Ch. 371..375: A Warrior Luna's Awakening Chapter 371-375
Chapter 371
Freya’s POV
Wren stood at the edge of the stone dock, the sea wind heavy with salt and mist. “Alpha Silas instructed me to follow your command, Miss Freya. If you wish to leave the island, transport can be arranged immediately.”
Leave? The word pierced through me like an arrow of cold wind. By our agreement, the Lunar Severance Phase still had two days left. Two days before I was meant to walk away free.
Woods Silas?” I asked quietly, though my voice trembled.
shirmor has already departed,” Wren replied, lowering his gaze. “If you wish to stay, I’ll arrange staff and niedies to remain on the island. You may treat it as a private retreat.”
A bitter laugh escaped me. “That won’t be necessary.”
So he had truly gone. Silas had not only left without a word but had freed me before the appointed time. He meant to sever everything between us. No hesitation. No turning back.
Perhaps last night, under the blood moon, was our true goodbye.
I drew in a shaky breath, my chest tightening. Maybe it was better this way. Silas and I were like fire and frost-never meant to coexist. Now we were simply returning to where fate intended: separate paths, separate packs.
“Then, Miss Freya,” Wren said softly, “what are your orders?”
“Take me back to the Capital,” I answered.
“Understood.”
When the rotor blades chopper roared to life, I took one last look at the island-a place meant to heal, yet one that had witnessed my undoing. The flight took barely half an hour. I hadn’t realized how close this exile had been to the world I’d once called home.
During the return, I contacted Lana and Kade through WolfComm, letting them know I was coming back. The moment I stepped off the chopper onto the Capital’s landing field, I saw them waiting there.
“Freya!” Kade ran forward before I could say a word. He pulled me into a fierce embrace, his scent-smoke and pine-instantly grounding me. “You’re finally back.”
I lifted a hand and patted his shoulder lightly. “Didn’t I tell you over the call? I’m fine.”
He didn’t release me. His hold only tightened, as if the mere act of letting go might make me disappear again. “You say that,” he muttered, “but none of us knew what Silas might’ve done to you.”
Behind him, Wren cleared his throat politely. “Miss Freya.”
I gave Kade’s back a reassuring tap, and he reluctantly stepped aside. Wren approached and inclined his head. “Now that you’ve safely returned to the Capital, I’ll report back to Alpha Whitmor.”
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“Thank you, Wren,” I said quietly.
He turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Lana came up beside me, her sharp eyes glinting with curiosity. “Silas isn’t with you?”
I hesitated for a breath before answering, “We’ve separated. It’s over. There won’t be anything like this again.”
Lana arched an elegant brow. “Something must’ve happened on that island.”
kele’s paw clenched. “If he ever dares lay a hand on you again, Freya, I’ll make him pay.”
“There won’t be a next time,” I said firmly. Then, trying to redirect the conversation, I asked, “I saw on the Pack Council feeds that the Williams family has arrived in the Capital?”
“Yesterday,” Kade replied. As part of the Iron Fang Recon Unit, he was always well-informed. “If you want to see Parker, I can arrange it.”
“Please do. Thank you.”
Kade smiled faintly. “For you, Freya, nothing is ever trouble.”
His sincerity warmed me, even as guilt twisted in my chest. I knew his feelings-but to me, he was a brother, a comrade forged in battle, nothing more.
“Come on,” Lana cut in, linking her arm through mine. “Let’s get food first. It’s nearly noon.”
We ended up at an old Capital restaurant-a place famed for its Ironfang stew and charred venison. The air smelled of spice and woodfire. We ordered quickly, and halfway through waiting, Kade’s WolfComm buzzed.
“I need to take this,” he said, stepping away.
Lana leaned closer once he was gone. “So… you and Silas are really done?”
I lowered my gaze. “I think so.”
Her eyes narrowed, glinting with mischief. “Then what’s that on your neck? Don’t tell me that mark isn’t from him.”
I froze. My hand flew to my throat instinctively. Moonlight, no. It must’ve been from last night-Silas’s mouth against my skin, his touch bruising and desperate even as he told me to forget him.
