---

Hailey woke that morning with a rare sense of calm. She stretched, breathing in the warmth of the sun filtering through the large window beside her bed. The air in Varian's mansion was quiet and filled with a comforting sense of security she was finally beginning to trust. For once, there was no urgency, no pull to rush into the day. She could simply be.

After dressing in a simple, soft dress and letting her hair fall freely, she made her way to the kitchen, where Lina was already bustling around. The two had grown closer over the past weeks, sharing stolen conversations and laughter that felt almost like a sisterly bond. Lina, always so poised and focused, had a rare playfulness that she only shared with Hailey, and today seemed no different.

"My Luna," Lina greeted her with a warm smile as Hailey entered the kitchen. "I was just making a little tea. Care to join me?"

Hailey grinned, nodding. "Tea sounds perfect."

They settled at the small kitchen table, Lina pouring the tea carefully as Hailey savored the moment. There was something magical in the simplicity of it, the gentle clink of teacups, the steam rising in delicate curls, and the quiet, undisturbed space. This morning, Hailey felt as if she belonged here in a way she hadn't felt anywhere else.

"You know," Hailey mused, taking a sip, "sometimes I still can't believe how different life is here."

Lina's smile softened. "You're part of this pack now, Hailey. You're loved here." She paused, a hint of teasing glinting in her eyes. "And you've even managed to soften our Alpha, which no one thought possible."

Hailey laughed, her cheeks warming at the thought of Varian. Just mentioning him filled her with a gentle thrill that she still wasn't entirely used to. "I'm not sure I'd say soften," she replied, though she couldn't help but smile. "More like... challenged him a little."

Their laughter bubbled up freely, and Hailey felt an unexpected sense of joy. She hadn't realized how much she missed this-companionship without the weight of worry pressing down. It was as if, for the first time in a long time, she could finally let her guard down.

They continued chatting, swapping lighthearted stories. Lina told Hailey about her childhood, describing the pranks she used to pull with her siblings. Hailey shared her own stories, from her stubbornness that always got her into trouble to memories that brought genuine laughter from both women.

But the peace was short-lived.

A low, menacing growl cut through the air, freezing both Hailey and Lina in place. They exchanged wide-eyed glances, the blood draining from Lina's face. From outside, the sounds of ferocious snarling and scuffling grew louder, and Hailey's heart pounded as dread settled heavily in her chest.

Then came the shouting. And crashing.

"My Luna!" Lina gasped, grabbing Hailey's hand. "We need to hide now."

Lina pulled Hailey down a narrow hallway and into a storage closet, slamming the door shut and locking it with trembling hands. "Stay quiet," she whispered, her face pale but determined.

But the sounds outside grew closer, footsteps thundering down the hall. Hailey held her breath, her pulse roaring in her ears as her instincts screamed to prepare. The door shook violently as fists pounded against it. Another crash. Another-until the door shattered, wood splintering into pieces.

Three wolves in human form stormed in, filling the small space. Their eyes were cold and cruel as they closed in on Hailey. Lina moved to block their path, her eyes blazing despite her fear. "You'll have to go through me first!" she shouted, her voice shaking but unyielding.

One of the intruders sneered and raised his arm. With a sickening thud, his fist collided with Lina, sending her sprawling back against the wall. She groaned, blood trickling from her brow, but still tried to rise, her will unbroken.

Hailey stepped forward, her eyes blazing with defiance. She was no stranger to a fight, and she wasn't about to let herself be taken easily. With a fierce cry, she launched herself at the closest attacker, her fists and kicks landing with force. The men grunted in surprise as she managed to bring down two, but the numbers were against her. She was overpowered, forced back.

A tall, menacing figure entered the closet-the Alpha of the Poldark pack, Ryker. He smirked, eyes glinting with satisfaction as he took in Hailey's struggle.

"Did you think you'd be safe here, Hailey?" he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "You're coming with me."

"You don't own me," she spat, her voice laced with venom.

Ryker's smirk faded, replaced by a cold glare. With a swift, brutal motion, he struck her. Pain exploded in her temple as her vision blurred. The world spun as she crumpled to the ground, her strength slipping away. She barely registered the rough hands lifting her before the darkness swallowed her whole.

---

Out in the field, Varian was overseeing training drills with his warriors when a guard came running toward him, his clothes torn, and his face bloodied. His breaths came in desperate gasps as he fell to his knees before Varian.

"Alpha... intruders..." the guard panted. "They broke into the mansion... Ryker... he took... Hailey..."

Varian's blood turned to ice. Every muscle in his body went rigid, his vision narrowing to a deadly, furious focus. The name Ryker echoed in his mind, sharpening his rage. His wolf, ever present but restrained, surged forward, howling in feral anger and pain. Every instinct screamed to charge after them, to bring back his mate and tear Ryker apart with his bare hands.

A low, guttural growl escaped him, one that seemed to shake the very ground. His eyes, usually calm and controlled, were now stormy and filled with a rage that was barely contained.

"How dare he..." Varian's voice trembled, low and dangerous. His fists clenched, his claws beginning to extend as his wolf pressed against the surface. "I'll tear him limb from limb for touching her."

Theo, his Beta, saw the signs and quickly stepped forward, putting a firm hand on Varian's shoulder. "Varian," he said, his voice steady but cautious. "Don't let your anger control you. Hailey needs us to be smart about this. We can't act without a plan."

Varian's wolf snarled in protest, the desire to chase, to destroy, overwhelming. But Theo's hand held firm, and his calm gaze forced Varian to focus. He knew his Beta was right, but it took everything within him not to let his wolf fully take over.

