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Nathan, introduced as the chapter’s POV character, reveals his lifelong belief that he is Emma’s divinely appointed mate, the “White Wolf’s” destined partner, a title passed down through generations. He’s furious to learn she’s already mated to another, aware of a prophecy stating she has two true mates, but only he is the divinely chosen one. His anger intensifies, fueled by the thought of another man, implying Logan, having touched “what is mine,” as his wolf Noel vehemently proclaims, “She is f$$$$$g mine!”
Nathan’s determination to claim Emma is unshaken, despite knowing she is already marked. He assures Noel that Emma’s current mate won’t touch her again after their meeting, confident that the Goddess-given bond will supersede any existing connection. His resolve is further underscored by his dismissive interaction with Janet, a woman he’d been with earlier. He rebuffs her attempts at seduction, declaring, “The only one who could really seduce me was my mate,” highlighting his unwavering focus on Emma.
Nathan’s preparations for departure reveal his destination: the Crescent Moon Pack, Logan’s territory. Janet’s shocked reaction, “Alpha Logan’s pack? Why are you going there?”, sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation between Nathan and Logan over Emma, promising a clash of destinies and a battle for Emma’s heart. The question hangs heavy: will Nathan succeed in claiming Emma, or will Logan’s bond prove stronger than fate?
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Emma, experiencing intense physical pain manifesting as a crushing hand around her heart, struggles to focus at her office. Her brother Andrew finds her visibly distressed, her worry stemming from a recent revelation—she may be unable to bear children with her mate, Logan. This inability threatens not only their relationship but also the stability of his pack, raising the terrifying prospect of Logan seeking another mate. “If I couldn’t have pups with Logan, what would happen to our pack?” she worries, the emotional agony intensified by the mere thought of Logan with another she-wolf.
Andrew, though concerned, offers unwavering support, assuring Emma that Logan’s love is absolute and he wouldn’t replace her. He vehemently dismisses the possibility of Logan seeking another mate. “That man loves you more than anything in this world. He will not replace you,” he insists, attempting to alleviate Emma’s fears. However, Emma’s anxieties remain, heightened by the elders’ previous pressure for an heir and the crushing weight of her potential inability to fulfill her role as Luna. The emotional pain continues to overwhelm her.
Despite Andrew’s comforting words, Emma’s fear is palpable. The chapter ends with her leaning on her brother for solace, while Andrew expresses his helplessness and frustration at the situation, highlighting the deep familial bond and the immense pressure weighing upon both siblings. His final lament— “I am so f$$$$$g sorry that I can’t do s$$t right now”—leaves the reader suspended in Emma’s emotional turmoil, questioning the future of her relationship with Logan and the stability of their pack.
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Logan, consumed by rage at the prospect of another Alpha, Nathan, vying for Emma, struggles to maintain control. His mother comforts him before his confrontation, offering words of reassurance: “It will be okay, Logan. He won’t take her from you.” The tension escalates during the drive to the border, fueled by Logan’s furious internal monologue: “She was mine! MINE!” and Andrew’s attempts to calm him – “Breathe, Logan. We need to stay calm.”
The conflict intensifies upon encountering Alpha Nathan and his father. Nathan’s casual demeanor, referring to Andrew as “my mate’s brother,” further inflames Logan’s anger. The underlying threat becomes clear: Nathan, aware of Emma’s potential infertility issue, sees her as a means to bolster his weakened pack. Logan’s fury is palpable, a simmering threat barely contained. “I can’t really say the same, Alpha Nathan,” he retorts, the tension crackling between the two Alphas.
Logan’s simmering rage directly confronts Alpha Nathan’s calculated charm, setting the stage for a potential showdown. The chapter ends with a tense standoff, the unspoken threat of violence hanging heavy in the air, leaving the reader breathlessly anticipating the inevitable conflict and its devastating consequences for Emma, Logan, and their pack.