Before I could answer, Kade returned, slipping his device back into his pocket. “What are you two whispering about?”
“Nothing,” I said quickly, tugging my collar up. My face felt hot.
He didn’t press, but his sharp eyes flicked to my neck-and lingered. He didn’t have to say anything. The faint mark spoke for itself, and every wolf knew what it meant.
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Florence
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
Chapter 372
Freya’s POV
Kade’s hand tightened around his chopsticks, his knuckles whitening with quiet restraint. Thankfully, the food began to arrive, filling the silence with the soft clatter of plates and the aroma of roasted meat and
herbs.
We are slowly, talking about what had happened in the Capital during my days of confinement on the island. Neither Kade nor Lana asked what had occurred between Silas and me-they were too perceptive, To respectful to touch that wound.
Leard the Bluemoon Pack’s first and second branches have gone to war with each other,” Lana said, sipping from her glass. “Caclum Grafton’s suing Aurora for colluding with others to defraud SilverTech Forgeworks. She’s scrambling for legal help, but no attorney in the Capital will take her case.” Her gaze flicked toward Kade, amused.
Of course. The reason no one would take Aurora’s case was sitting right beside me. His mother’s family- the Ashfords-held half the city’s legal network in their pocket.
“I used to think Caelum adored Aurora,” Lana continued dryly. “Now look at them-blood and betrayal, like every tragic pack saga.”
I said nothing. The mention of their names no longer stirred anything in me. Once, hearing them together would’ve sent fire through my veins. Now, it was only quiet.
Halfway through the meal, I excused myself to the washroom. The mirror above the sink reflected a pale, tired face-and the faint red mark along my neck.
My breath caught. Silas. That was his mark.
Flashes from the previous night flickered behind my eyes: his weight above me, the warmth of his breath against my skin, the desperation in his kiss. I pressed my lips together, hard. If there was a mark on my throat, then there were likely others-hidden beneath my clothes, unseen but felt.
Kade hadn’t said anything earlier, probably hadn’t noticed. But I couldn’t walk around with that visible. Every wolf knew what such a mark meant.
I untied my ponytail, letting my dark hair fall over my shoulders. The strands brushed against my neck, hiding the crimson trace of what should never have been.
As I turned to leave, voices drifted from the main hall. A familiar one froze me in place.
Parker.
He was walking in with a small entourage-among them, a blonde woman I recognized instantly: Jenny Williams. My stomach tightened. I hadn’t expected to see them here, of all places.
I stepped forward before I could second-guess myself. “Mr. Williams,” I called softly. “Could I have a word with you?”
Parker stopped mid-step. Jenny, of course, was the first to sneer. “Well, if it isn’t Freya Thorne. What’s
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next, another little reunion game? Or are you hoping to cozy up to the Williams family this time?”
I ignored her venom and kept my gaze steady on Parker. “Just a few words. In private.”
He studied me for a long moment, the storm-gray of his eyes unreadable. “All right.”
Jenny’s expression hardened. “You’re not serious! You can’t just-”
“She once took a bullet for me in D-country,” Parker interrupted quietly. “I owe her at least a few minutes
of my time.”
Jeany stepped closer, lowering her voice but not enough that my wolf ears couldn’t hear. “If you walk away with her now, I won’t lift a finger to save her. The one in the hospital.”
Parker froze. His entire body went rigid.
Her. Lina. The only person Parker truly cared about-the one who’d once saved his life. I saw the pain flash across his face before he masked it with cold professionalism.
“Apologies, Miss Thorne,” he said finally, voice low but firm. “I’m afraid I don’t have time to talk.”
“Typical,” came another voice-Kade’s, sharp as broken glass. He strode toward us, his presence alone enough to make half the restaurant fall silent. “So this is the Williams family’s gratitude?”
I blinked. “Kade-what are you doing here?”
“You took too long. I came to check.” His tone was mild, but the glint in his eyes was anything but. He turned to Jenny, his words laced with iron. “When your pack’s daughter was kidnapped in D-country, Freya went into enemy territory to save her. She took a bullet in the shoulder and spent a day in a coma. And now you won’t even let her speak to Parker for five minutes?”
