to nod before we were moving. Liam guided me out of the private dining room, his grip protective yet firm. The moment we stepped into the hallway, we saw them.

Magnus and Ein stood at the far end, both of them tense, their postures rigid. Magnus looked ready for a fight, his shoulders squared, his jaw set in a hard line. Ein stood close to him, eyes sharp, her stance prepared.

“What the hell was that?” Magnus growled.

“I don’t know,” Liam muttered. “But I don’t like it.”

Then, the air shifted. Dark. Cold. Wrong.

And she appeared.

A woman materialized before us, her presence suffocating, ancient, powerful. Her long, obsidian hair cascaded over shoulders draped in a dark, flowing cloak. Her skin was pale, almost luminous under the dim packhouse lights, but it was her eyes that made my breath hitch—black as the void, endless, devouring.

A witch.

Guards burst into the hallway, moving to restrain her, but with a mere flick of her fingers, they were thrown back as if struck by an invisible force, their bodies crashing against the walls. The scent of burnt magic filled the air, sharp and electric.

She smiled. “Such a warm welcome.”

Liam’s body went rigid beside me. “Who are you?”

The woman tilted her head, her amusement evident. “I am Nyxara.”

The name slithered through the air, ancient, ominous. It felt like it carried the weight of centuries, of forgotten nightmares.

Nyxara’s gaze flicked to me, and a slow, knowing smile spread across her lips. “And you must be the reason for all of this.”

Liam stepped in front of me, his stance protective, his growl reverberating through the hallway. “You will not touch her.”

Nyxara merely chuckled, unfazed. “Oh, Alpha, you have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into.”

The room felt like it was closing in, thick with dark energy. My heart pounded against my ribs as I clutched Liam’s arm, my breath coming in shallow gasps.

For the first time since I had met him, Liam looked truly unnerved.

And that terrified me more than anything.

Chapter 9

POV: Liam

The moment Nyxara spoke her name, the world seemed to tilt.

Everything inside me screamed to move, to strike, to tear her apart before she could so much as look at Vanessa. My wolf surged, a violent force in my chest, but the air itself felt thick with magic, pressing down like unseen chains trying to hold me back.

Nyxara. The name had haunted the whispers of our elders, the shadows of forgotten lore. She was no ordinary witch. She was ancient, a force beyond comprehension, a being who should have been nothing more than a nightmare passed through generations.

A legend.

A nightmare.

And yet, she stood before me.

I positioned myself fully in front of Vanessa, my stance wide, my muscles coiled, ready to strike. I could feel her behind me—her heartbeat fast, her breath uneven—but she didn’t cower. She was strong, my mate. But this was a battle she could not fight. This was my fight.

“Your presence here is a violation,” I growled, my voice low, dangerous. “This land is protected by magic as old as the Moon Goddess herself. You should not be able to step foot inside this house.”

Nyxara tilted her head, a smirk playing at her lips. “Oh, Liam,” she mused, her voice sickly sweet, mocking. “You underestimate me. I have spent centuries unraveling the so-called protections of your kind. Your walls, your magic, your pitiful guards—none of them can keep me out when I decide I wish to enter.”

As if to prove her point, my warriors lunged at her, their movements fast as lightning, precise and deadly. But with a flick of her wrist, they were thrown back as if struck by an invisible force, crashing against the marble walls with bone-shattering impact.

Ein gasped, reaching for Magnus, who barely managed to rise to his feet, shaking off the attack. My Beta’s fury burned bright in his eyes, but even he hesitated. We had fought wars, battled creatures of darkness, but this—this was something else.

“Enough of this,” I snapped, forcing my voice to remain steady. “You came here for a reason. Say your piece and leave before I rip you apart.”

Nyxara chuckled, a dark, melodic sound that sent shivers down my spine. “Oh, Alpha, you are so delightfully predictable.” Her eyes flickered to Vanessa, her smile widening. “I came for her.”

I panicked.

A snarl ripped from my throat before I could stop it. The entire room seemed to shake as my power flared. “Over my dead body.”

She sighed dramatically. “I thought you might say that.” Her eyes gleamed. “But it’s not really about what you want, is it? Fate is already in motion, Liam. You cannot stop what has already begun.”

I tightened my fists, my claws threatening to emerge. “Vanessa is mine. My mate. Whatever twisted plans you have, whatever prophecy you seek to destroy—it will not happen.”

Nyxara’s amusement didn’t waver. “You think your love is enough to defy fate?” She stepped forward, the power radiating off her like a storm ready to consume everything in its path. “How very naive.”

