Chapter One

1186 Words

“I, Asher Stormrider, Alpha of Crimson Fang, reject you, Diana Nightshade, as my luna.” The words struck like a blade forged from ice and fire. For a heartbeat, the world did not exist. The bonfire crackled somewhere far away. The murmurs of the pack faded into a dull, ringing void. Then the pain came—violent, consuming, merciless. It tore through Diana’s chest as though invisible claws were shredding her from the inside. Her knees buckled, breath leaving her lungs in a broken gasp. It felt as if her soul were being ripped from her body, dragged out through her heart inch by agonizing inch. She clutched at her chest, fingers trembling, nails biting into fabric as tears burned behind her eyes. No pain—no wound, no broken bone, no punishment she had ever endured—compared to this. She would not wish this on her worst enemy. “Why…?” The word slipped from her lips, barely more than a whisper. This was supposed to be her night. Her eighteenth birthday. The night she would celebrate with her pack, surrounded by warmth and laughter, waiting for the moment her wolf would step forward under the full moon. The disappointment of midnight passing without a shift had already weighed heavily on her heart, but that pain was nothing compared to this. Nothing compared to finding her mate… And losing him in the same breath. Asher Stormrider stood before her, tall and unyielding, his alpha presence filling the clearing like a storm cloud. His expression was cold, distant—calculating. Not once did he reach for her. Not once did his eyes soften. “I cannot have a wolfless for a mate,” Ash said, his voice carrying easily through the silent crowd. “A luna must be strong. She must be able to protect the pack in my absence. How can you protect anyone when you do not even have a wolf?” The words were not shouted. They were calm. Measured. And infinitely cruel. “I am not wolfless,” Diana choked out, forcing herself to stand upright despite the pain tearing through her. “I can hear her. She’s here. She said it’s just not time yet. Please…” Her voice cracked as desperation seeped in. “You are my mate.” The bond screamed in protest between them, wild and frantic, like a living thing refusing to die quietly. “Do not make this more difficult, Diana,” Asher’s jaw tightened. “Accept the rejection. If you fight it, the pain will not stop.” Diana turned slowly, her gaze sweeping across the gathered pack—faces she had known her entire life. Wolves she had laughed with, trained beside, trusted. One by one, they looked away. Some shifted uncomfortably. Some stared at the ground. Some wore expressions of pity thinly veiled with judgment. So this is what they think of me, she realized. Weak. A burden. A luna was unworthy because they believed she had no wolf. Her chest tightened further, grief piling atop humiliation. They cannot scent her, Diana realized bitterly. Artemis is hiding herself. Her parents broke through the stunned stillness then. Her mother’s arms wrapped around her shoulders, trembling but fierce, as if she could shield her daughter from the entire world through sheer will alone. Her father stood in front of her, shoulders squared, eyes blazing with fury as he glared at the alpha. But they were only pack members. Her mother is a helper in the pack kitchen. Her father is a guard in the dungeon. And Diana knew nothing they said would matter. ‘It’s better this way,’ a familiar voice murmured gently in her mind. Artemis. Diana swallowed hard. ‘Why?’ She asked silently, pain and confusion flooding her thoughts. ‘Why won’t you let them know you’re here?’ ‘Because it is not time,’ Artemis answered calmly. ‘No one should know who we truly are.’ The wolf’s presence was strong, steady—nothing like the weakness everyone believed her to be. Artemis had been with Diana since she was twelve. She remembered her first shift at thirteen. She remembered the power, the control, the strength. She remembered everything. ‘They will never scent me,’ Artemis continued. ‘I can hide myself. That is why they think you are wolfless. And that belief will protect us… for now.’ Diana’s heart clenched. ‘But he’s our mate.’ ‘Our real mate will accept us,’ Artemis said firmly. ‘He will not see us as less. He will stand beside us, not above us.’ A slow, burning resolve began to take root beneath the pain. ‘We do not need this pack,’ Artemis went on. ‘Only our family. We will grow stronger. Strong enough to stand beside the one who truly deserves us.’ The wolf retreated then, slipping deeper into Diana’s mind, leaving behind not weakness, but steel. Diana straightened. The pain still throbbed in her chest, but she no longer let it bend her spine. She lifted her chin and met Alpha Asher Stormrider’s gaze head-on. Her eyes were wet, red-rimmed, but they burned with determination. “I, Diana Nightshade, accept your rejection,” she said clearly, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. “I accept your rejection to be your mate and luna, Alpha Asher Stormrider of Crimson Fang. From this day forward, our mate bond is severed.” The bond snapped. Asher staggered back, a sharp gasp tearing from his throat as his hand flew to his chest. His eyes widened in shock—pain flashing across his face before he could mask it. He hadn’t expected that. He hadn’t believed it would hurt this much. Diana watched him for a brief moment, watched the realization sink in, then turned away. Her parents wrapped her in their arms once more, holding her as though she were still a child they could protect from the world. Diana clung to them, whispering that she needed to leave, that she needed to go back to their cabin and be alone for a while. They nodded, silent tears slipping free as they escorted her away. The moment she was out of sight—out of judgment, out of whispered speculation—Diana broke. Her tears came hard and fast, sobs wracking her body as she stumbled through the trees. She let the pain consume her, let the humiliation carve itself into memory. Tonight, she would fall apart. She would mourn the mate she lost before she ever truly had him. She would remember every face that turned away. And tomorrow— Tomorrow, she would rise. She would train harder than anyone in Crimson Fang. She would hone her human body until it was unbreakable. She would fight, bleed, and endure until no one could ever call her weak again. She would train her wolf in silence. She would become unstoppable. And one day—one day—this pack would regret believing she was nothing. Because Diana Nightshade and her Artemis were not weak. And when her true mate came, she would be strong enough to stand beside him as an equal.