He took another step forward, his voice carrying through the restaurant. “Tell me, Miss Williams-since when does a branch family member have authority over the heir of the main house? Or has the Williams legacy sunk so low that its head now takes orders from a cousin with a sharp tongue?”
Jenny’s face blanched. The air in the restaurant shifted-wolves nearby were already watching, curious, murmuring. Even Parker looked uneasy.
Kade wasn’t done. “Perhaps I should have a word with Chairman Everett Williams. I’d love to ask him whether this is the family’s official stance-betray those who saved them and bow to manipulation from their own bloodline.”
Jenny’s composure cracked. Her lips parted, but no words came. She glanced around, noticing the eyes turning toward her, and panic flickered in her gaze. Whatever her status, she knew one thing: if word of this reached her uncle Everett-or the press-the fallout would be brutal, especially with the Whitmors preparing to sign a major contract with their family.
Her gaze darted to me again, and I caught a flicker of something-fear? Uncertainty? She must’ve remembered that in D-country, Silas Whitmor had been by my side.
The realization hit her hard. She forced a strained smile and tugged at Parker’s sleeve. “Fine. Talk if you must. I’ll wait in the private room.”
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With that, she turned and vanished down the corridor.
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Florence
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
Trapped in You by Morrison Lee: Shadows of Our Love 373 Summary
Freya finds herself alone with Parker in a private room of the restaurant, where she confronts him with the painful truth: he is actually her brother, Eric Thorne, though he has lost all memory of his past and their family legacy. Despite his cold and distant demeanor, Freya tries to reach him by reminding him of their shared history and offering proof through DNA results. She pleads with him to reclaim his identity and remember who he truly is.
Parker listens but remains skeptical and emotionally guarded. He reveals the trauma he endured in D-country, where he was abused and forced into harsh circumstances, and how he escaped with only Lina’s care to rely on. Though he acknowledges Freya’s efforts and the debt he owes her for saving him, he resists returning to the life and name of Eric Thorne. Instead, he clings to the identity of Parker Williams, the name tied to those who saved him.
Freya is heartbroken by his rejection but senses the conflict within him. Parker’s wolf instincts and his vulnerability show that he is deeply torn between his past and present selves. In a fleeting moment of connection, he almost reaches out to her but pulls back, offering only a card and a quiet promise that she can call on him if she ever wants something in return.
As he leaves, Freya is left with a mixture of sorrow and hope. The reunion she longed for has come with unexpected pain, as her brother walks away as a stranger named Parker Williams, while she remains the sister he cannot yet remember. The chapter ends on a note of emotional complexity, highlighting the struggle between identity, memory, and family bonds.
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Chapter 373
Freya’s Perspective
Parker gave a single nod, and Jenny quickly excused herself from the corridor, her heels clicking briskly against the polished marble floor as she retreated. The sound echoed sharply, then faded into the background.
Kade shifted his gaze toward me, his voice dropping to a low, protective tone. “Do you want me to stay with you?”
I shook my head gently. “No, you should go back to the booth. I’ll manage on my own.”
Turning my attention to Parker, who stood beneath the soft glow of the silver lanterns that hung from the restaurant ceiling, I noticed the quiet intensity in his presence—like a wolf holding back an inevitable transformation. “Let’s talk inside,” I suggested, nodding toward a nearby private room that sat empty and bathed in gentle moonlight.
He responded with a brief nod. “Alright.”
Together, we stepped through the door into the small, secluded chamber. As the door clicked shut behind us, the noise from the dining hall—the clinking of glasses, the faint hum of laughter—dissolved until all that remained was the charged silence between us.
I faced him squarely.
No, I faced my brother.
Eric Thorne.
Though he no longer remembered his own name or the Stormveil crest that marked our family’s legacy, I held onto every fragment of our shared past. I recalled vividly the last time I saw him, standing tall in his uniform, sunlight glinting off his insignia before the border fires swallowed him whole.
“You’ve lost your memories,” I began softly, my throat tightening with emotion. “But I can tell you who you were. Who you really are.”
