Hope’s POV

I open my eyes with a small groan. My head pounds dully as a soft light filters through. The creak of a chair draws my attention.

“Hope?”

My father’s voice drags me from my haze. I blink once— twice—and the world organizes, sharpens. I inhale a sharp breath, in shock.

I can see.

My wolf whines, just as confused as I am.

I jolt upright, heart thundering against my ribs. The last thing I remember is the fall from the cliff.

I gulp, studying my father's worried expression. His skin is smooth, and the crinkling around his eyes has lessened.

“Papa?” My voice cracks. “Wh—what happened?”

He grips my shoulder, and I have to concentrate to hold back the sudden tears that threaten to spill. “You took a hit to the head while watching a sparring match. One of the warriors got careless. You passed out.” His smile is forced as he runs a gentle finger across my forehead. I wince when he touches the left side of my forehead. “The healer says you’re lucky all you got is a pretty nice goose egg.”

This can't be possible. I know this story. This time, but it isn't possible…isn’t it?

I study his face. His face is smoother. No gray in his beard, no limp in his stance.

I blink again, taking in the room. “How long was I out?”

“Not long. A few hours at most.” He frowns as he analyzes my face as if he could see any ailment I might have. “How are you feeling?”

Pressure builds behind my eyes. My wolf whines. None of this makes sense. Memories overlay reality as I look at the whitewashed walls and the scratched wooden floors near the bed. The smell of pine needles and antiseptic. Drown out my father's firewood scent.

The scene is the past come to life, one from years ago. From the first time I met Keith.

How is this possible?

What happened after the fall?

Who pushed me?

I can feel my anxiety rising, but I'm helpless to stop the spiral.

I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, ignoring my unsteady limbs. “What’s today’s date?”

“Hope—” My father reaches for me, trying to steer me back to the bed.

“What’s the date?” I shout, pulling my arm from him.

This can’t be real.

My wolf paws and pushes at the barrier of my mind, sensing my distress and wanting to protect me from it.

Papa hesitates. “March fifteenth.”

“And the year?”

“2006. Same as this morning.” He grips my arm gently. “How about we take a seat?”

I let him lead me back to the bed.

My breath catches. I feel my heart stutter, and I blurt. “I’m eighteen.”

He gives me a worried look. “Yes…”

I grip the blanket seeking comfort.

I was twenty-one yesterday.

The nausea that rolls through me makes me thank the goddess I’m sitting. My wolf paces but doesn't try to dissuade my triangle of thought.

I was twenty-one. Blind for three years.

I—I died, I think.

Keith— I can't even bear to finish that one. The betrayal, the pain, the fire… all of it rushes back.

I died.

“Here, drink this,” my father says, handing me a glass of water.

I take it from him, if only to give myself something to do.

I’ve been sent back. Reborn.

Could it be the Goddess left this as a gift for me?

His brows knit together. “Hope…”

I turn to Papa, a thousand thoughts swirling in my head. Among them all two take the presidency.

No one can know, and I have to avoid Kieth at all costs.

If I am being given this chance to reduce everything, I need to make sure I do this right.

I put on my best bashful look. “Sorry Papa. I'm okay now. Everything was just…confusing for a few seconds there.”

“Of course. You were just knocked unconscious. It's normal to be out of sorts when you wake up.”

Papa pats my shoulder. “I’m going to let the healer know you've woken up. Alpha Keith will also want an update on your health.”

I press my lips together and nod. My mind is racing. This is the day. The one where everything begins.

The succession ceremony of the Lotus Pack. Keith assuming his role as Alpha. I was here to represent our pack since my sister was off handling pack business. And then—I was knocked out.

Just like now.

And when I woke up the first time… he came.

Young, charming. A new Alpha is ready to ensure that the alpha family of an allied pack wasn't offended by the incident.

That was the moment everything changed.

Our eyes met, and we knew we were fated.

He hadn't even gotten the full apology out before his wolf rose to the surface and called out to mine.

My father's hand was on the door. She was about to exit when I whispered, “No.”

“What?” Dad asks.

“There's no need to inform anyone. Papa.” I said quickly.

“Hope, you’re not making any sense—”

“I am.” I face him, my voice steadying. “I think I should head back to the pack. Tonight.”