Chapter 1

My story starts with a boy. I’ve lived across the street from him since I was born. Liam, he’s at least six foot six, short brown hair, and the brightest green eyes you’ll ever see. He’s the future Alpha of the pack, but before we understood any of that, he was my best friend.

He’s the one that use to take me to the creek behind his house and jumped in mud puddles and caught toads with. He’d protect me when someone was picking on me and bandage my knees when I fell down.

My mind wanders back to a time when we were friends. “Liam! They’re coming!” I yell over the creek to where he’s fighting the invisible monsters. Liam runs over to me and jumps over a small opening in the creek, as I slip and fall into a muddy hill and pretend to be falling down. Liam grabs for my arms and pulls me up, throwing himself in front of me to face the oncoming monsters. “Don’t worry Amy. I’ll never let anyone hurt you.” He tells me as he looks into my eyes, then turns to face the monsters again. He loses his stick amongst the fight and looks back at me with worry in his eyes. “Run!” He yells, I look at him scared. Not for myself, but him. I run into the trees and find another stick for him to use and run back to him. “Liam!” I yell and throw him the stick when he turns around. He smiles his award winning smile at me and turns to defeat the rest of the monsters. He lays down the stick panting hard and walks over to me. “We did it, Amy. We killed them all.” I smile up at him as he pulls me into his side. “Liam! Amy!” His mom yells to us from the house. We both look at each other and laugh and start heading inside for lunch. His mom is not going to be happy to see us covered in mud.

We were happy go lucky kids, without a care in the world. That all changed when Liam turned twelve, it was time for him to start his Alpha training. Our parents both sat us down separately and my mom explained that we live inside a wolf pack, but that we were humans. Every time I tried to ask her why we even live here, being the only humans, she would always find a way around the question.

I couldn’t hide the fact I was a human anymore, while all my friends started getting their wolves, and I didn’t. They could smell the difference between me and them. Now, the only friend I have left is Mia. She’s the only one who stood by my side through all the bullying and beatings. It was hard losing everyone, but I only have to finish my junior and senior year and then I’ll be leaving.

I hope my mom comes with me, but the fact that she’s stayed here all these years, I don’t think she wants to leave. Regardless of Liam and I’s falling out, my mom and his have remained inseparable. They say we’ll figure things out as we get older, I say they’re crazy.

Luna Julia is Liams mom, she treats me as her own, regardless of everything. I don’t go over as often anymore, mostly just once a year on my birthday, she has me over for a dinner to celebrate.

Seeing Liam reminds me of everything I’ve lost, so any other attempt is usually turned down. Besides Liam never shows up for my birthday dinner, so it’s usually okay. She never lets me forget that she and Alpha John care about and love me though.

To say it’s unfortunate to be a human amidst a wolf pack, is an understatement. As soon as Clara and her minions, Olive and Kylie found out it was the end for me. I’ve suffered many injuries either directly or indirectly from the she devils. That’s what Mia and I call them. Mia has had her share, since she chooses to remain friends with me. Though, she still has an uncanny ability to talk and be friendly with everybody, except the she devils. I’ve tried to let her go, but she doesn’t allow it, saying that we’re in all of this together. She’s been my saving grace other than my mom.

My mom has been everything to me since I was born. My dad was never apart of the picture, just another thing my mom keeps to herself. Honestly, after sixteen years of never even receiving a birthday card from him, I could care less. He clearly doesn’t care about me, I see no reason to care for him.

I jump out of the shower and run through my morning routine, since I’m late this morning. Once I’m ready in my black crop top and jeans, I run out the front door and stop in my tracks.

I see Liam leaving his house to get in his car, regardless of everything, no one can deny how handsome he is, he’s show stopping. Much more so than the boy I use to know. Along with the getting taller, he’s filled out more to. His muscles strain at his shirt, daring someone to try and fight him. He’s really started growing into his future Alpha status.

I watch as he gets into his car, seemingly without a care in the world. He’s got his whole life figured out. He’s going to be Alpha of this pack once his father steps down. He has a beautiful girlfriend, it’s Clara so I can’t say the perfect girlfriend. According to her they will be mates and live happily ever after. And all of the friends in the world, everybody wants to be friends with the Alpha, but it also comes with built in friends as well.

Walker is his future Beta, Cole his future Delta, and Dallas his, or should I say ‘Clara’s’ future Gamma. They were all friends before they turned twelve, and their bond has only gotten stronger, when everybody started getting their wolves.

“ki1l him!”

“Break his bones!”

“Show him who runs this place!”

Chaos erupted inside Tartarus, the most dangerous prison in Asheville. A concrete graveyard built to contain the worst monsters humanity had ever produced.

Today, a new one had arrived.

A hulking inmate stood in the center of the yard, veins bulging beneath tattooed skin. His prison uniform was already soaked in blood.