He tilted his head slightly, the faintest flicker of wolf instincts stirring beneath his calm exterior. “You’re saying I’m the brother you’ve been searching for. That I’m part of your family.”
“Yes,” I replied simply, my voice steady despite the ache inside.
A humorless smile ghosted across his lips. “And why should I believe you? Because you once took a bullet for me in D-country?”
His words hit like claws scraping across my skin. My chest constricted, and a burning heat rose behind my eyes.
He used to laugh when I cried, teasing me out of my moods by ruffling my hair. “Don’t be afraid, Freya,” he’d say, his voice warm like the summer sun. “You’ve got me. Your brother will always protect you.”
I’d grin back, full of youthful bravado. “Maybe one day I’ll protect you instead. But if I get hurt doing it, don’t be too moved, alright?”
He’d chuckle, flick my forehead, and warn me with a mock scowl, “If you ever get hurt for me, I’ll be furious. Remember—when danger comes, protect yourself first. Always.”
That promise now echoed in my mind like an old song playing faintly on a cracked radio—familiar, yet painfully out of reach.
“I have proof,” I said quickly, pulling my WolfComm device from my coat pocket. “DNA results. I made copies. If you don’t trust me, we can go to a new lab tomorrow. You’ll see for yourself.”
He leaned in just enough to glance at the glowing screen. His eyes scanned the data briefly, then lifted back to meet mine—cold, distant, unreadable. “So what if it’s true? What difference does it make?”
The calmness in his voice felt harsher than any anger.
“I want you to reclaim your identity,” I said earnestly. “You’re Eric Thorne of Stormveil—my brother, the rightful heir of the Thorne line. I can help you remember.”
For a long moment, he remained silent. Then his gaze dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t remember who I was. All I know is D-country—the pain, the fear. Every day was a fight to survive. I was beaten, used, forced into things that stripped away everything human in me. When I escaped, there was no family, no names. Only Lina.”
His tone softened slightly at the mention of Lina—the woman who had saved him, cared for him when the rest of the world turned its claws against him.
“I’ve been searching for you all this time,” I admitted, my voice trembling but relentless. “I imagined over and over how you might have survived, what you might have endured. But hearing it—from you—it hurts more than I ever expected.”
He looked away, his jaw tightening with unspoken pain.
“The Iron Fang Recon Unit never stopped looking,” I continued. “The Stormveil Council, our parents—everyone believed you’d perished in the border blaze, but you didn’t. You survived because you were strong. You were meant to come back.”
“Military?” he muttered as if the word itself was foreign to him.
“Yes,” I affirmed. “You were a soldier. You disappeared during a classified mission, right before the border fires engulfed the outpost. We never gave up on you, Eric. Not once.”
My voice cracked as I said his name.
“Father and Mother…” I swallowed hard. “Even their last message before they went abroad said: ‘Find Eric. Bring him home.’”
He raised a hand, cutting me off. “I’m not ready to be Eric Thorne.”
His words cut deeply, slicing through me.
“As for D-country,” he added quietly, “you saved me there. I owe you my life. If there’s any way I can repay that debt, tell me. Whatever’s within my reach, it’s yours.”
I froze in place. I had braced myself for disbelief, even anger—but not this quiet, resigned kindness.
“Why?” I whispered, barely able to meet his eyes. “Why reject who you are? You’re my brother. You have no blood ties to the Williams line. You don’t need to live under their name anymore, pretending to be one of them.”
He let out a low, mirthless laugh. “I know I share no blood with the Williams family. But the truth is, my life was theirs to save. I owe them that debt too. So I remain Parker Williams.”
His eyes locked onto mine, raw vulnerability hidden beneath the steel.
Even as he denied me, a flicker of guilt passed through his gaze. His wolf stirred uneasily, sensing my pain as if it were his own.
Then, almost imperceptibly, he reached out—a mere fraction of a movement—his hand hovering in the space between us. I thought he might brush my cheek, let instinct mend what memory had shattered. But he pulled back, curling his fingers into a fist.
“I can’t be what you want me to be,” he said softly. “But if you ever decide what you want in return, call me.”
