179 Earlier … Nathan I stormed out of the pack house , my frustration bubbling to the surface .


    Immediately , I shifted .


    Ragnar emerged with practised ease , his dark fur rippling in the moonlight as I caught Ls scent in the wind .


    The trails were fresh , tinged with blood from all the Ferals and Trinax she fought .


    I followed her scent through the maze of mingling scents surrounding the White Moon Pack .


    My paws pounded against the earth , as I pushed forward .


    I tracked her through the territory , following a path that took me toward the White Moon Packs borders .


    Almost at the borders , it veered off to the edge of the dense forest surrounding the packs territory .


    As I approached the tree line , my hackles rose , indicating that someone was watching me .


    I stopped for a moment ; my ears perked as I surveyed the area .


    There was nothing … no one except me .


    But something felt … off .


    Shrugging it off , I prepared to enter the forest , since her scent was stronger in that direction .


    Just then , a chilling sensation washed over me .


    I wasnt alone .


    Ragnar let out a low growl , as he whirled , muscled bunched ready for an attack only to find myself face to face with a familiar figure .


    Standing a few yards away was it the same being that had been haunting me for a few months .


    now .


    Since that incident with L at the White Lake pack .


    Not only had I had several encounters with it , but It was also in my head .


    Always suggesting devious motives .


    All attempts to fight it with resources I know about and heard have proved abortive .


    Hissing , I shifted back to my human form , ready for a fight as my expression hardened immediately .


    What do you want ? I demanded , ring at the being .


    My voice wasced with irritation .


    The being cocked its head , studying me with an unsettling calmness .


    Then he approached me , taking measured steps .


    I also noticed it had a thoughtful expression on its face .


    How long have you known about Ls wolf ? it asked .


    I hissed , stepping around him as I moved toward the forest .


    I had no time for games , not with Ls scent growing fainter by the second plus the Harvest Moon would reach its peak any moment now , I had to reach L first before anything .


    As I moved , the being followed after me , clearly unperturbed by my silence .


    I didnt know anything about that , it continued , its volce carrying an edge of curiosity .


    But your calmness … you knew , didnt you ? I stopped abruptly , spinning to face it .


    Why do you care ? It smiled faintly as if it was amused by my hostility .


    Because I have Ls interests at heart , a 179 Earlier … today .


    I had instructed them not to harm the priestesses , but merely dy them .


    I wasnt expecting a two tailed wolf to tear through them like they were nothing Thats life , I said tly , as I shrugged and tried to move past it again .


    It blocked my path again , forcing me to stop .


    Have you made your decision yet ? I let out a frustrated sigh , running a hand through my hair .


    Youre Xander , right ? Or is it the Dark One ? I said mockingly .


    Listen carefully Im not going to do what you want .


    You can ask me a thousand times , but my answer will always be No.


    Im not joining your revenge scheme or whatever it is youre doing Xanders lips curled into a grin , his teeth gleaming in the moonlight .


    You say that now , he said lightly .


    But sooner orter , youlle looking for me .


    Not on my life .


    Not in this lifetime , I shot back .


    His grin widened .


    Fine , he shrugged .


    You can tell yourself that but when it happens , remember I already told you .


    Also , because of how much we share inmon , let me tell you something .


    His tone shifted to a conspirational glee .


    Tonight , Ramsey will make a bold stance .


    Hes going to announce to the world that he loves L .


    I scoffed .


    Ramsey ? He wont .


    Please , hes too self conscious to do something like that .


    Want to bet ? Xanders smile widened , his eyes glinting with mischief .


    I red at his outstretched him , gritting my teeth in annoyance .


    Xander continued .


    No matter how hard you try to take L for yourself or im her , shell never be yours , Nathan .


    You will never have her .


    But if you join me … he leaned in closer , spreading his hands in magnanimous gesture .


    … I would be kind enough to give her to you .


    You mean join the suicide pogrom you have going on .