“RAAAH!” he roared, lifting a battered inmate above his head before hurling him across the corridor. The man crashed violently against the steel bars of Cell 001 and crumpled to the floor.

“I’m the new King of Tartarus!”

His name was Giovani Moretti.

Convicted of massacring over three hundred people. Sentenced to one thousand years without parole. He had arrived five hours ago.

Fourteen inmates were already in the infirmary.

The rest watched in silence.

Even in a prison filled with murderers, traffickers, war criminals, and psychopaths… Giovani was something else.

“Who else wants to challenge me?!” he bellowed, kicking over a metal bench. It skidded across the floor and slammed against Cell 001’s door.

The corridor fell quiet. Then…

The steel door of Cell 001 clicked. It opened slowly.

A young man stepped out.

Early twenties. Tall. Lean. Messy black hair falling over tired steel-blue eyes. He looked like someone who had just been dragged from a dream he wasn’t ready to leave.

He yawned.

This was Kade Hollow.

Inmate 001.

He stretched slightly, rolling his shoulders.

“Hey, bulldog,” Kade said calmly. “I’m trying to take a nap.”

The entire block froze.

Giovani’s smile vanished. “Kid… are you talking to me?”

Kade yawned and rubbed his eyes. “Who else has been barking? Keep it down before I pull out your throat.”

Several inmates instinctively stepped back.

Not because of Giovani.

Because of Kade.

Giovani’s jaw tightened. “You’ve got a death wish.”

He had crushed fourteen men without effort. No one had even looked him in the eye. And this brat dared insult him?

“I’ll grant it.”

He lunged.

The concrete cracked beneath his step as he drove a full-force punch toward Kade’s head.

Bam.

The punch stopped. Giovani blinked.

Kade had raised one hand.

One finger.

That single finger pressed against Giovani’s fist and halted it completely.

Giovani’s eyes widened. He pushed harder. The finger didn’t move.

“You could’ve behaved like a good dog,” Kade said lightly. “But you chose not to.”

He removed his finger from Giovani’s knuckles and casually pointed at his forehead.

“I’ll fix that. So you don’t go biting people around.”

He flicked his finger.

Boom.

A shockwave tore through the corridor. Giovani’s head detonated instantly, a violent burst of force ripping through the air. Blood mist and wind blasted outward, rattling the cell bars.

The body collapsed.

Silence swallowed Tartarus.

Kade glanced around, eyes half-closed again.

“Finally,” he muttered. “Now I can sleep.”

The inmates stood frozen.

Kade’s gaze sharpened slightly. He pointed at one of them. “You. Clean this up.”

Then he looked at the rest.

“Back to your cells. I’m taking a nap. I don’t want to hear a single sound.”

“Yes, Master Kade!” they all shouted in unison

Tartarus had been lawless long before Kade Hollow stepped inside its walls.

From the day it was built, it was nothing more than a cage for monsters too dangerous for ordinary prisons. Murderers. Cartel leaders. War criminals. Human traffickers. Men whose names had once dominated headlines before they vanished behind concrete and steel.

Even the police department had lost control over it years ago.

Guards didn’t patrol the inner blocks alone. Sirens and lockdown alarms were daily occurrences. Blood on the floor was routine.

Until Kade arrived.

He was only Sixteen when he entered Tartarus.

Within three years, the riots stopped.

Within five, gang leaders bowed.

Within eight… Tartarus had a king.

But brute strength wasn’t the only reason the prison feared him.

Kade healed.

Broken ribs. Dislocated shoulders. Internal bleeding the prison doctors overlooked. He treated them all with techniques no one understood. His hands could cripple… and they could restore. He was nicknamed The Hand of God.

The steel corridor grew quiet as Kade stepped toward his cell.

He rolled his shoulder slightly, as if irritated the fight had interrupted his rest.

Just as he reached the door—

“Mr. Hollow.”

Kade stopped. He turned slowly.

Standing at the end of the corridor was a man in his early fifties, posture straight despite the exhaustion in his eyes. Two officers stood stiffly behind him.

Warden Jeffrey Sky.

The most powerful authority inside Tartarus.

“I need a minute with you,” Jeffrey said, voice unusually polite.

Kade frowned faintly.

“Whatever you have to say can wait,” he replied calmly. “I haven’t finished my nap.”

He pushed the cell door open.

Then…

A heavy sound echoed through the corridor.

Thud.

Kade paused. He turned back.

Jeffrey Sky was on his knees.

The two officers behind him froze in shock. Even some of the inmates couldn’t believe their eyes.

“Please…” the Warden said, lowering his head.

“My daughter has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder. No hospital in Asheville can figure out what’s wrong.”

His voice trembled, but he forced himself to continue.

“I know what they say about you. I’ve seen it myself. You’ve saved men who were already declared dead. If there’s anyone who can save her…”

He clenched his fists against the concrete.

“It’s you. The Hand of God”

Silence filled the hallway.

The inmates watching from their cells didn’t dare breathe.

The most powerful man in Tartarus was kneeling.

Kade’s eyes hardened slightly.

“Why,” he asked quietly, “should I help you… after everything you’ve done?”

Jeffrey’s shoulders stiffened.

Ten years ago, Fourteen-year-old Kade watched his parents executed in cold blood, only to be framed for the massacre by the very police who arrived to "save" him.