"They trespassed, Theo," Varian growled, his voice raw with fury. "Ryker thinks he can take my mate... as if she's something he has the right to touch."

Theo tightened his grip, his voice calm but resolute. "We'll bring her back, Alpha. But if we charge in recklessly, we risk everything-including Hailey."

Varian's jaw clenched so tightly it hurt, his entire body vibrating with the need to act. But Theo's steady words cut through the haze of his rage, reminding him of the bigger picture. Hailey was counting on him not just to bring her back, but to be wise and careful. To be the leader she believed him to be.

He let out a sharp, furious breath, trying to calm his racing heart. The desire for vengeance didn't wane, but it became tempered by determination.

"Ryker thinks he can steal from me and get away with it." Varian's voice was quieter now, but the menace remained. "He'll learn what it means to challenge an Alpha... to challenge me."

Theo nodded, a fire in his own eyes. "And he'll pay for it.

---

Theo's words echoed in Varian's mind, urging him toward patience and strategy. But every fiber of him ached to tear through the border, to let his wolf hunt down every last scent of Ryker until Hailey was safe again. Still, he forced himself to breathe deeply, pushing down the growl rising in his chest.

Raynor, the Gamma, appeared in the doorway. His usual calm demeanor was clouded with anger, his eyes sharp as he approached. "Alpha," he said, bowing slightly, "we've confirmed it was the Poldark pack. Ryker crossed our borders, attacked anyone in his path, and stormed the mansion. They met little resistance as the main guard was stationed elsewhere for the training drills."

Varian's fist hit the table with a thundering crack, his eyes darkening as he processed Raynor's report. "He knew exactly where and when to strike," he muttered bitterly. "He took advantage of our drills, knowing we'd be understaffed at the mansion."

Raynor nodded, his expression hard. "They've been watching us, waiting for the perfect opportunity."

"Coward," Varian spat. "Ryker wouldn't dare face me in the open-so he slinks into my home and takes my mate, thinking I'll cower." He closed his eyes, struggling to contain the mixture of rage and guilt churning inside him. His wolf clawed at him, demanding blood for blood.

Theo stepped forward again, his voice calm but firm. "Varian, we need to keep our heads. This wasn't just a simple raid; it was a message. Ryker wants you to act recklessly. If we rush in, we'll be playing into his hands."

Varian's jaw clenched. He knew Theo was right, but the guilt gnawed at him. He was Hailey's mate, her protector, and he'd failed to keep her safe. His mind filled with images of her: her laugh that morning, the way she looked at him with trust, the light in her eyes when she teased him. And now she was in Ryker's hands, taken by force from her home.

Raynor's voice broke through his thoughts. "I've already sent scouts to monitor the Poldark border. If they make any moves, we'll know immediately. They won't slip through our grasp again."

Varian nodded slowly, acknowledging the effort, though his gaze remained distant. The entire room seemed to pulse with his restrained fury.

Theo continued, "We need to call a council meeting with our strategists. Ryker has to know he's provoked us, but we won't give him the satisfaction of seeing us charge in blind. We plan this down to the last detail."

Varian's fists unclenched slowly as he listened, Theo's words grounding him, even if the urge to take immediate action still lingered. His wolf growled and shifted beneath the surface, not satisfied by patience or caution. But he knew Theo and Raynor were right-Hailey's safety depended on careful planning, not reckless vengeance.

Raynor added, "If I may, Alpha... Ryker's made a critical error here. His invasion wasn't just personal-it's an insult to every pack member under your protection. This wasn't just an attack on you; it's a declaration of hostility against the entire pack. When we strike back, we'll have more than enough support."

The words kindled something within Varian, a renewed sense of purpose that went beyond his personal rage. Ryker's actions had crossed every boundary, showing a flagrant disregard for their peace and unity. By stealing Hailey, Ryker had sparked a fire that would demand justice-and he would make certain that justice was swift and absolute.

Varian straightened, finally meeting Raynor and Theo's gaze. "Summon the council. I want every lead we can get on Ryker's movements and every possible way into his territory. Ryker thinks he can control this game... but he has no idea what he's unleashed."

Theo inclined his head. "I'll notify the council immediately. Raynor, have your scouts remain discreet, but make sure they're in position. If Ryker moves Hailey, we'll be ready."

Raynor nodded firmly. "Understood, Alpha. And... Varian, we're all with you in this. Hailey's part of this pack. She's family. We'll bring her home."

Varian's gaze softened for a brief moment at Raynor's words, but his eyes held a dark promise. "Thank you, both of you. We'll do whatever it takes to get her back. And when we do..." His voice dropped to a low growl, thick with fury. "Ryker will wish he never dared to cross me."

As the room emptied and the council began to gather, Varian lingered alone for a moment, letting the weight of his anger settle. His wolf, still restless and prowling beneath the surface, let out a silent snarl, demanding release. Varian clenched his fists, his mind already racing through strategies and possibilities. There would be no room for error; Hailey's life depended on it.

Finally, he turned and strode into the council chamber, his expression hard, eyes blazing with purpose. He was an Alpha, and his mate had been taken. If Ryker wanted a war, then Varian would give him one-one he would never forget.

---

What happens when laughter turns to chaos and friendship meets danger? Hailey thought she was just enjoying a quiet day at home, but when wolf howls fill the air and intruders crash the party, it’s a fight for survival!

Will Hailey stand her ground against the Poldark pack, or will she find herself at the mercy of a vengeful Alpha? And what will Varian do when he learns his mate is in peril?

Get ready for a wild ride of fierce battles, heart-pounding rescues, and a whole lot of growling—because in this world, family ties can cut deeper than any blade! Don’t miss the thrilling twist ahead!

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