He shakes his head. “Absolutely not. You need to rest—”

“You’ve always trusted me,” Standing and taking my hands and mine. “Please. Trust me now. I can’t explain it all, but if I stay, something bad will happen.”

“You’re afraid of Keith?”

“No, of course not,” I add quickly when I see the signs of flaring temper in Papa’s eyes. Signs of flaring temper in my father's eyes

He's a fierce Alpha me and my sister mean more to him than anything. If he knew the truth, if he even suspected that I had ill feelings toward Keith, it would cause tension between our packs.

War is the last thing I want.

I just want to be free.

My wolf stirs beneath my skin. A low growl rises from my chest, rumbling with rage. She remembers too. The betrayal. The lies. The pain.

She refuses to forgive him.

So, do I.

He studies me. His eyes narrow. “You sound like your mother when she saw visions.”

I hate lying to my father, but it's the only way to preserve the bond between our packs while giving me a chance to escape and choose a new path. “I don't know what this is. But this is something I have to do. I feel it, Papa.”

He sighs. “Fine. What do you want me to do?”

"Say I'm worried about Tessa," I say, folding my arms tight over my chest. Dad lifts a brow, skeptical. "She fought with you. She didn’t even come to the Lotus Pack with us."

He exhales slowly, then nods. "You're not wrong. She's stubborn, like your mother. But how do you expect me to explain that you left after the hit you took?"

“Easy. When I woke up, Tessa had called me asking for me since I was feeling fine and the healers at home are more advanced than the ones in the lotus pack, you let me go,” I answer, seizing the opportunity with both hands.

He considers my words. "You’re not wrong. Blue Rock has always had the best healers."

I try not to show my relief.

This might actually work.

"Alright," Papa says finally. "You can head home. I’ll arrange for Tino to take you back."

Tina was my father's most trusting warrior. He had watched me and my sister since we were little girls.

Making sure not to appear too anxious to get away from the Lotus Pack territory. I started to slip on my shoes and my jacket. Thankfully, I hadn't been changed into a healing gown while I was here.

Of course, it couldn’t be that easy.

A rapid knock sounds at the door moments before Karen, my father's girlfriend, steps in with her too-bright smile. Trailing behind her like lost ducklings were her children: Leah and Tyler.

I use the word children loosely. Tyler was my age, and Leah's one year younger, and the two could not look more different. While Taylor was fair and blue-eyed, his sister had dark brown hair and an olive complexion.

Karen claims that they are both fathered by the same male, but I always have my doubts. I'd never begrudge my father’s happiness. Many shifters find companionship again after losing their fated mate. The new connection would never be the one they had, but they were capable of loving someone else after the loss.

I want my phone to be happy. He deserves it. However, there was something about Karen that didn't sit right.

Never mind the fact that she hated my sister and me. I can deal with not being liked, but what bothers me the most is the ax she puts on in front of Papa.

Her calculating stairs slide over to me.

I freeze, my spine stiffening instinctively.

“I'm so glad you're up and about, darling. How are you feeling?” She says in that annoying high-pitched voice of hers.

“Better. Thanks.” I say keep my response short.

Right now, the only thing I care about is getting the fuck off this territory.

“Clinton,” she addresses Papa “Shouldn't you be getting the healer. That was quite a hit she took.”

“No need, sweetheart. I'm sending hope home so she can be seen by our healers,” Papa says casually as if the whole idea was his.

Karen gives me a plastic grin before turning back to Papa. " You're right. Truly, our healers have much more knowledge than the ones on Lotus Pack territory. Oh, why not let Tyler take Hope? I'm sure he'd love the drive. Right, Tyler?"

"Of course, mother," he says, grinning like a fox about to break into a chicken coop. "I’d be happy to make sure Hope gets back home safely."

Dad chuckles. "That’s not a bad idea. It would save Tino the trip."

My stomach clenches. There is no way I’m letting that pompous little mama's boy take me back.

I keep my tone even when I say, "He can’t."

Everyone looks at me, but I just smile sweetly and continue. "Tyler’s license was revoked last month. DUI, wasn’t it?"

Leah’s eyes flash. Karen’s mouth tilts into a barely perceptible frown.