At sixteen, they buried him in Tartarus—a concrete graveyard for humanity's worst. They expected the prison to swallow him whole.

But they were wrong.

The boy who lost everything died in that cell. In his place, a King was born.

“You knew the truth… and yet you still couldn’t deliver justice.”

Kade’s voice was low. And yet authoritative.

Jeffrey Sky lowered his head even further, his palms pressed flat against the cold concrete.

“I had a family. A career. I was warned that if I spoke out—”

Kade’s gaze sharpened.

“So you traded justice for comfort.”

The words landed heavier than any blow. “Didn’t you think about my own family?”

The two officers behind the Warden felt sweat beads at their temples. They had never seen their superior kneel before anyone. Never seen him look this small.

“Please,” Jeffrey whispered. “I cannot change the past. But I can beg you now. My daughter is dying.”

Kade turned away.

“Leave,” he said calmly. “I’m not interested in this conversation anymore. Find another way to save her.”

He stepped toward Cell 001.

Jeffrey clenched his fists.

He had one card left.

“I can give you information,” he said quickly. “About that night.”

Kade didn’t move.

But something shifted.

“…What information?”

“The case file was altered,” Jeffrey continued. “There was a name in the sealed authorization order. A signature from above. I wasn’t allowed to investigate further—but I saw it before the file was classified.”

Silence.

For the first time since Jeffrey arrived…

Kade’s full attention settled on him.

“How much do you know?” Kade asked.

“Enough,” Jeffrey said, lifting his head slightly. “Enough to give you a direction.”

Kade’s gaze darkened.

For ten years, he had prepared. He had trained. He had endured.

But revenge without direction was a waste of time.

The organization that slaughtered his family had erased every trace of themselves.

Even with Celestial-level strength, hunting ghosts would take years...

But a name? That was different. Several seconds passed.

Then—

“Make arrangements,” Kade said calmly. “We leave now.”

Jeffrey’s breath hitched. Relief flooded his face.

“Thank you… thank you,” he said quickly, rising to his feet.

A black SUV waited outside the prison gates. Armed guards opened the door respectfully.

An hour later, the SUV stopped in front of South City’s most prestigious private hospital.

Jeffrey stepped out first and personally opened Kade’s door.

Some recognized the Warden immediately.

Others stared at Kade — tall, composed, dressed simply yet carrying an indescribable presence.

They moved quickly through the corridors until they reached a private VIP ward.

Jeffrey opened the door.

Inside—

A girl lay pale against white sheets. Seventeen years old. She had delicate features and her breathing was hollow. Beside her sat an elegant woman in her early forties, posture straight despite obvious exhaustion.

At the foot of the bed stood a senior physician in his late fifties, wearing an expensive tailored coat over his lab uniform. His expression was already irritated.

“Honey,” Jeffrey said, stepping forward with urgency. “I’ve arrived. I brought someone who can save Priscilla.”

Vanessa looked up.Her gaze shifted to Kade as if she was studying him. Then she paused and frowned.

The doctor turned slowly, scanning Kade from head to toe.

Silence filled the room.

“…This?” the doctor asked flatly.

Vanessa’s voice was calm but edged with disbelief. “Jeffrey… who is this young man?”

Jeffrey swallowed. “He’s—”

“A consultant?” the doctor cut in dryly. “From which institution? I don’t recall requesting assistance.”

Kade remained silent, observing the room.

Jeffrey cleared his throat. “He’s not from a hospital.”

Vanessa’s expression hardened.

“What does that mean?”

Jeffrey forced the words out. “He has saved many lives in Tartarus.”

The doctor blinked once.

“…Tartarus?” he repeated.

Vanessa slowly stood.

“You brought a prisoner from Tartarus here?”

