It was close to three in the morning by the time they finally retreated. Yet, despite being nestled between Roman’s and Griffin’s warm bodies, Violet couldn’t sleep. Her mind was far too restless.
Right now, she wasn’t just studying the North Pack but all four packs. Violet didn’t want to be a dead weight, not just for tomorrow’s mission, but for the future. She needed to know everything there was to learn about the packs—their strengths, their weaknesses, and their secrets
First was the West Pack who thrived on power through discipline and intellect. They were dominant, but their cold order could fracture under pressure.
Core Traits: Disciplined, militaristic, ambitious, cunning.
Economy and Focus: Corporate power, education, strategy, and law.
Culture: Patriarchal to the core, where men ruled and women were silenced. They value discipline and efficiency above all else.
Strengths: Brilliant tacticians, feared armies, and ruthless political players.
Weaknesses: Rigid gender hierarchy creates internal resentment.
Obsessive focus on order makes them paranoid and controlling.
Rivalries among ambitious alphas often cause faction splits.
Violet’s stomach knotted at the thought of the west expecting Asher to carry on that legacy. This wasn’t going to be an easy battle.
The East Pack was the heart of faith and natural wealth. Noble, fair, and rich in resources, yet too naïve for the wolves waiting to exploit them.
Core Traits: Spiritual, resource-rich, hardworking but simple in outlook.
Economy & Focus: Agriculture, oil, minerals, forests, faith-driven society.
Culture: Deeply religious; women enjoy more rights and influence compared to other packs. They value family and fairness more than greed.
Strengths: Strong moral unity and abundant wealth. Women’s voices provide social balance.
Weaknesses: Less focus on education leaves them vulnerable to manipulation by smarter packs. Reliance on faith sometimes blinds them to political reality.
On the bright side, the East were good at heart, even though that very goodness could destroy them if they weren’t careful. Good thing they were a team and she would never let that happen.
As for the South Pack, they were the soul of culture and indulgence, often dismissed as lazy dreamers.
Core Traits: Free-spirited, indulgent, artistic, and flamboyant.
Economy and Focus: Tourism, festivals, entertainment.
Culture:
Strengths: Masters of soft power and influence. Flexible and creative, unlike the other rigid packs.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable to war due to lack of discipline.
A small smile touched Violet’s lips, knowing this was a pack she wouldn’t mind living in one day. However, with Micah whispering about the second great war, she knew the South Pack would be the first to fall if they were ever attacked.
And finally, the North Pack.
The North Pack was the forge of intellect and industry. Their unity was their strength, but also their prison.
Core Traits: Proud, isolationist, industrious, and brilliant.
Economy and Focus: Technology, invention, manufacturing.
Culture: Strong clan bonds; they intermarry to preserve bloodlines. Distinctive blonde hair is their mark of identity. They guard their independence fiercely.
Strengths: Masters of weapons and machines. Strong internal unity makes them hard to infiltrate. Highly intelligent, and quick innovators.
Weaknesses: Pride and distrust kept them cut off from alliances. Intermarriage leads to stagnation in leadership and ideas.
And there it was again—the marriage part. Perhaps that was what unsettled her the most.
What if, by the time they arrived at the North Pack, Alaric was already married to some pretty northern girl with perfect blonde hair?
No. No. Violet shook her head. Alaric wouldn’t do that. But what if he didn’t have a choice?
Violet exhaled a shaky breath, trying to calm this tempest inside of her.
A deep voice broke the silence. "Why aren’t you asleep yet?"
Violet turned on her side, her gaze meeting Griffin’s. "I... I can’t just sleep," she admitted.
"You’re worried about Alaric," Griffin said, reading her without effort.
Violet nodded, her throat tightening.
Griffin’s face relaxed. "Worrying about the future won’t stop it from coming," he told her gently. "But tomorrow, we’ll have the chance to do something about it, and you’ll help him more if you’re at your best. You need rest, Violet."
He reached out and murmured, "Come here."
But before Violet could move, a strong arm suddenly shot across her middle and latched onto her waist
Startled, Violet twisted her head. Roman was perfectly asleep, even snoring lightly, yet somehow, in his unconscious state, he clung to her stubbornly like a possessive wolf guarding his treasure.
Laughter bubbled from Violet’s lips before she could stop it. "He’s so cute," she whispered, her heart squeezing at the gesture.
Griffin gave her an exasperated look but didn’t fight Roman’s grip. With no other choice, he shifted closer instead, closing the small gap until Violet was pressed flush between both of them.
"Better," Griffin muttered, his deep voice rumbling against her skin. Facing her, he slid his hand into her hair and began to massage her scalp with slow, firm strokes.
Violet couldn’t help the blissful moan that escaped her lips. Her eyes fluttered closed. "Don’t stop," she murmured.
Griffin’s lips twitched, but he obeyed, his fingers moving with skill. Slowly, the massage shifted into gentle strokes as he began humming a soothing lullaby.
The tension in Violet’s body melted away, her breathing evening out. Just like that, sleep finally claimed her.
And the dream came.
Violet found herself lying naked on a forest floor, the earth cool and damp against her skin. A strange weight pressed against her back and she tilted her shoulder, only for her breath to catch at the sight of amethyst wings.
Before she could even process that, a low rustle stirred the trees. From the shadows, a massive wolf emerged, its fur a radiant purple. Its blazing eyes locked on her as it prowled forward, its aura overwhelming.
Yet, Violet wasn’t afraid, not even when the wolf stopped directly in front of her, watching, and studying. If anything, the bond inside her stirred to life. Then a name rolled off her tongue like it had always been there.
"Thalia."