Papa's face darkens as the full force of his dominance is directed at Tyler. "I never heard about this. Is it true, Tyler?"

"I—It was one time—" Tyler stammers.

"You drove drunk?" Dad cuts in, voice rising. "Do you have any idea of the lives you put at risk, your own included. You say you want to be a warrior, but until you learn to put your thoughtless, reckless behavior behind you—

Karen steps forward, laying a hand on Papa’s arm and cutting him off. "Clinton, he’s young. He made a mistake—"

"That kind of mistake costs lives," he snaps.

Karen’s lips press tightly. "You're right. Maybe we should finish this talk in private."

He nods.

She shepherds him out of the room, casting me a glare when he’s not looking.

Tyler and Leah just glare at me.

"You're such a narc," Tyler hisses.

I shrug. "Don't blame me for your poor choices. Pap would have found out eventually. How do you think it would have gone if he had been kept in the dark longer?”

His fists clench, but he backs off. Smart choice.

A minute later, Papa comes back through the door. His jaw’s still tight, but his eyes soften when he looks at me.

"Tino is getting the car ready for you," he says. "He’ll be here in a few minutes."

I nod. "Thanks, Papa."

He exits the room, and I ignore the two eyesores as I pack.

There's no need for more conversations or interruptions. I don’t want to give Keith even a whiff of my exit.

The fewer goodbyes, the better.

Hope

If I don't make eye contact, maybe they will go away.

My wolf huffed at my naivete.

Judgmental bitch. I hate it when she's right.

Tugging on my jacket I try to wait for Tino in the hallway.

Leah decides that's the moment she wants to make her move. Side stepping, she blocks the doorway, arms folded, chin tilted like some warped mini version of her mother. Fucking great.

I thought her momentary lapse of silence meant she would do us all a favor and save her whining for someone who cared.

I should have known I’m not that lucky.

The goddess gave me a do over not a get out of jail free card.

I rolled my eyes, unwilling to play games when my time was ticking.

“Well, I don't have all day. If you have something to say I suggest you do it before Tino gets here,” I say evenly.

No use in letting her know she's annoying me, that will only make the interaction take longer.

“You should watch who you're talking to, daddy isn't here to save you,” she snarls, looking me up and down with a frown, as if she finds me lacking.

My wolf presses beneath the surface of my skin and I do my best not to react.

Daddy.

She knows I hate it when she calls my father that.

I snort. “You must really enjoy the false reality you create for yourself.”

A growl slips from her throat. I know it is meant to be threatening; it would be if her level of dominance were anywhere near mine.

Regardless of who my father is I would rank her and we both know it.

Tyler lingers at her side, lounging against the door frame. His large body is relaxed, bored even, but there’s heat in his eyes.

“Now, now girls. We're family. Can’t we get along for five minutes.,” Tyler said with false sincerity.

By the goddess there isn’t time for whatever game they want to play.

“How about you fuck off and get out of my way,” I retort.

Leah scans me before smirking and I know I'm not going to like what she says next. “Sure. But I want something in return. You know, for making this as painless as possible for you.”

“All the paint thinner you inhale must really be getting to your head. Stand aside.”

She takes a step towards me. “You think you are so clever aren't you. Well, let's see how smart you think you are when I’m Luna of the pack.

Shit, I forgot this is her delusion.

Leah was—are— determined to be Keith's Luna.

Many females are. His family is descended from a branch of the royal family that carries Lycan blood, the original creatures from which all wolf shifters emerged.

Though Keith’s family is no longer part of the royal line. There is no question of his strength.

If he wants, he could challenge the King and take his place, but he won’t. His pack, the lotus pack, prided themselves on being warriors.

Goddess, I had to get out of here.

Maliciousness filled Leah's eyes as I moved to barrel towards her. “Oh, good you're leaving. I guess you won't need this anymore.”

Her hand flicked toward my neck, lightning quick, but I was quicker.

I jerked my left shoulder back; the necklace I wore lifting as her fingers grazed it.

I blink. “Excuse me?”

“The necklace,” she snaps. “I’ll take care of it for you.”

My hand rises instinctively to the pendant resting against my collarbone.