    Do you want me to help you steal the power of the White Moon Throne ? You want me to assist you to rule my world and that Ill be under you ? You must be really insane .


    If it worked in the past , it wont now … because your ideas are as stupid as you are .


    He didnt say anything , he watched me for a minute before sighing .


    Nathan , I never said anything about ruling you .


    I just want to create a world where everyone is equal .


    That is not possible , I said in a steely tone .


    Nothing can be equal .


    Besides , this clickbait you have going on is reallyme .


    I thought you had your act together .


    I cant wait for L to get back her powers and end you ? I intend not to be ended this time around , he said in a smug tone .


    Thest time I was ended , I had to wait for 10,000 s .


    I cant again .


    Anyways , you cannot marry , L .


    Your father is against it .


    Luna Vanessa is against it .


    She clearly suggested you marry her daughter rissa .


    You will not tell me who to marry , Xander , I continued moving , stopping to sniff the air .


    In my human form , I was slower .


    179 Earlier … When L finds out you lied to her ? What are you going to do about that ? That day in the room , you lied to her , to cover up the truth … how long … STAY AWAY FROM ME ! I turned to him , shouting .


    Leave me alone .


    Stop following me around like some deranged gods .


    Are you truly the Dark ONE ? Because I can smell your desperation .


    from a mile afar .


    He paused , staring at me pointedly .


    After a few seconds , he disappeared back into the shadows , leaving me alone .


    I took a deep breath , shaking off the lingering unease before shifting back to Ragnar , letting hist senses guide me through the forest .


    Ls trail grew stronger , leading me to deeper into the forest .


    Eventually , I found her .


    Shey at the base of a massive oak tree , still in her wolf form which was sprawled out in exhaustion .


    Her chest rose and fell withboured breath and her white fur was matted with dirt and traces of blood .


    Her twin tails were curled around her like a shield .


    As I approached her , her ears twitched and she lifted her head weakly to look at me .


    I changed back to my human form ; I didnt want to startle her .


    Her eyes shed with recognition when she saw it was me andid back down .


    I knelt beside her , reaching out to stroke her fur gently .


    Its okay I murmured , with a low soothing voice .


    There were several cuts and bruises all over her body and she seemed to be nursing her hind legs .


    In this state , she wont be able to heal , unless she changes back into her human form .


    She nuzzled my hand with her nose at some point , staring at me with soulful eyes .


    As her breathing slowed , my free hand fished out the vial Nanny had given me .


    Carefully , I uncorked it , the sharp scent of herbs wafting into the air .


    Carefully , I held it to her mouth .


    Drink , I urged softly .


    The wolf hesitated , her eyes flicking between the vial and my face .


    Then as if understanding my intent , shepped at the poiton .


    I nced up at the sky , my heart pounding as I watched the moon inch closer to its fullest state .


    Please I whispered , Please let it work .


    Momentster , the transformation began .


    Fur receded , and bones shifted until Ly unconscious in my arms .


    When the transformation wasplete , I quickly shrugged off my jacket , draping it over her to shield her from the nights chill .


    I cradled her carefully , one hand supporting her head as her eyes fluttered open .


    For a moment , she gazed up at me with such tenderness that my heart clenched .


    After a while , a faint smile appeared on her lips .


    Ramsey she whispered .


    Thank you .


    170 Earlier Before closing her eyes again .


    I stared down at her , as a storm of emotions swirled Within me .


    [ pulled her closer , trying to ignore the way my chest ached .


    Xanders words echoed in my mind .


    No matter how much you try to im L for yourself , youll never truly have her .


    But as I held her , I made a silent vow .


    I didnt need Xander or his twisted bargains .


    Whatever was in front , I would protect L even if it meant knowing she would never choose me .


    I would let my heart break into a thousand pieces before I let Ramsey have her .


    66 Please , the update will be three chapters from tomorrow , Ive already stockpiled .


    So it updates automatically See you all in a week .