Magic crackled in the air, sending a pulse of energy that made every hair on my body stand on end. I could feel Vanessa stiffen behind me, but I didn’t dare turn. My focus was solely on Nyxara, on every move she made, on every breath she took.

But in a movement, Nyxara moved her hands, sending magical dark tendrils in my direction, but to my complete desperation, it passed me and went directly to Vanessa behind me. The moment Nyxara’s magic closed around Vanessa, my world shattered. It was so fast, I couldn’t do anything.

One second, she was there—warm, breathing, alive in my arms. The next, she was being riped away, swallowed by the pulsing darkness that erupted from Nyxara’s outstretched fingers. A vortex of black mist twisted around them, thick and suffocating, pulling Vanessa from my grasp like some cruel nightmare.

“NO!” The roar that tore from my chest was inhuman, raw, and broken. I lunged, claws ripping through my skin, my wolf fully unleashed—but it was too late. The dark magic surged between us like an unbreakable wall. I reached out, desperate, as Vanessa’s wide, terrified eyes locked onto mine. Her mouth formed my name. And then she was gone.

The magic collapsed in on itself, vanishing as suddenly as it had come. The spot where she had stood was empty. Silent. Wrong.

I shift back.

I fell to my knees.

My mate. My everything. Gone.

My breath came in ragged, agonized gasps. My vision blurred with rage, grief, and helplessness. The sound of guards rushing, weapons drawn, barely registered. Magnus was at my side, his voice urgent, but it was distant—meaningless. Nothing mattered. Nothing except the unbearable void where Vanessa should have been.

Nyxara stood before me, her expression unreadable, ancient eyes filled with cold amusement. She had done this. She had taken her. My entire body shook with fury, but I could do nothing. Not yet.

I tried to move but her magic kept me still, powerless, strengthless.

“Liam Nightfang,” she said, her voice smooth, untouched by the chaos around her. “Your Luna is gone.”

A vicious snarl ripped from my throat, but she only tilted her head, as if observing a caged beast.

“You cannot reach her,” she continued, her lips curling into a cruel smile. “Not in this world.”

Her words slashed through me like knives, but I forced myself to meet her gaze. “Where is she?” My voice was a growl, low and deadly, barely containing the storm inside me.

Nyxara chuckled softly. “Far beyond your reach.”

I launched myself at her, fangs bared, claws extended—but in a blink, she dissolved into shadows, vanishing into nothing. My hands grasped empty air. My wolf howled in frustration, in agony, but she was gone.

My mate was gone.

I felt like there were no floor under my knees.

No light in my life.

Only dark.

Only desperation.

The silence that followed was deafening. Magnus’ grip on my shoulder was firm, anchoring me to reality, but I barely felt it. The weight in my chest was crushing, suffocating. I had waited my whole life for my mate. Found her, held her, cherished her for one fleeting moment of happiness.

And now she had been ripped away.

The pain was unbearable.

My hands curled into fists against the cold marble floor. My voice was hoarse when I spoke, but it carried a vow. A promise forged in fire and blood.

“I will bring her back.”

No matter the cost. No matter what I had to do.

I would find her. And I would make Nyxara pay.

Chapter 10

POV: Liam

I felt numb.

My knees hit the floor, but I barely registered the impact. A distant pressure on my shoulder told me Magnus was gripping me, grounding me, but I couldn’t focus. My vision blurred, my ears rang with the absence of what mattered most. There were movements around me—guards pacing, Magnus barking orders—but it was all a meaningless haze.

A hole had been torn through my chest, deeper than anything I’d ever known. No, not just my chest—my soul. My very being.

I had waited fifteen years for my mate.

And I had her for just a day.

One fucking day.

Now she was gone. Stolen from my arms. Ripped from my life. My heart. My future.

I wanted to rage. I wanted to tear apart the walls, command my warriors to hunt her down, rip through whatever force had dared to take her. But all I felt was desperation, a raw, suffocating agony that left me gasping for air.

I had never felt powerless before.

I was an Alpha. I ruled over one of the strongest packs in existence. I controlled every aspect of my life, my people, my world. And yet, here I was—brought to my knees, shattered, lost.

I felt my heart tiny, my lungs suffocated, as she was the air and now I can’t breathe.

A movement in front of me caught my unfocused gaze. A dark blue robe swayed in the dim light, and it took me a moment to recognize Aaleric. His presence barely registered, until his words sliced through my torment.