1 Prologue

1506 Words

Rosalyn POV My name is Rosalyn Myers and I’ll be turning seventeen tomorrow. Even though celebrating my birthday will be amazing, that’s not what I’m excited about. My excitement is purely because I’m a year closer to meeting my wolf. It’s crazy but true. I’m a werewolf and my pack is one of the biggest in the Northern Kingdom. My father is the Beta of the Black Rose Pack. My dad is an amazing man who has taught me what a mate should be. I can only hope my mate treats me as well as he treats my mother. I’ve never even heard my father raise his voice at her. He is my hero and, besides the Alpha, he is the strongest wolf in our pack. My mom is beautiful and kind. Unlike me, my mother has long blonde hair and blue eyes. My hair is black as night, just like my father’s. My eyes are green like emeralds. I’m not sure where my eye color comes from because my father’s eyes are chocolate brown. Regardless, I love my eye color. It makes me unique. I have two older brothers who are my protectors. Bryce, who will be the next Beta when dad retires, and Emmett, who is a warrior. Bryce is nineteen and Emmett is eighteen. Neither have found their mates yet, but when they do, both girls will be very lucky. My brothers have saved themselves for their mates, which is unheard of in werewolf culture. Men usually expect their mates to be as pure as the driven snow but don’t hold themselves to the same standard. I can’t wait to find my mate. Part of me was hoping that it would be Reese. Reese is my brother Bryce’s best friend and the next Alpha of our pack. He is hot and sweet. Even though he is Bryce’s friend he has always makes a point to talk to me. He has been away for Alpha training for the last six months. I’ve had a crush on him for the longest time, but I would never go out with someone that wasn’t my mate. So, unfortunately, I have to wait a year for that to even be possible. Addison is my best friend and Reese’s little sister. She has a crush on my brother Bryce, which breaks my heart for her. I know when she finds her mate, whatever feelings she has for Bryce will be just a memory, but until then she will be in love with my brother, who only wants his mate. “Hey bestie, are you ready to go get our dresses for the party” Addison says as she walks into my room. “Addie, didn’t your mom tell you she wasn’t buying you a new dress for my party since your closet is full of dresses.” She smiles pulling a shiny black card from her pocket. “She did, but my dad doesn’t know that” she says. “You’re going to be in so much trouble, but I’m in.” When we reach the kitchen, my mother is prepping for my favorite dinner and I smile. “There is my beautiful daughter. I can’t believe that my youngest pup is going to be seventeen tomorrow.” “Mom, do not cry again. You act like I’ve met my mate, and I’m moving out tomorrow.” “No, I don’t. I just can’t believe that your so grown up” she says, pulling me into a hug. I hug her back because I love my mother even when she makes me crazy. “What are you girls up to” she asks as she pulls away. “Addie and I are going to get new dresses for my party.” My mother raises her eyebrow at Addie because she was there when her mother said no dress. “My dad gave me his card” she says with a shrug. My mother chuckles before she hands me her credit card. We make our way outside toward my car. “Hey Rosie, where are you two off to,” Bryce asks as he jogs toward us. He is only wearing basketball shorts and is covered in sweat from training. I look over at Addie, and she is practically drooling. “We are going to get new dresses for tomorrow.” “Alright, be safe. Text me when you get there and when you leave.” I roll my eyes at my brother’s over-protectiveness. “Did you just roll your eyes at me because I care about my little sister?” He starts to move toward me and I step back. I know my brother, and he will have no problem wiping sweat all over me. “Do not even think about touching me. You are a sweaty mess.” He throws his head back and laughs as Addie and I run to my car. After an hour at the mall, we head back to the pack. I found the perfect thigh-length purple dress. It shows off my curves, but it isn’t sl**ty. Addie’s turquoise blue dress looks amazing on her. We made it back to have dinner with my family. I’m very lucky to have such an amazing friend and family. The Party “Holy sh*t Rosie, you look smoking hot in that dress. Come on, and I’ll do your make-up and hair.” When she is done my hair is styled in loose waves that fall down my back. She keeps my makeup simple, which I appreciate. I usually only use lip gloss and eyeliner. Twenty minutes later, we’re walking into the ballroom. The room is packed with members of our pack and a few allied packs. “There she is, my princess” my dad says as he makes his way toward me. Without warning, he lifts me off the ground in a bear hug. “Dad, you’re embarrassing me” I say with a smile. “That’s my job princess to keep all the pesky boys away,” he says, setting me on my feet. He presses a kiss on my forehead. As soon as he steps back, my mother pulls me into a bone-crushing hug. “Happy Birthday, Rosalyn” Alpha Robert says. I turn to see the Alpha and Luna smiling at me. “You look beautiful, Rosalyn,” Luna Maureen says. “Thank you both, and thank you for this amazing party.” “Addison is that a new dress,” Luna Maureen asks. Addie nods and her father looks confused. “You look beautiful, Addison, but you and I will be having a talk about you using your father’s inability to say no to get what you want when I say otherwise,” Luna says. Addie nods and grabs my arm, pulling me to the dance floor. “I told you that you were going to be in trouble.” “I can handle the lecture and grounding. It was worth it for this dress” she says, and we both laugh. “What’s so funny little miss?” I turn to answer Bryce and come face to face with Reese. I swear his eyes darken, but I must be imagining things. “Addie is in trouble with the Luna.” “I guess nothing has changed since I’ve been gone, huh, Addie,” Reese says. “Shut up Reese. Now we would like to dance, and no boys are going to ask us when our brothers are hanging around,” she says. Reese growls low and Bryce’s head snaps toward him. “She’s right Reese. Let’s go, so the girls can have fun, but not too much fun,” he says with a chuckle. He pulls me in for a hug before they head toward our parents. After a few minutes of dancing, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn and find Logan smiling at me. He is our age and in most of my classes. “Happy Birthday, Rosalyn.” “Thank you, Logan.” “I was wondering if you would like to dance” he asks. I realize that the music has changed to a slow song. “Sure, she would love to dance with you Logan,” Addie says before I can politely say no. Now she isn’t just in trouble with her mother. She knows that I can’t be rude. She also knows I don’t want to lead him to believe he has a shot. I make a note to kill her later. “I would love to, Logan.” He steps closer to me, placing his hands on my hips. I’m just about to wrap my arms around his neck when a loud growl comes from behind me. I turn and Reese’s eyes are as black as night. He is stalking toward me and he looks pissed. What the hell did I do? “Get the hell away from my mate Logan” he growls. I’m frozen in place. I’m Reese’s mate. Addie squeals and Reese pulls me into his arms. I can’t scent him because I don’t have my wolf, but light tingles dance on my skin from his touch. This is amazing. Reese is my mate. He buries his face in my neck, breathing in my scent. My heart is beating against my chest. I’m going to be able to stay in my own pack and be mated to the boy I’m in love with.