Cold metal, yet warm with memory.

My mother’s.

I hardly ever wear it but today felt right. It felt like fate.

Only now I knew what a fool I’d been.

Not this time.

“No.”

Leah’s nostrils flare. “No?”

“This isn't one of your pretty trinkets. It belonged to my mother,” I say. “You don’t touch it.”

She steps closer, practically vibrating with annoyance. “Don’t be selfish, Hope. You don’t get to hoard jewels when you’re abandoning your place here. Besides, it would look better on me anyway.”

Abandoning? That’s rich. We both knew I was doing her a favor by leaving.

I steady my voice. “You don’t care about the necklace. You just wanted something shiny to show off to Keith. Hoping it will finally make him notice you.”

Her eyes flash.

I smirk knowing I hit my target.

“You think I don’t know what today is about?” I say, sharper now. “You and all the other desperate females dolled yourself up for him, hoping he’d notice you exist. Pathetic.”

Leah lunges with a small roar, fingers outstretched, but I weave, stepping back and twisting to keep our distance.

Her nails catch air.

Tyler straightens.

I keep one eye on him unsure if he'll choose to help her or me.

“You don’t deserve it,” Leah hisses.

“And you don’t get to take it.” My fingers clutch the pendant tight. “It’s not about deserving. It’s about my mother.”

Leah growls in frustration, then throws a look at Tyler. “Do something.”

He rolls his eyes but slinks with all the fake laziness of someone about to get nasty.

“I have news for you. She’s dead,” he says, walking toward me. “But you're still alive. So, I’d do what Leah asks you. After you humiliated me in front of Clinton, you're on thin ice.”

“That was your own doing,” I snap. “If you do not want a reality check, don't do stupid shit.”

He sneers. “Let’s see how tough you are without your precious title.”

Tyler's arm lashes out like a whip.

I don’t hesitate.

I duck and kick out. My foot connects hard with his stomach. He lets out a shocked grunt and stumbles back into Leah. She yelps as they crash into the wall leaving the door free.

I plant my feet. My pulse pounds, but I keep my face neutral. Waiting.

“You bitch,” Tyler growls, scrambling upright.

“You’re lucky I didn’t go for the face.”

Leah takes a shaky breath, then snarls at Tyler. “Useless.”

“Me?” Tyler barks. “You’re the one who—”

A sharp knock cuts through the tension. The door creaks open, and a tall, broad-shouldered man steps in.

Tino.

Thank the Goddess.

The warrior Clinton promised.

His serious chocolate eyes scan the room—Tyler rubbing his side, Leah flushed and furious, and me still standing steady in front of them.

His gaze settles on me. “Hope, Alpha Clinton sent me to escort you home.”

Leah steps forward, voice sickly sweet. “She was just leaving.”

He doesn’t even look at her.

“Coming.” I walk past Leah. Past Tyler. Neither stops me.

But as I reach the threshold, I turn.

“See you when you get home.”

Leah scoffs.

Tyler mutters something under his breath recognizing my words as the threat they were. I don’t care.

I step into the hallway beside Tino.

“That looked cozy,” he said.

“Like a Christmas morning,” I replied.

Tino chuckled. “Wouldn't expect anything less from them. Correct me if I'm wrong but Tyler's shirt looked a little wrinkled in the chest area.”

Of course, Tino caught that. He was the one who trained me in combat.

“I might have aided him in a lesson on personal space.”

His blue eyes flashed with pride. “That's my girl.”

Damn, I missed Tino.

When it came to Leah and Tyler, he was always on me and my sister’s side. Tino loved my mother, so he didn't take well to any actions from Karen that were made to make my sister, and I feel like we didn't belong. Her children's actions were an extension of that.

He doesn’t speak anymore, as we walk and I’m grateful.

The emotions welling up in my chest are unexpected. The realization of what I have again and what I’m giving up.

The unknown that lies before me.

I need to keep it in check.

Tino has always seen too much. It wouldn't serve me to have him asking what was wrong. If he did, I didn't know if I’d have the heart to lie to him.

We reach the stairs, and I pause, just for a second.

My wolf paces in my mind, agitating, hurting, falling under the weight of leaving our mate.

It hurts. But staying would destroy me.