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Nathan, consumed by the scent of his mate, Emma, frantically searches for her, ignoring his surroundings, even Alpha Logan’s office. His wolf, Noel, urges him on, heightening his already intense desire. The tension is palpable as Nathan sits, barely containing his need, while Alpha Logan, openly hostile, watches him. Logan’s spiteful repetition of “my Luna” fuels Nathan’s rage, a simmering hatred mirroring Logan’s own. “Where is she?” Nathan demands, his barely controlled growl underscoring his desperation.
Logan, understanding Nathan’s burning need, sends Andrew to retrieve Emma. The wait is agonizing for Nathan; his anticipation is palpable, a mixture of desperate longing and simmering fury. Noel senses Emma’s approach, his excitement mirroring Nathan’s. The moment Emma enters, Nathan’s wolf cries out, “Mate!”. Nathan is overwhelmed by her beauty. His internal monologue highlights his physical desires, painting a vivid picture of his overwhelming lust. “She was f$$$$$g beautiful. Even more than I imagined,” he thinks.
The chapter culminates in the long-awaited reunion, but with a twist. Emma, despite her undeniable presence, doesn’t respond to Nathan’s declaration of “Mate!” leaving Nathan reeling, his triumphant moment cut short by an unexpected silence, and the reader hanging on the edge of their seat wondering why.
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Emma, overwhelmed by Alpha Logan’s comforting presence, grapples with her conflicting emotions. Despite the soothing nature of his touch and loving words, a part of her yearns for Alpha Nathan, whose furious arrival intensifies the already volatile situation. Nathan’s wolf, Noel, fiercely claims Emma as his mate, a declaration met with Emma’s painful silence, leaving Nathan reeling from her lack of response. Logan’s protective instincts flare, his possessive hand on Emma’s waist sparking a heated confrontation with Nathan.
The tension escalates as Nathan vehemently rejects the idea of Emma being Logan’s mate, insisting on their Goddess-given bond despite Emma’s clear connection to Logan. “You are my mate. You are my Goddess-given mate,” Nathan declares, his anger escalating with Logan’s unwavering defense of his relationship with Emma. Logan’s calm yet firm response, “Don’t growl at my mate,” underscores his resolve to protect Emma, even resorting to threatening to have Nathan removed from the pack. Emma’s internal conflict is mirrored by the clash between the two Alphas, their protective instincts battling for her affections.
The chapter culminates in a raw display of emotional turmoil. Nathan’s desperate pleas are countered by Logan’s steadfast protection of Emma, who, caught in the crossfire, tries to soothe both men. “Alpha Nathan, please,” she pleads, “You can stay, and we can continue this conversation tomorrow,” her words leaving the reader wondering how the tumultuous love triangle will resolve, as both Alphas refuse to back down from their claims on Emma’s heart, leaving her future uncertain.
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Nathan, reeling from Emma’s rejection of his claim as her Goddess-given mate, grapples with his fury and frustration. His father’s aggressive suggestion to forcibly take Emma is met with Nathan’s pragmatic assessment of the situation; Logan’s pack is too strong to overcome. Nathan’s inner turmoil is palpable, his wolf, Noel, mirroring his distress. “What the f$$k was that, son?” his father demands, criticizing Nathan’s inaction.
Nathan’s strategy shifts from aggressive confrontation to a calculated plan of befriending Emma. He recognizes the depth of her relationship with Logan, acknowledging that “She knew Logan her whole life,” and concludes that earning her affection requires patience and understanding. He vows to remain in Logan’s pack, aiming to earn Emma’s trust and love over time; a startling contrast to his initial reaction. “She needs to get to know me,” he declares to his father.
Despite his newfound resolve, Nathan’s underlying possessiveness remains. He reveals a potential backup plan: “Then I am going to take her away,” indicating his determination to claim Emma as his mate, even if it means resorting to more drastic measures. The chapter closes with Nathan and his father’s tense discussion on the timeline of Nathan’s plan; a few weeks to win Emma over or resorting to taking her, which leaves the reader wondering about the implications of such a plan and the future of the three characters.