He reached into his pocket and produced a card. The scent of crisp parchment mixed with cologne and the faint iron tang of moonlight filtering through the window. He slipped it into my hand.
Without another word, he turned, his footsteps slow but determined, and opened the door.
A rush of cool, sterile air from the hallway swept in.
I stood there, the card trembling between my fingers, the scent of my brother—the wolf, smoke, and regret—fading with every step he took away from me.
For years, I had dreamed of this reunion. But I never imagined it would hurt so much.
He had walked away as Parker Williams, leaving me behind as Freya Thorne—his sister, forgotten by his mind but never by his blood.
Conclusion
The fragile bridge between Freya and Eric, once a symbol of hope, now trembles under the weight of lost memories and divided loyalties. Their reunion, steeped in pain and unspoken truths, reveals the complexity of identity and the enduring power of family bonds, even when fractured by time and trauma. Freya’s unwavering belief in their shared past contrasts with Eric’s hesitant refusal to reclaim a life he no longer recognizes, underscoring the heartache of loving someone who is, in many ways, a stranger.
Yet, beneath the sorrow lies a quiet promise—a card exchanged, a door left ajar—that hints at the possibility of future reconciliation. Though Eric chooses to remain Parker Williams for now, the connection between them remains alive, fragile but unbroken. This chapter poignantly captures the tension between memory and reality, love and loss, and the enduring hope that even the deepest wounds may one day heal.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fragile and complex bond between Freya and Parker, who is still grappling with the shadows of his lost identity. As Freya clings to the hope of rekindling the memories that once bound them, Parker’s refusal to embrace his true self hints at an internal struggle that could either tear them apart or bring them closer in unexpected ways. The emotional weight of their reunion lingers heavily, setting the stage for moments charged with vulnerability and raw honesty.
Expect tensions to rise as Freya’s determination to reclaim their shared past clashes with Parker’s reluctance to abandon the life he’s built under another name. The subtle gestures and unspoken words between them will reveal the depth of their pain and longing, while the presence of Lina and the mysterious Williams family add layers of complexity to their already tangled relationships. This chapter will test the limits of loyalty, identity, and forgiveness, leaving readers eager to uncover whether the bonds of blood can withstand the scars of betrayal and loss.
Florence
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
Trapped in You by Morrison Lee: Shadows of Our Love 374 Summary
Freya is deeply troubled as she holds a card bearing the name Parker Williams, a false identity for her brother Eric Thorne, who once promised to protect her from darkness. The weight of his hidden identity and the distance growing between them causes her pain. Kade finds her lost in thought and reveals he saw Eric leave, showing concern for both Freya and her brother. Freya explains Eric’s desire to remain Parker Williams, possibly out of a sense of debt to the Williams family, despite knowing they are not his true blood relatives. Kade urges her not to lose hope as they prepare to return to Lana.
A tender moment unfolds when Kade helps Freya free her hair caught on his jacket, and he quietly probes about her relationship with Silas Whitmor. Freya confesses she has ended things with Silas, though she only sees Kade as a friend and comrade. Despite her rejection, Kade expresses his willingness to wait for her, showing a deep, loyal love that contrasts with the betrayal she experienced from Silas. Their interaction is charged with unspoken emotions, but Freya turns away before her heart can betray her feelings, leaving Kade watching her retreat.
Meanwhile, at the Williams manor, Everett Williams meets with Parker—Eric’s assumed identity—who confirms he will remain Parker Williams, not reclaiming his true name. Everett coldly affirms that the Council and the family matriarch accept Parker as one of their own, emphasizing the importance of his new identity over his past. After dismissing Parker, Everett reveals a rare moment of vulnerability as he gazes at an old photograph of two children, likely Eric and Freya in their youth. He silently apologizes for failing to protect them, his grief and guilt breaking through his otherwise stern exterior.
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Chapter 374
Freya’s gaze was fixed on the card she held, the printed name burning into her skin as if it carried a personal sting.
Parker Williams.
The letters shimmered faintly beneath the warm glow of the amber lantern, each curve and line of ink feeling like a sharp blade slicing through her heart.