“There was nothing you could have done.”

The sentence did not bring me comfort. It did not ease my suffering. If anything, it made the crushing weight of helplessness even worse.

“Nyxara,” he said darkly, his voice a whisper of dread. “She planned this for centuries. This was bigger than you, bigger than any of us. She used all her ancestral power to breach these walls.”

For the first time, I processed what that meant. My pack house was sacred ground, heavily protected with enchantments, fortified by generations of magic and security. No one should have been able to enter uninvited.

And yet, she had.

The mage lifted his hands, sending streaks of blue energy into the air, his magic searching for traces of the attack. His face twisted with unease as he analyzed the remnants of Nyxara’s spellwork.

“This was dark magic,” he murmured. “The kind that demands sacrifice.”

A shiver ran down my spine.

The kind that demands sacrifice.

The words made my stomach churn, my wolf snarling in protest inside me.

“But it’s not over,” I growled, shoving myself to my feet, my hands clenched into fists. “Where is she? I’ll find her. I’ll bring her back.”

Aaleric hesitated. His gaze met mine, serious, grim. That made my wolf scratch inside my chest.

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple, Alpha…”

My entire body went rigid.

“What the hell does that mean?” My voice was a low snarl, barely contained.

“Nyxara didn’t just take her,” Aaleric said carefully. “She took her far from you.”

A pause. A shift in the air, heavy with something I didn’t want to hear.

“For what I can sense… she’s in another world.”

The words hit me like a physical blow.

Another world.

What the fuck was he saying? How was that even possible?

“Another world…?” My voice was barely above a whisper.

Aaleric nodded solemnly. “I need time to understand what happened. The magic she used—it’s ancient, unlike anything we’ve dealt with before. I’ll inform you when I have answers.”

Time.

I didn’t have fucking time.

I couldn’t just sit here while Vanessa was out there—alone, stolen from me, trapped in some unknown place.

I felt like I was handcuffed.

Yet, there was nothing I could do.

Aaleric turned back to his mages, continuing his search for clues, his team working to repair the shattered barriers that had failed to protect her. I stood there, frozen, fists clenched, jaw tight, my mind racing with every possible way to fix this. To undo what had been done. To find her, to bring her back where she belonged.

Magnus finally placed a firm hand on my shoulder. “Come on, Liam. Let’s get you to your room.”

My room.

It was the worst place I could be, but I let him guide me, too numb to resist.

The moment I stepped inside, my chest tightened painfully. Her scent still lingered in the air, sweet and familiar, wrapping around me like a cruel embrace. My gaze fell on the bed, where golden strands of her hair rested against the pillow. My wolf whined, the sound raw, broken.

I reached out, my fingers brushing against the soft strands.

It was the purest form of torture.

And for the first time in my life, I felt truly lost.

The next day was just as unbearable. Another day of agony, of desperation clawing at my chest. I didn’t sleep. I barely breathed. My pack moved around me, speaking in hushed voices, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. None of it mattered. Not without her.

I felt with no air.

When Aaleric finally returned, I shot to my feet, my entire body tense with expectation. He looked exhausted, dark circles under his eyes, his long blue robes wrinkled. I could tell he’d been working nonstop. He had answers. He had to.

“Where is she?” My voice was rough, edged with desperation.

Aaleric exhaled heavily, his expression grim. “She’s been sent to another world, Alpha. A human world.”

His words didn’t make sense. I narrowed my eyes. “What do you mean another world?”

“The world Nyxara sent her to has no werewolves. No mages. No magic at all.”

The air in the room seemed to thin. My heart pounded, a cold sweat breaking out across my skin. “No magic?”

“And the only way to bring her back is with magic…” Aaleric say this but was completely nonsense.

I felt goosebumps on every inch of my skin.

“You just said there is no magic there” I said back my voice louder than I really indeed.

Aaleric nodded. “None. Except for one thing.” He hesitated, as if unsure how to phrase it. “The only form of magic that exists there… is love. She must fall in love with you there.”

Love.

I stiffened. “What does that mean?”

Aaleric sighed. “Here, love is fated. The Moon Goddess chooses our mates. It’s inevitable, undeniable. In that world, love is different. It’s a choice. It must be earned.”

I clenched my jaw. “That doesn’t matter. She’s my mate. She’ll feel it.”

Aaleric hesitated, then delivered the final blow. “She won’t remember you, Liam.”

His words knocked the breath from my lungs. My vision blurred with rage, with panic. “What?”

