Collins escorted Ashlee back to the Warbite pack mansion, his understanding of Kyle’s mate shifting. Ashlee’s humor and humility had painted a new image of her in his mind, one of innocence and sweetness.

“Here we go.” He stopped at the front gates, aware that Kyle wasn’t around and not wanting to create any suspicions by visiting in his absence.

“You’re not coming in?” Ashlee asked, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

“I may be one of Kyle’s close friends, but I don’t think it’s appropriate to tag along with his mate while he’s not around,” Collin replied, shrugging and sliding his hands into his pockets.

“Alright. If you say so. But I don’t think Kyle would mind,” Ashlee tried to convince him, but he shook his head, chuckling it off.

“Maybe some other time,” he said, raising his brows with a smirk.

“Alright then. I’ll head in.” Ashlee said her goodbyes, and Collin nodded, watching her enter before heading back to his own pack.

There was a change in plans, and he needed to notify his pack. They needed a more secure and strategic approach—one that didn’t involve harming Ashlee.

“You were spending time with his mate. Is that appropriate?” a young wolf questioned, challenging his actions.

“I encountered her while patrolling the forest and only helped her find her way back. That doesn’t count as ‘spending time’ with her. Furthermore, it’s not your place to question my actions. You’re here to follow orders unless you’re qualified to suggest ideas and question my decisions. If you’re uncomfortable with the rules, you’re free to leave this pack right now. Is that clear enough?” Collin growled, asserting his authority.

Though he could certainly stand as an Alpha against Kyle, Collin knew that his pack’s strength lay in intelligence and strategy.

“So what’s the plan now?” his Beta asked, needing to train the lower-ranked wolves more effectively.

“Exclude Ashlee. She doesn’t know anything. She’s innocent, and we don’t harm the innocent,” Collin reminded everyone. They’d agreed to this principle before joining the Lightcrest pack.

“But if we kill Kyle, won’t she become vengeful?” Collin’s healer brought up an important point.

“Of course, I’ve considered that. Human behavior often hinges on loyalty. Kyle, however, has made plenty of mistakes. If Ashlee finds out, I doubt she’ll forgive him,” Collin explained, showing a clear understanding of human psychology.

“Alright then. We exclude Ashlee. Kill Kyle and anyone who stands in our way,” his Beta clarified the plan, earning agreement from everyone, including Collin.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

‘What if Ashlee became my mate?’ Collins’ mind and wolf debated, wondering if he should allow her to live a normal life—or if she might stay with them.

Meanwhile, Hagatha extended her arm, her fingers dangling downward as she relished in the success of her plans.

Collin wants the war, just as she intended with her spell. Ashlee, however, requires no enchantments—her emotions are enough for Hagatha to manipulate.

“Brennus! You’re invited to my feast tonight. We’ll have something grand. The end is so near. Smoothly brewed, my seeds are finally blossoming into dead roses.” She sniffed the dead rose in the pot she had nurtured.

Brennus cawed excitedly, though his noise soured Hagatha’s mood. Every time he shrieked, she barely resisted the urge to kill him.

“Brennus!” Hagatha shouted, narrowing her eyes. He immediately fell silent.

“You’re only here so I won’t feel alone. Don’t take that as an advantage. Annoy me one more time, and I’ll bake you in the oven and serve myself a feast,” she hissed, showing how much she was tiring of his presence.

Ashlee never mentioned her encounter with Collin. Embarrassed by the accident, she feared others would scold her for hurting him.

She stared at the moon, missing Kyle’s touch. For a moment, she lingered at the window, lost in thoughts. What would Kyle be doing now? Was the stupid war over? When would he return?

Why can’t she do the telepathy thing like Esyn?

Frustrated, she went to bed, pulling the sheets harshly over her face. The night was cold and lonely until she felt something warm and comforting beside her.

It was firm, yet warm and cuddly. She moved closer, closer—until she realized it was him. Opening her eyes halfway, she saw his smiling face.

She closed her eyes again. “I’m dreaming again! Damn it!” she muttered, annoyed at her own dreams.

Kyle chuckled at her innocence, pulling her into his arms as she shifted in her sleep. His hand slid under her shirt, drifting up until it rested on her chest.

Ashlee, still half asleep, thought it was a dream, but felt her heart race. She began to wonder if maybe she was ready for intimacy.

Her eyes opened slightly, and she wiggled before noticing something heavy behind her. Realizing it was Kyle, she froze, feeling his hand.

‘I’m so stupid!’ she scolded herself.

“No, you’re not,” Kyle whispered in her ear, his chin nestled into her neck.

Ashlee was silent, embarrassed by her realization.

Kyle chuckled, letting go of her, and she quickly moved away to avoid him seeing her disheveled morning self.

‘Do I drool?’ she wondered.

He was ready for her to run, swiftly grabbing her wrist and pulling her back onto his chest. She looked up at him, her big hazel eyes stealing his heart.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he smirked, his deep morning voice sending shivers down her spine.

“I…” She couldn’t find the words.

“Stay with me.” He curled her up into his arms, covering her with the sheets. “I missed you like crazy.” His gentle kiss on her cheek made her blush.

“I missed you too,” she whispered, settling against him.

Derion waited eagerly for Esyn to awaken and see him. While they communicated through mind links, nothing matched having her there beside him.

She slept peacefully with their future child nestled in her womb. He kissed her belly, whispering “Good morning” to their baby. Esyn awoke, her eyes filling with tears of joy to see him safe and sound.

“It’s okay, baby,” Derion comforted her as she clung to him tightly, as though he might disappear.

“I’m not going anywhere now, love. Relax,” he soothed her, stroking her back.

“Who knows? You left in the middle of the night and returned the same way. I can’t trust that now. If I wasn’t pregnant, I would have gone along,” she pouted, feeling restricted.

“Shh… Don’t say that.” He cupped her face. “This child is a blessing. Don’t ever wish it away, okay?” She nodded, reassured by his gentle words.