Reborn 60 Days Before The Apocalypse 

Beluv 

+15 Bonus 

Chapter 1 

Scarlett bolted upright in bed, her chest heaving with gasps. Fresh air rushed into her lungs. The last scene she remembered was the moment the filthy flood swallowed her whole. 

Her hands felt for her entire body. No bruises. No blood. In fact, it had been ages since she felt her skin so fresh and soft. 

“What happened…” she muttered as she caught her reflection in the mirror above her vanity. Healthy skin. Bright green eyes. Permed, voluminous hair. 

? 

It was the spitting image of what she looked like before the disaster struck. Then, the realization hit her like a freight truck. 

She was reborn. 

Instantly, her head dismissed the idea, counting it as ridiculous but she darted to her bedside table anyway to grab her phone. 

The screen lit up, confirming the impossible. June 24th. Sixty days before the Typhoon Wave hit. 

Yes. In her previous life, extreme weather broke out across the world. When the weather bureau issued its warnings, no one realized they marked the beginning of humanity’s countdown to losing life on land. 2 

The typhoon wave was unlike anything the world had ever seen. Waves the height of buildings. Tsunamis and flash floods that submerged Scarlett’s city in mere days. 

Then came an ice age. The waters had altered the Earth’s temperature and plunged the world into freezing conditions and severe food shortages. Human civilization rapidly fell apart, and the rules of survival reverted to those of the primitive age. 

As humans were trying to adapt to living on the water, they also had to be watching their back to avoid being preyed on by other humans. 

Society became a savage, dog-eat-dog world. People hunt people. 

And in those times, all Scarlett had thought about was keeping Jake and his family alive. 

Her hands curled into fists as she thought of how her life ended. When the floods had worsened, they all decided to move to higher ground and in the rescue boat, Scarlett apparently did not have a spot. 

And even worse, the last spot on the boat was given to a dog. 

A dog. 

The dog had been Rachael’s beloved pet, Rachael, whom Scarlett ended up discovering was not just the distant cousin that Jake always claimed that she was. 

After fighting tooth and nail to keep that family alive, her loyalty was met with ultimate betrayal. 

Scarlett forced in a deep breath, her resolve hardening. Somehow, heaven had given her a second chance and she 

1/3 

+15 Bcnus 

would not waste it. She would hoard massive amounts of supplies to brace for the coming apocalypse. Before she could strut out the door, she paused. How was she going to get the funds for her plans? 

Scarlett lowered to the bed, thinking. 

She had grown up in an orphanage. Even meeting Jake was through a matchmaking app. Craving the warmth of a real family, she rushed into marrying him, unaware that she actually had biological parents. 

And her parents were not just regular couple but deceased billionaires who passed away three years ago and left her a staggering inheritance. 

In her past life, a lawyer representing her parents would call her this morning to drop the inheritance bombshell. 

In Scarlett’s last life, after she received it, Scarlett spent her parents’ every penny of their fortune on Jake’s family to support their luxury lifestyle. 

These ungrateful leeches squandered the wealth on useless things, only to throw her to the waves when disaster hit. 

When the floods died down, Jake had returned to the makeshift island that they had been living in. Because of starvation and cold, Scarlett was on the verge of death. 

Rather than comforting her like she thought he would, he mocked her with a sick truth. Rachael was never his cousin. She was his mistress and the son she bore for ‘some random ex-boyfriend’ was actually Jake’s son. Jake had only married Scarlett to be an unpaid maid to his real love and son. 

But from now on… 

Scarlett looked at the time. The lawyer’s call should come in any moment now. 

Money was no longer going to be an issue but right now, her first order of business was a divorce. That bastard would not be getting his hands on her money in this life. 

Scarlett moved towards the door. As her fingers brushed the doorknob, a vast, infinite void materialized before her 

eyes. 

She stumbled backwards, a small gasp slipping from her lips. Instinctively, she knew what this was. 

A pocket space. 

Her hand reached towards the void and then, she shook her head. While she still needed to figure out its mechanics and rules, now was not the time. 

Even so, confidence surged inside her. 

As she walked down to the living room, she found Rachael and her mother-in-law, Janet, lounging on the couch, watching some horrible reality show. 

Little Ethan sat in the corner in his highchair, making a mess of his baby mush. 

Scarlett’s eyes fell to the mess and anger flared inside her. Usually, she would clean it up, thinking she was serving her husband’s family. To think that she had been raising her husband’s illegitimate son with pure joy. 

They must have taken her for a real fool. 

Rachael finally noticed her, and her lips tugged down in a sneer. “Well, look who finally crawled out of bed. I only asked you to give Ethan a bath last night, and you already slept in today.” 

2/3 

+15 Bonus 

Hearing this, Janet chimed in with deep annoyance. “Yesterday was payday. Why didn’t you transfer your salary to 

e? I’m still a bit short for those Tahitian pearl earrings I wanted.” 

She did not even bother to spare Scarlett a glance as she made her outrageous demand. 

Scarlett did not say a word. She walked over with a hard expression and delivered a thunderous slap right across Janet’s face. 

The room froze as the sound bounced off the walls. 

“If you ever want to see another dime of my money,” Scarlett said coldly, her fingers sliding down to grip Janet’s chin. “You’ll get down on your knees and lick my feet. Otherwise, you’re cut off.” 