“Ready?” Tino asks with a raised brow.

I nod again.

I don’t look back.

The car drives down the mountain road, smooth and silent, nothing but trees blurring past and the crunch of tires on gravel.

My thoughts are the only thing competing with the noise.

I rest my forehead against the window, ignoring the building's need to turn back.

But then—something shifts.

My body tenses. My lungs freeze mid-breath. The hair on my arms rises.

I smell him.

Keith.

I twist in my seat, eyes scanning the trees flashing by.

Impossible.

But I know his scent—dark cedar, firewood, a hint of rain. I yank my head away and stare ahead.

I’ll have to train myself not to think about him.

Not to feel anything at all.

Keith

I walk down the sterile hallway of the healing quarters, my boots clicking against the linoleum floor as I move toward the room of the Blue Rock packs Alpha’s daughter, Hope's.

I’d already had a word with Oliver; the young warrior got a bit overzealous during training. He was adequately remorseful and gearing up for his extra cleaning duties for his lack of self-control.

The hit wasn't life threatening, still, I wanted to check on the female myself.

The scent of antiseptic hits my nose, but there's something else mixed in with it. Something sharp, sweet, intoxicating—like jasmine on a breeze, with a hint of pine.

That scent... I know it.

My wolf perks up, moving to the edge of my skin with a frantic sort of excitement.

It's the second time he's reacted this way in the span of minutes.

It's intoxicating, haunting in its evasiveness.

And it's right inside this door.

I pause outside of the room, my fingers brushing the cold metal handle, and I let the alien feeling of dread settle into my chest.

Something about today feels different, like the world is about to shift.

I can’t shake the feeling, like the rumble of thunder before a rainstorm or the silence before a battle.

I’ve never let fear stop me, never let its claws sink deep enough to affect my choices and I wouldn't stop now.

With a steadying breath I twist the knob, and step inside.

I expected to see Alpha Clinton or at the very least one of the warriors that accompanied the Blue Rock packs Alpha. What I didn't expect to see is an empty room.

My wolf growls with a frustration I can't quite understand.

It’s pristine, the bed made neatly, the sheets untouched. I frown, my heart quickening as I sniff the air and inhale the traces of the honeyed scent mingling with the scent of the Alpha and a few others.

I stalk over to the mattress noting how it gets stronger where her body would have lain.

The strange urge to press my face into the sheets and suffocate myself in the fading traces of her scent causes my limbs to shake.

What the fuck is happening to me?

I push aside the odd reaction and refocus on the present.

I was told she’d still be here. A momentary flicker of unease runs through me.

Why would she leave?

The longer I stand in the room the clearer the scent becomes. It's as if it's pushing itself in front of the others, reaching for me. Overpowering.

Reminding me of its importance.

The connection slams into me certainly.

The jasmine-pine blend I’d caught earlier when a car passed by me outside. This was it. It had lingered in the air as if the driver had been waiting just for me.

The female from the Blue Rock pack is quickly forgotten as a tug pulls from somewhere deep inside of me.

I can find her later. She is probably with her father anyway.

I take a deep breath, wanting to sustain myself on the sweet fragrance filling my lungs, and immediately mind-link my guards at the gates.

Find out who just left the premises.

Normally, only mated pairs would have access to each other's minds, but my Lycan blood allowed me to create a deep bond with my pack. One that made us as formidable as the rumors said.

Not only were we bonded through a pack link like other packs, but I was able to sense their emotions and speak to them as well.

Jace, my head warriors, voice flows across my mind.

The Blue rock female, Hope. She is being escorted back to her territory on her father's orders.

I swallow hard. So, it is her. A mixture of trepidation and a ridge of anger disturbing my usual peace.

Was she injured more than I thought?

Did she appear to be hurt? I asked Jace.

Not that I noticed, Alpha. Should I send someone to retrieve her?

Not necessary.

I quickly leave the healing room and head down to the private cabin I assigned to the Bluerock Alpha and his partner.

I need answers and he is going to be the one to give them to me.

As I walk along the path, my beta and best friend, Jace, materializes beside me, matching my pace.

“What's wrong?” He asks without preamble.

“Nothing,”

“Ah, so we're starting the day with lies.”