“Nyxara’s magic wiped her memory of this world. Of you. She won’t recognize you, won’t feel the bond. If you go to her like this, you’ll be nothing but a stranger.”

I shook my head, refusing to accept it. “No. No, that’s impossible. Even without the memories, she’ll know me. She’ll feel something.”

Aaleric’s expression was pained. “Maybe. But you can’t rely on the bond to bring her back. You must make her fall in love with you—without fate guiding her.”

I felt like the ground beneath me had cracked open. My mate. My Vanessa. Alone in a world where I didn’t exist to her. Where I had to—what? Woo her like a human? Convince her to love me without the bond we were born for?

It was absurd. It was impossible.

“I need to go to her,” I said, voice hoarse. “Now.”

Aaleric looked hesitant. “I need to prepare the magic. I can modify the spell to allow you to keep your memory. But you can only stay for one week.”

I froze. “What?”

“One week, Liam. That’s all the magic will allow. If she chooses you, if she loves you by then, she’ll return with you. If not…” He trailed off, his expression grim. “She will remain in the human world forever.”

The weight of his words crushed me. I swayed slightly, the air thick and suffocating.

A week. Seven days to win her heart. To bring her back to me.

Or lose her forever.

My throat tightened. My mind spun. My wolf howled in agony inside me.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stand taller. I would not fail. I could not fail.

But before I could speak, another question burned in my chest. “Why didn’t Nyxara just kill her?”

Aaleric’s eyes darkened. “She can’t.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“She is part of the Moon’s prophecy, Liam. That’s why Nyxara had to send her away. Killing her is impossible.”

The prophecy.

I felt my fists clench. This was bigger than just Vanessa and me. Bigger than our bond, our love.

But right now, I didn’t care about destiny.

I just needed to bring her home.

The days that followed Vanessa’s disappearance were a blur of agony and emptiness. I barely slept, barely ate. My wolf was restless, on the verge of madness, howling for the mate that had been ripped from us. I spent hours pacing, searching, raging—then collapsing into silence, staring at nothing.

Magnus and Ein never left my side. They were the only thing keeping me from completely falling apart. They took over the pack’s affairs, holding everything together while I was lost in my grief. I knew they were worried about me, about what would happen when I left, but they didn’t voice it. They just stood beside me, solid as ever.

“Alpha,” Magnus said one evening as we stood on the balcony, looking over the land I had ruled for so many years. “We’ll take care of everything while you’re gone. You just focus on bringing Vanessa back.”

Ein nodded. “She’s your mate, Liam. No magic, no force, no curse can sever that bond. She’ll find her way back to you.”

I wanted to believe that.

But the truth was, I didn’t know what I was walking into. A world without wolves, without magic, where Vanessa wouldn’t remember me. Where I would be nothing to her.

By the third night, Aaleric came to me with grim news. “The spell is ready,” he said. “Come with me.”

I followed him deep into the mountains, to a hidden cave shrouded in ancient magic. The air was thick with energy, the stone walls glowing with runes older than any of us. Aaleric’s mages stood in a circle, murmuring incantations under their breath. In the center, a stone altar held vials of potions, herbs, and enchanted artifacts—tools for the spell that would rip me from this world and thrust me into hers.

Aaleric turned to me. “Drink these,” he instructed, handing me a series of potions. “They will protect your mind, keep your memory intact. But once you’re there, you’ll have no power. You’ll be human. Vulnerable.”

I swallowed them without hesitation. The taste burned down my throat, searing into my blood. My wolf howled inside me, restless, but I forced him down.

Aaleric placed a firm hand on my shoulder. “Liam… if you do not succeed, if Vanessa does not fall in love with you by the end of the week, you will return here alone. And she will remain in that world forever.”

I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening. “If I don’t bring her back… then I don’t want to come back at all.”

Silence fell over the cave.

The mages exchanged wary glances, but Aaleric only nodded, his expression grim.

“Then let us begin.”

They formed a circle around me, their chants growing louder. The cave walls trembled, the runes flaring to life. Wind howled through the chamber, though there was no breeze. Sparks of blue and white magic crackled through the air, twisting around my body like chains of light. The storm built around me, a vortex of power pulling at my soul.

A sharp pain shot through my chest, and then—

Everything shattered.

Light exploded around me. My body was weightless, torn from my world. I heard Magnus yell my name. Aaleric’s voice was distant, lost in the chaos. And then, just as suddenly as it started—

It was over.

Darkness swallowed me whole.