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Andrew, deeply distrustful of Nathan, races to Logan’s office, his unease palpable. He mind-links Logan, expressing his discomfort with Nathan’s presence and his concern for Emma. Finding Emma exhausted and resting on Logan’s lap, Andrew’s worry intensifies. Emma reveals her frustration with Logan’s refusal to mark her as his mate, despite her belief in their bond. Logan, consumed by doubt and fear of harming her, insists on finding irrefutable proof their connection isn’t cursed before claiming her as his. “I need proof,” Logan states, his voice laced with desperation.
Emma’s plea for Logan to mark her highlights the tension between their love and the uncertainty surrounding their bond. Logan’s refusal, stemming from a protective fear of killing his mate, underscores the gravity of the situation. Andrew’s observation, “I don’t like him, Logan. Something about him is making me so f$$$$$g tense,” concerning Nathan, foreshadows potential conflict. The scene ends with a glimmer of hope as Andrew proposes the existence of a “loophole,” a way to determine the true nature of their bond without risking Emma’s life. “There has to be a loophole,” Emma whispers, echoing Andrew’s desperate hope.
Andrew’s suggestion sparks a new direction. The focus shifts from Nathan’s manipulative pursuit to finding a way to prove Emma and Logan’s bond is genuine. The mystery surrounding the curse and the potential existence of a loophole, a way to break the second bond without endangering Emma, leaves the characters—and the reader—on the edge of their seats, desperate for a solution amidst the looming threat of Nathan’s persistent pursuit and the urgent need to validate their love.
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Emma, feeling empowered despite Alpha Nathan’s unsettling presence, focuses on finding a solution to Logan’s refusal to mark her as his mate due to the feared curse. She believes her burgeoning magic, aided by Anna, offers a loophole, a way to prove their bond without risking her life. “There has to be a way other than my Goddess-given mate marking me,” she thinks, resolving to utilize her abilities. She reassures a worried Andrew and Logan, leaving them to their duties, promising to mind-link them if needed; “I will mind-link you if I need you,” she says, leaving Logan’s office to attend to her own responsibilities while Logan assures Andrew, “He won’t be able to come near her.”
Despite her determination, Emma is physically and emotionally drained from the ordeal. She avoids Eliza, fearing the truth of Eliza’s conversation with Nathan’s wolf, leaving the reader hanging about the nature of Eliza’s interaction with Nathan’s wolf. Emma’s return to her office is met with an unexpected confrontation. The lingering effects of Nathan’s presence and the uncertainty surrounding her bond weighs heavily upon her: “My heart kept clenching painfully. I could still smell his scent all around me.” The tension builds as she enters her office to find Amy and a furious Jake.
Jake’s explosive question, “Is it true?! You have another mate?!” throws Emma into a new crisis, leaving the chapter ending on a dramatic cliffhanger. The revelation immediately throws Emma’s plans into chaos and promises an immediate, intense conflict which threatens to upend everything. The reader is left to wonder about the source of Jake’s accusation, the nature of his anger, and its potential impact on Emma’s already precarious situation with Logan and the looming threat of Nathan.
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Emma, still reeling from Jake’s shocking accusation of a second mate, is jolted by another unexpected arrival: Alpha Nathan. He forcefully attempts to enter her office, claiming her as his mate, a claim Ryan, a warrior, initially blocks. The ensuing confrontation leaves Emma shaken, her senses overwhelmed by Nathan’s presence, and her heart “clenching painfully,” mirroring her internal conflict. Despite the threat, she manages to calm the situation enough for Nathan to enter, his overpowering scent a constant reminder of their complicated connection.
Nathan’s entrance is fraught with tension. He expresses how Emma’s scent is “soothing,” a comment that further underlines the powerful pull they share. The nearness of Alpha Nathan causes Emma to question her own desires, despite her clear rejection of his claim: “I wasn’t his mate. I didn’t want to be.” Her internal struggle to resist him is palpable, the scene culminating in a near-touch, a moment charged with unspoken desire and undeniable tension; his mumbled “F$$k, Emma,” hinting at his own intense feelings.