I huff. “Nothing life threatening.” I amend.

Though if this is what I suspect it will alter a few lives, namely mine.

“And we're rushing to the Blue Rock Alpha’s quarters because?” he pushes, unwilling to drop the subject.

I halt my tracks. I don't keep secrets from Jace.

Being at odds with your beat is the quickest way to destroy a pack.

“I smelled something. A female.” Jace's hazel eyes reflected his confusion, so I continued. “It triggered something in me.”

“The bond?” Jace said with incredulity.

“I’m not sure but my wolf won't let it go.”

“What does Alpha Clin— his daughter,” Jace surmised putting the pieces together.

I nod confirming.

His large hand claps me on the shoulder, a broad smile on his face. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go get your female.”

“Never would have pegged you for the romantic type,” I teased to hide what he called hope my female did to my insides.

“Romantic no,” he shrugs a rounded shoulder. “But I am aware of how much you wanted to avoid the barrage of females getting ready to throw themselves at you at the banquet. What better way to do it than to start your ascension by annoying your mate.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It's just… a peculiarity that's all.”

Memories of last night’s nightmare, of sweating and gasping for breath I ran for her, heart pounding in my chest? The female I’ve seen fall from a cliff, the one I’ve leapt after—again and again, every time—no matter the consequences, fill my mind.

She was—is mine. I know it.

That curling feeling in my chest grows. Like a tether squeezing my heart yanking me west in the direction of the Black Rock packs.

Could it be?

Hope.

The name reverberates in my mind.

I didn't get a good look at her when she first arrived, a mistake I need to rectify.

My wolf growls and thrashes pushing me to take action.

He wants to chase her.

“Keith?” Jace asks, concerned.

Shit I must have spaced out again.

“I’m fine. Let's go,” I say walking with haste to Alpha Clinton's quarters.

Jace follows silent though I know he has questions.

When we reach Alpha Clinton’s sweet partner, Karen opens the door with a smile on her face. I know it's meant to be inviting but something about the female displeases my wolf.

“Alpha Keith. What a pleasure.” She says amicably.

“I don't mean to disturb you,” I say deciding politeness is the best course of action. “I was wondering if Clinton was available to speak.”

She waves her hand as if to wave away my concern. “It's no bother. He's right this way,” she says, leading me into the sitting room.

Jace follows, giving the older female a curt nod.

I still don't understand what Clinton is doing with her, his voice projects in my head.

Neither do I. I heard Luna was beloved. Not sure how he ended up with Karen.

I didn't have a problem with Karen, but I could see how much she desired status. The fact that Clinton couldn't always felt odd to me.

Rumor is she bewitched him.

I resisted the laughter building in my throat.

Alpha Clinton stood up when we entered the room.

“Keith, what brings you by? I know there must be much to do before your ascension.”

“I was headed to the healing building to check on your daughter, but it appears as if she left. Is everything alright?”

The older Alpha nodded. “Hope is fine. Thank you for checking up on her. It's my other daughter, Tessa, who was in need of her sister, so she left early to be with her. Hope sends her regards for not because ng able to stay for the ceremony.”

My instincts prickle. I doubt I am receiving the full story, but I feel no ill intention coming from Clinton so I let it slide.

“Of course. She should be with her sister if she needs her.”

“She is a good girl,” Clinton said fondly.

I give him a nod. “I look forward to seeing you and Karen tonight.”

Before I leave, the same jasmine and pine scent flows into my nostrils.

I search for the source, noticing a folded sweater on the back of a chair.

I have to clench my fist to keep from reaching for it. From holding it close and inhaling her scent.

My eyes blow wide when I spit a picture above it.

On the mantelpiece there is a family photo of Clinton and his daughters.

And right in the center is her.

The woman I’ve been dreaming of for months now. The woman who has haunted my nightmares and kept me awake at night.

I shake my head, trying to clear it as I walk out with Jace on my heels.

I’ve always dismissed it, chalked it up to coincidence. But the scent... the way it’s latched onto me, that’s not a coincidence.

Neither is the face staring back at me.

Find her. My wolf growled.

There was nothing more I wanted. But I had a duty to perform.

After my ascension, I promised.