Yet, that wasn’t truly his name.
He was Eric Thorne.
Her brother—the boy who once vowed he would never let the shadows consume her.
Her vision blurred momentarily. The subtle scent of wolfsteel mingled with the chill drifting in from the half-open window. The distant murmur of voices from the Silverveil Lounge faded away, swallowed by the ache growing deep within her chest.
Suddenly, a voice pierced through the haze.
“Freya.”
She turned to see Kade standing just inside the doorway, his tall silhouette filling the frame. His storm-grey eyes were clouded with concern, while beneath his skin, his wolf remained silent but alert.
“You didn’t go back to the booth?” she asked softly, surprised.
He shook his head. “No. I stayed outside. I saw him—Eric—leave. Thought I’d check on you.”
A bitter smile tugged at Freya’s lips. “He doesn’t want to be Eric anymore. He wants to stay Parker Williams.”
Kade’s brow furrowed, his voice deepening with worry. “Did he say why?”
“Maybe…” She hesitated, eyes dropping again to the card. “Maybe he feels like he owes them something. He told me his life was saved by the Williams family—even though he knows they aren’t his blood.”
Kade clenched his jaw. “Or maybe there’s something else—something he can’t bring himself to say yet. We’ll figure it out.” His tone softened, a quiet promise hanging between them. “Don’t lose hope just yet.”
Freya nodded faintly, the need to uncover the truth burning inside her—the secret that tied the Williams family to her brother, the invisible chains that kept him from remembering who he really was. “Let’s go back. Lana’s probably waiting.”
As she turned, her long silver-black hair brushed against her shoulders—and caught on one of Kade’s jacket buttons.
“Hold on.” He gently gripped her arm. “Your hair’s caught.”
Freya froze, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Ah—sorry.” She stood perfectly still, feeling his fingers carefully working near her shoulder to free the delicate strands from the silver clasp.
“You usually wear it tied up,” he said quietly as he worked, the warmth of his breath grazing her temple. “What happened?”
“The tie snapped,” she replied quickly, fabricating a small excuse. “It’s nothing.”
“Is it?” His voice deepened, almost unreadable. His gaze drifted to a stray lock of hair that slipped down the side of her neck.
There, just above her collarbone, a faint mark bloomed—an unspoken reminder of something she wasn’t ready to explain.
“Freya,” he murmured softly, his voice low and steady. “Tell me the truth. Have you really ended things with Silas Whitmor?”
Her hand paused at the edge of her cloak. Silence stretched between them before she finally whispered, “Yes. It’s over.”
He studied her intently, the dim light catching in his eyes like liquid silver. Then, simply, he said, “Good.”
She blinked, startled by the quiet finality in his voice. When she turned her head too quickly, the hair tugged painfully against the button still holding it captive.
“Careful,” Kade murmured, steadying her. “It’s not free yet.”
Freya inhaled slowly, forcing herself to remain calm. “Kade.” Her voice gained strength. “Don’t waste your time on me. I see you as a friend, a comrade, a brother-in-arms—but not someone I could ever love.”
“I know.” His tone held no bitterness. “You’ve said that before.” Then, softer, “But I also told you I can wait. I have time, Freya. You didn’t plan to fall for Silas either, did you? Some things change.”
Her chest tightened, words failing her for a moment.
He finally freed the last strand of hair, but instead of letting it fall away, his fingers lingered—brushing the silken lock, lifting it slowly to his lips. He pressed a tender kiss to it, reverent, as if sealing a vow.
“Kade—” Her voice caught in her throat. She stepped back quickly, the strand slipping free from his grasp.
He looked up at her then, eyes steady and unwavering, the wolf burning fiercely beneath the surface. “Silas broke your trust,” he said softly. “But I won’t.”
For a moment, Freya found it hard to breathe. The scent of iron and smoke from the hearth wrapped around them, heavy with all the things left unspoken. She saw the truth in his gaze—not infatuation, but a fierce, loyal devotion.
The kind of love that waited silently, unyielding as the moon.
Before her heart could betray her, she turned away. “Let’s go,” she whispered.