Logan’s furious arrival interrupts the charged moment, the alpha’s voice trembling as he orders Nathan to “Step away from her,” rescuing Emma and setting the stage for a dramatic showdown between the two alphas. The chapter ends on a precipice of conflict, leaving the reader questioning the extent of Nathan’s influence, the true nature of his claim, and the potential consequences for Emma caught between two powerful, demanding mates.
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Nathan, consumed by his desire for Emma, reflects on their near-touch and the undeniable connection he feels. His possessive thoughts are interrupted by Emma revealing a traumatic past: the rogue king murdered her parents, almost killing her as well, and targeted her for her powers, believing her to be a key to his conquest of other packs. Logan’s presence adds to the already tense atmosphere, his protective gestures fueling Nathan’s jealousy and anger.
The revelation of the Rogue King’s motive intensifies the conflict. Emma explains the king’s desire to claim her as a mate to harness her abilities, a plan thwarted by Logan’s previous marking of her. Nathan’s fury ignites upon hearing this, “I saw f$$$$$g red. I will kill him,” he vows, his protective instincts overriding his desires. The conversation reveals the misunderstanding of the “White Wolf” legend, causing the king’s misdirected attacks and kidnapping attempt.
Logan reveals that the king’s actions stemmed from a misinterpretation of prophecy. The king believed Emma’s powers could be used to defeat other packs and that he could somehow remove Logan’s mate bond. Emma’s confession that she was kidnapped further fuels Nathan’s rage, setting the stage for a violent confrontation with the Rogue King and a deepening bond between Emma, Nathan, and Logan, complicated by their conflicting desires and shared enemy.
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Logan, observing Alpha Nathan’s furious expression, enjoys the alpha’s discomfort. He mind-links Emma, sensing her tension as she confronts Nathan about his collaboration with the rogues who kidnapped her. Leon, Logan’s companion, expresses his desire to harm Nathan, but Logan restrains him, acknowledging the complex situation and Emma’s bond with both men. Emma calmly confronts Nathan, stating, “I’m not sure that I want to hear your explanation,” leaving him speechless.
Nathan, cornered, attempts to explain his involvement, claiming it was his father’s doing, a claim met with Emma’s sharp rebuke: “It may have been your father’s idea, but it was your order and your decision.” He pleads for forgiveness, admitting his mistake, and asking, “But can you really throw away our bond just because I made one mistake? Logan never made mistakes?” This throws Logan into turmoil, recognizing his own past errors, his heart racing with apprehension over Emma’s response. The weight of his past mistakes crushes him as he waits for her decision.
Emma’s decisive rejection of Nathan follows, “I am not throwing away our bond because of your mistake, Alpha Nathan. I am already mated and married to another man. I love him.” This declaration crushes Nathan, while simultaneously offering Logan a sigh of relief. The chapter concludes with Nathan’s anger flaring, leaving the future of his relationship with Emma, and the already fraught dynamics between the three, utterly uncertain.
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Emma and Logan return home, his tension palpable after their confrontation with Nathan. Emma comforts him, confessing her reluctance to attend a dinner with Nathan—a dinner intended to prevent war, but one Logan fears will be futile. Their intimate moment is interrupted by Daisy’s teasing comment, before they join Anna and Andrew in the kitchen.
Anna, researching the curse placed on Emma, reveals she hasn’t found a way to break it, dashing Emma’s hopes. However, Emma proposes a new approach: a spell to definitively confirm Logan’s status as her Goddess-given mate. While Anna is uncertain, Emma’s determination pushes her to explore the possibility. Andrew, meanwhile, vehemently opposes Emma attending the dinner with Nathan, escalating the tension.
Andrew’s outburst underscores the urgency of the situation and highlights the growing conflict between those who support Emma’s decision and those who oppose it. The search for a solution to both the curse and the impending conflict with Nathan intensifies, leaving the reader hanging on the edge of their seats as Emma and her allies race against time, relying on magic and determined allies to navigate this complex crisis.