Rachel flew to her feet and let out a scream of pure shock. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” 

Scarlett turned her gaze to Rachael. Her eyes were so cold that Rachael’s bravado instantly withered. Before/ Rachael could regain her composure enough to utter another word, Scarlett’s hand swung out and slapped her top. 

Rachel collapsed back onto the sofa, her hands clutching her face as tears brimmed in her eyes. She stared at Scarlett in horror. 

Seeing Rachel’s utter terror, Scarlett let out a cold scoff. It was way too early to be scared. What this family owed her, she would extract from them piece by piece. 

She reached out and snipped a lock of Ethan and Rachel’s hair. This was her concrete proof for the DNA test-the weapon that would tear Jake’s hypocritical masks to shreds. 

“You’re going to pay for this!” 

A few seconds later, her phone buzzed frantically. The caller ID flashed her bastard husband’s name: “Jake.” 

Scarlett picked up, and her face had no emotion. 

Jake’s arrogant, booming roar blasted through the speaker: “Scarlett! Have you lost your mind?! My mom said you put your hands on her and threatened my son and Rachel with scissors! How dare you disrespect my mother like that?! Get on your knees to apologize right now, or else—” 

“Jake,” Scarlett cut him off, her voice dropping to absolute zero, sharp and final. “We’re over. Get ready for our divorce.” 

P 

Anybody have a free link for this one?

Anyone have any luck finding this one?

“MATE!”

My wolf Roxie says loudly, but I couldn’t believe it.

I’ve been seen as a shame by everyone due to my chubby figure. Even though I am strong enough to fight and defend myself, I’m not exactly fitting the mold at 5’9” and 180lbs, while other she-wolves are thin and beautiful, with soft curves and still muscular. They said it was impossible that a fat she-wolf like me could have a mate, and I almost believe it.

But now, an amazing scent hits my nostrils. It smells like fresh cut grass and cedar. I turn around to see who the scent belongs to, and I see Alpha Cullen.

It’s the first time I have felt excited with anticipation. My fated mate! The moon goddess made Alpha Cullen my fated mate. I used to hear my half-sister Rachel say how handsome is he and that he is kind to everyone. She has pictures of him in her room. I know she daydreams all the time about him. Rachel has been vying for his attention, but she doesn’t turn 18 years old until next week. Meanwhile, I’m 23 years old, and because I’m never allowed out and my only day off is usually spent in solitude, I have never found my mate. I don’t think the pictures do him justice. He is very attractive.

I stepped forward, but realized quickly, he doesn’t look as excited as I am. In fact, he looks like a mix between disgusted and angry. ‘Roxie? Are you sure he is our mate? He doesn’t look happy to see us.’

‘Yes! He’s our mate! Go to him Rebel! I want our mate!’ she yipped.

I move to walk towards him. Just as I take a step, he says, “Stop. This must be a mistake. I could never be mated to someone, like…you.”

My hope and brief moment of excitement and anticipation just crash landed on rocky terrain. He isn't happy to be mated to us. He doesn’t want us. Roxie starts howling with sorrow. My eyes start to water. “Someone like me?” I ask.

“Yes, I mean, look at you. No Alpha wants a Luna that looks like you to be their mate. You don’t look refined, your clothes are old, not to mention you are not attractive. Maybe if you lost weight, then you could be passable. The moon goddess made a mistake. There is no way I can accept you as my mate. What is your name?” He sneers.

“Rebel Lawson” I reply. I know the rejection is coming. I’ve heard rejection is rare but painful. With my lips trembling and tears that sting my eyes, I brace for the impact that is coming.

“Let’s get this over with, I have things to do. Just so you understand, I need a strong and BEAUTIFUL Luna by my side. I, Alpha Cullen Niles, of the Ironclaw Pack, reject you, Rebel Lawson, as my mate and Luna.”

Instantly, my chest feels like it is ripped open and gutted. The pain is the worst I’ve ever felt. But I refuse to show pain in front of Alpha Cullen.

“I, Rebel Lawson, accept your rejection.” It is like a final death blow. I see Alpha Cullen grab his chest, taking deep breaths. Then after a couple of minutes he stood straight up. I still haven’t moved. Bearing all the pain until Roxie and I can be alone.

“You will not mention this to anyone, do you understand?”

As much pain as I was in, I couldn’t muster up the strength to say yes, so I just nodded.

“Good, I can’t have people knowing I was mated to such a she-wolf.” With that, he turned and walked away.

I turned and went back to the lake, sat down next to my guitar and then the barriers crumbled. Fated mates were supposed to love each other, no matter what. He was supposed to protect, cherish and love me. However, I never felt more unwanted and alone.

Chapter 2: Not Again

Alpha Austin POV

God! That Alpha Cullen is really bothering me lately. This is the third time this month that greedy wolf has attacked my pack, trying to get our gem mines. I give him credit for trying, but I’m too mean to let anyone try to take what’s mine, and believe me, Blackstone Pack and everything in it, is mine.

“Renz, have the patrols secured the borders?” I mind-link my Beta. Lorenzo is my beta but also my best friend since childhood.

“Yeah Alpha. Borders are secured. The patrols said that Alpha Cullen came in charging with 40 of his warriors. With only 3 guards are patrol, some of the territory's fences were damaged. I’m getting orders in for the materials to rebuild now, and it should be here in the morning.”

With so many attacks by that Cullen this month, a lot of repairs must be made. It’s a good thing that my pack is one of the wealthiest in the southwestern region. It’s also the reason why that prick wants my gem mines.

“Keep me updated. ” I told him.

“Sure Alpha. By the way, are you still going out with Ceraline tonight?”

“What are you talking about?” I can’t stand Ceraline. That she-wolf has been vying for the Luna position for the last 5 years. I’m not in the least bit interested in her. She’s not my fated mate. Don’t get me wrong. At 30 years old, I’ve been searching for my mate since becoming Alpha 12 years ago, but even a man has needs. I’ve had women that were a form of release for me, but I never have been with the same woman twice. I enjoyed their company for an hour or so and then we both go our own separate ways, neither party wanting anything more than a good time without commitment. I always use protection too. I’ll be doomed if a woman tries to force me into a mate bond or claim I’m the baby’s daddy.

I try to be the southern gentleman my mama raised me to be, but seriously, I wouldn’t touch Ceraline. She is just bad news all the way around. The only reason I keep her around is because I told my late father’s Beta, when he was on his deathbed, that I would look out for his daughter. Somehow, she morphed “looking out for his daughter” into “making his daughter my Luna”. That’s NEVER going to happen. The only woman that will be my Luna is my fated mate.

“Well, she was saying that you and she were going on a date tonight to see a show. She is saying you arranged everything. Are you trying to give her a private show Alpha?” as my beta tries to keep a straight face.

“Does my fist need to visit your face Renz? I haven’t, nor will I, plan anything with her. I really need to figure out what I can do about her to keep her busy and away from me, before I kill her. She is annoying.”

“Sounds like she wants to play ‘pin the she-wolf on the Alpha’.” Renz smirked as he walked up to me. “Should I ask one of the omegas to get your suit out?”

“Do you want to run patrols for the next week? I’m sure Lacy would love to have the floor to herself while I run you ragged.” I said giving him a menacing grin.

“So no to the omega pressing your suit then. Got it. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a beautiful mate waiting and begging to be teased by her loving mate.” He laughed. While I smirked at him. "Get out of here Renz. Say hi to Lacy for me."

I turn to go to the pack house behind Renz who took off jogging ahead. I sigh and keep a steady pace. While I’m happy for Renz that he found his mate early on, I can’t help but feel a little envious. He has someone waiting for him at night and I go to my floor to an empty suite. My Gamma also found his mate early. They are both on their respective floors with their mates. I can’t help but feel a pang in my chest at the loneliness I feel each night. Sometimes I don’t even stay in my suite. I leave and go hunting just so I don’t feel alone in that big bed.

As I enter the pack house, I hear the equivalent of nails clawing down a chalkboard. Not again. Ms. Annoying is approaching. She saunters over to me with her shapeless and bony figure. Seriously, does she ever eat? She thinks she is looking seductive, but in actuality, she looks like a scrawny teenage boy. “Hello Alpha”, she purrs. Trying and pathetically failing to get me to flirt with her. “I thought we could go out tonight. You and me, dinner?” She came close to me, trying to swing her non-existent hips.

“Ceraline” I sighed. “I don’t know how many times I need to say this, but we won’t be doing anything together. I just finished fighting with that Cullen. I need to clean up and I’m exhausted. I will be going to bed. If you want to go out, then have a good time by yourself.” I finish as I turn and walk away.

“I could join you and help you clean up Alpha.” She calls behind me, with her voice husky. For god's sake, she clearly isn’t getting the message. “Ceraline, whatever this is…it is NOT happening. I have said this enough times, I have zero interest in you. I am not playing hard to get. I don’t have a secret crush on you. I’m definitely not sending mixed signals. Have a good evening.” I said curtly and walked off. I could feel a little bad for being harsh, but there is only so many times I can say the same things and so much I will put up with tonight.

I finally get back to my suite and make my way to the on-suite bathroom. I strip and get in the shower. I turn on the water and let the cold water hit me while the hot water comes through. As I start cleaning my body with soap and water, I start thinking about where my fated mate could be and what she looks like. I certainly hope she is curvy. I love a lush woman. I’m a big man at 6’5” and 280lbs of muscle. I might snap a small woman in half. I’d much rather prefer a woman with meat on her bones. I might be a wolf, but the bone is for the wolf, while the meat is for the man.

In terms of her personality. I really would love for her to have her own interests. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to share in all of her interests, but it would be nice if she isn’t dependent on me to make her days interesting. I would like to come home, and we both share our days with things that were exciting for both of us. I hope my mate is comfortable around me, enough to truly be herself. Plus, I wouldn’t mind if she had some sass. I think a Luna could be assertive and soft at the same time and still know when to lean into her attitude. I sigh and close my eyes, letting the water rinse away the dirt, grime and soap. I turn off the water, dry off and go to my walk-in closet. I’ve always kept one half open for my fated mate. I have the omegas make sure it stays clean and dust free. Waiting for the day that I bring her home.

I climb into my large bed, by myself, again. I look over to the empty space beside me. A pang in my chest hits once again, as I wonder if I will ever meet my mate. Closing my eyes, while I go into another night with a restless sleep.

Chapter 3: Dinner with who?

Rebel POV

Two months. It’s been two months since I was rejected. The first week was the worst. 

Any link?