He didn’t follow immediately, but she could feel his eyes lingering on her back long after she stepped into the hall.
—
Upstairs, in the presidential suite of the Williams manor, the air was noticeably colder—filtered through marble and glass, too sterile to carry the scent of a wolf.
Everett Williams sat behind his broad mahogany desk, his face unreadable. Across from him stood Parker, rigid and composed, his eyes calm and every trace of emotion carefully concealed.
“I heard from Jenny,” Everett said finally, his voice sharp and cold as frost. “A woman named Freya Thorne came to see you today.”
“Yes,” Parker replied evenly.
“She said that in D-country, she called you ‘brother.’ Why is that?”
“Because she believes I’m her brother, Eric Thorne,” he answered after a pause. “But to me, I am—and will remain—Parker Williams.”
Everett’s lips curved into a smile devoid of warmth. “Good. Whether you were once Eric Thorne or someone else, it doesn’t matter. The Council recognizes you as a son of the Williams line. The old matriarch wants it that way, and so it shall be.”
“I understand.”
“Then that’s the end of it.” Everett’s voice hardened, final. “You may go.”
Parker inclined his head, turned, and left the room. His footsteps echoed softly against the marble floor, gradually fading down the corridor.
—
Once the door closed behind him, Everett leaned back in his chair and exhaled slowly. For a long moment, he stared at the dark screen of his WolfComm before unlocking it. A single image filled the display—a photograph yellowed with age.
Two children.
A boy of seven or eight, holding the hand of a small girl barely four years old. Both smiled brightly, sunlight tangled in their hair, the world around them simple and full of promise.
Everett’s cold facade faltered. His eyes darkened with grief born from years of silence and guilt. His fingers brushed the boy’s face on the screen.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, voice cracking like brittle glass. “I should have protected you. It’s my fault you were lost.”
His voice softened further, barely audible now. “Forgive me. Forgive your brother.”
Conclusion
The chapter delicately unveils the tangled emotions binding Freya and Kade, their unspoken feelings simmering beneath a veneer of friendship and loyalty. Freya’s guarded heart and Kade’s steadfast devotion paint a poignant portrait of love waiting patiently in the shadows, underscored by the pain of past betrayals and the fragile hope of healing. Their connection, marked by gentle touches and quiet confessions, offers a tender counterpoint to the turmoil surrounding Freya’s brother and the secrets that threaten to unravel their world.
Meanwhile, the cold, calculated atmosphere of the Williams manor contrasts sharply with the warmth of Freya and Kade’s interaction, illuminating the heavy burden of identity and sacrifice carried by Eric—now Parker. Everett’s sorrowful reflection on lost innocence and fractured family ties adds a layer of melancholy and regret, deepening the emotional resonance of the chapter. Together, these intertwined threads explore the complexities of loyalty, love, and forgiveness, leaving readers suspended in a moment of fragile hope amidst the lingering shadows of the past.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled web of identity and loyalty that binds Freya, Kade, and Eric—now Parker Williams. As Freya grapples with the painful truth of her brother’s chosen path and the secrets that keep him tethered to a life he no longer fully claims, the emotional stakes rise. Kade’s unwavering devotion and quiet strength offer a glimmer of hope, yet the tension between friendship and something more lingers palpably in the air, hinting at unresolved feelings and difficult choices ahead.
Meanwhile, the chilling atmosphere within the Williams manor hints at darker forces at play, with Everett Williams’s cold authority and hidden regrets casting long shadows over the unfolding drama. The weight of past mistakes and unspoken guilt threatens to unravel carefully constructed facades, setting the stage for revelations that could shift alliances and challenge loyalties. Readers will find themselves on edge, eager to see how these intertwined fates will collide and what sacrifices will be demanded in the pursuit of truth and redemption.
Florence
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
Chapter 375
Kade drives Freya and Lana back to Lana’s new high-rise apartment after a tense evening. Though the storm outside has calmed, Freya remains uneasy. She thanks Kade quietly, who reminds her to take her time considering something he previously mentioned. After Kade leaves, Lana immediately presses Freya about what Kade wanted her to think over, teasing her about a possible romantic interest. Freya dismisses the idea, explaining she just ended things with Silas and is focused on finding her brother Eric, who now calls himself Parker and refuses to accept his true identity.