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Following Andrew and Daisy’s departure, Emma remains with Logan, her anxieties heightened by the upcoming dinner with Alpha Nathan. She confides in Eliza, the wolf of a mysterious individual, revealing her fears about Nathan’s intentions and her determination to avoid being alone with him. Eliza, confirming her ability to hear Emma’s thoughts, admits to disliking Nathan, citing his recklessness and impulsiveness based on insights from Noel, Nathan’s wolf. Eliza’s aversion is further fueled by the knowledge that both Nathan and Noel desire Emma, a fact that deeply unsettles her.
Eliza’s confession deepens Emma’s apprehension. The conversation delves into their shared perspective on wolves, emphasizing their inherent goodness despite the flaws of their human counterparts. Emma states, “My opinion was that our wolves were always blameless,” reflecting her belief in their innate purity. Despite her own anxieties, Eliza reassures Emma, “We are in this together, Emma. I’m not letting you deal with this alone,” offering unwavering support in the face of this dangerous situation.
Emma’s worry intensifies as Eliza hints at Nathan’s potentially manipulative behavior. “He will do anything to have you, Emma,” Eliza warns, underscoring the gravity of the impending meeting. The chapter ends with Emma’s heart racing, leaving the reader questioning whether she will proceed with the dinner, and if so, how she will navigate the inherent dangers posed by Alpha Nathan and the complex dynamics between their wolves.
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Nathan, anticipating a private meeting with Emma, is summoned to her office by one of Logan’s warriors. His excitement is palpable; he imagines a romantic encounter, reveling in the anticipation of physical intimacy. Upon arrival, however, he finds Logan and Emma’s brother present, dashing his hopes for a tête-à-tête. Despite this setback, Nathan’s confidence remains unshaken, his internal monologue brimming with possessive pronouncements like, “I will get her. She will be mine.”
Despite the unexpected presence of Logan and Emma’s brother, Nathan’s charm and confidence remain undeterred. He directly proposes his invitation to dinner again. Emma, while seemingly acquiescing to his request with, “I will have dinner with you, Alpha Nathan,” immediately counters with a declaration of “rules of her own,” leaving Nathan both thrilled and intrigued, as the chapter ends on a cliffhanger.
The chapter ends with Emma’s declaration of “rules,” setting the stage for a potential power struggle between her and Nathan. The reader is left to wonder what these rules entail, and whether Emma’s compliance is a strategic maneuver or a genuine concession. The tension between Nathan’s predatory desire and Emma’s unexpected assertion of control is palpable, promising a confrontation in the upcoming dinner.
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Logan grapples with a torrent of negative emotions—anger, pain, sadness, frustration, and fear—stemming from Emma’s impending dinner date with Nathan. His inner wolf, Leon, amplifies these feelings, adding to his distress. Emma, sensing his turmoil, reassures him with physical comfort and the declaration, “I’m not going to leave you. I love you,” attempting to quell his anxieties. She reveals insights from her wolf, Eliza, who dislikes Nathan’s human side, deeming him “reckless and impulsive,” but finds his wolf, Noel, acceptable.
This revelation brings Logan a measure of relief, particularly Eliza’s belief that he and Emma are “Goddess-given mates.” He mumbles, “He could be a good man. He could be worthy,” highlighting his internal conflict and lingering insecurities. Emma’s reassurances continue, emphasizing her self-sufficiency and the protection provided by her warriors. She promises, “Nothing bad will happen. You will pick me up in an hour, and we will come back home.”
Despite the reassurance, a deep-seated fear remains, evident in Logan’s confession, “I think that I’m more afraid that he will do something to you,” revealing the vulnerability beneath his alpha exterior. The chapter ends with a tender moment, a kiss solidifying their bond and offering a fragile sense of peace before the anticipated confrontation with Nathan. The question of whether this fleeting calm will be disrupted by Nathan’s actions remains unanswered, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat.