48
Mauve’s POV
Laughter and chatter filled the air. Everyone had come together to celebrate my twins‘ first birthday. Balloons
bobbed in the breeze, and the sweet scent of cake blended with the crisp evening air. Children darted around while
the adults stood nearby, smiling as they watched over them.
I should have been happy. I should have been soaking in this moment, watching the pack come to life after so many years. And yet, an unease sat heavy in my chest, refusing to leave me alone.
I glanced at Joshua, who was standing near the long table, speaking with a few guests. He was smiling, his face full of pride, as he spoke about the twins. “They’re growing so fast. Before we know it, they’ll be shifting and running. around just like the rest of the pups.
He had been a wonderful mate–strong, protective, loving. The life we built together was everything I had wanted, everything I had fought for.
I looked around, searching for the person that should be here above anyone else
I had expected him to show up. He was their uncle, after all. Or at least, that was the role he had decided to from a distance. Since our parting, he had remained in his kingdom, ruling as he should. But tonight felt differe
I shook the thought away, forcing a smile as Magnolia approached with two gifts in her hands. Since she was already here, I expected Elias was just around,
“They’re going to be spoiled,” she teased, placing the boxes on the gift table.
“They already are.” I chuckled, lifting one of the twins into my arms. She buried her face in my neck, letting sleepy yawn “I can’t believe it’s been a year.”
Magnolia’s expression softened. “You’ve done well, Mauve.”
I wanted to believe that. I wanted to think I had moved on, that my heart had settled, and that the past no longer
As the celebration continued, I kept a watchful eye on the crowd, scanning for any signs of danger. Maybe it was paranoia, or maybe it was something deeper–something instinctual
And then I felt the hair on my arms rise, my wolf stirring uneasily within me. My breath hitched as I turned
sharply, scanning the trees beyond the yard.
Nothing
But I knew better.
I shifted my daughter into Magnolia’s arms. “Can you take her inside?” I requested softly despite the panic rising
inside me.
Magnolia frowned. “Is there something wrong, Mauve?”
“Actually, I don’t know. But I will check it out,” I said, giving her a reassuring smile.
I started walking, pushing through the guests.
As I made my way through the crowd, a voice slipped into my mind through the pack’s mindlink. “Come past the
trees.”
I froze. I knew that voice. Elias.
My heart pounded as I responded, “Why?”
Silence.
He didn’t answer, but I could feel him there, just beyond the treeline, waiting. My breath came shallow as memories surfaced–months of distant interactions, of forced civility. Elias and Magnolia had visited once a month, but he had always been quiet and reserved. We spoke only when necessary, keeping things formal, like strangers bound by duty rather than a past that once consumed us both.
And yet, he was calling me now.
A strong hand wrapped around my wrist before I could react
I gasped as I was pulled back, a firm arm locking around my waist Panic surged through me as I struggled, but I knew his grip. I knew his scent, heat, and the way my body responded even when I didn’t want it to
“Mauve.” His voice was a rough whisper, close to my ear.
I looked up at him, my breath hitching at the sight of him. The years had not softened him; if anything, they had sharpened his edges, His dark hair was slightly longer, tousled as if he had run his fingers through it one too many times. His chiseled features were shadowed by the dim light, his blue eyes intense and unreadable.
“Elias, what are you doing?”
The world blurred as he pulled me into the shadows. My breath caught as I realized what was happening. He was taking me. Stealing me away from everything I had built, everything I had chosen.
“No!” I thrashed, but he was too strong.
Joshua’s voice rang out behind us, calling my name. The last thing I saw before darkness swallowed me was the flickering torches and the panicked faces of my pack.