The conversation shifts to Eric/Parker’s strange choice to cling to a pack name he doesn’t belong to, which confuses both women. Freya is determined to uncover the truth and not lose her brother again. As Freya retreats to shower, Lana begins tidying up but is interrupted when Victor unexpectedly arrives. His commanding presence immediately unsettles Lana, who tries to keep her distance despite his intense advances. Victor’s provocative behavior escalates quickly from teasing to a forceful kiss, overwhelming Lana with a mix of panic and desire.
Victor carries Lana toward her bedroom despite her protests, pushing boundaries she thought she had established. Lana worries about Freya overhearing, but Victor threatens to reveal himself to her. Lana struggles with the complicated feelings Victor stirs in her—he is neither mate nor lover, yet uniquely capable of unraveling her defenses. As Freya’s footsteps approach, Lana instructs Victor to stay put, tension thick in the air as secrets and emotions collide in the confined space of the apartment.
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Chapter 375
From a Third-Person Perspective
Kade was behind the wheel, driving Freya and Lana back to the sleek high-rise apartment that Lana had recently acquired. Outside, the storm had finally settled into a quiet drizzle, but inside Freya, a tight knot of unease remained firmly lodged in her chest.
As they pulled up to the building’s entrance, Freya spoke softly, her voice calm yet tinged with a subtle tremor. “Thanks for tonight, Kade.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her fingers shaking just slightly. “Get some rest when you get home.”
Kade leaned casually against the car door, locking his steady gaze on her. “Alright,” he replied, his tone serious but gentle. “But about what I said earlier—take your time to think it over, Freya. Don’t feel pressured to answer me right now. Take as long as you need.”
Freya gave a small nod, deliberately avoiding his eyes. After one last lingering look, Kade slid into his car and pulled away, the soft growl of the engine fading into the night’s quiet.
No sooner had he disappeared than Lana edged closer, her amber eyes sparkling with curiosity. “So,” she whispered conspiratorially, “what exactly did Kade want you to think about?”
Freya’s cheeks flushed, and she answered a bit too quickly, “Nothing.”
Lana raised a skeptical brow. “Nothing? Don’t tell me he asked you to consider being with him.”
Freya sighed, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “You really don’t miss a thing, do you?”
“Of course not,” Lana grinned playfully. “Come on, Freya. Kade’s not a bad option. He’s loyal, intelligent, and dangerously handsome. The golden boy—and the only one who dares to talk back to his commander. Around everyone else, he’s sharp as a blade, but with you, he’s like a puppy waiting for your command.”
Freya shook her head, her expression serious. “I just ended things with Silas. I can’t… not right now. Finding my brother has to come first.”
Lana’s tone softened. “Speaking of that—didn’t you meet him tonight? Eric, I mean. Or… Parker, as he’s calling himself now?”
Freya’s chest tightened painfully. “Yes, I did. I showed him the DNA report, but he said that even if it’s true, he’d rather remain Parker Williams.”
Lana frowned, confusion knitting her brows. “That makes no sense. Eric was never the type to chase wealth or power. He lived for duty, for family. Why would he cling to the name of a pack he doesn’t even belong to?”
Freya’s voice dropped to a whisper, heavy with resolve. “I don’t know. But I intend to find out.”
Her eyes darkened, a storm brewing within—the unmistakable mark of a Bloodmoon wolf. “Now that he’s back in the Capital, I won’t lose him again.”
Lana offered a sympathetic smile. “You should rest first. You’ve been through so much today.”
Freya nodded, exhaustion finally washing over her like a wave. “I’ll take a shower.”
She disappeared into the bathroom, the steady sound of running water filling the otherwise silent apartment. Lana began tidying up, but midway through, the doorbell rang unexpectedly.
Frowning, she wondered aloud, “Who could that be at this hour?” Maybe Kade had forgotten something. She opened the door—and immediately froze.
Victor was standing there.
Her heart skipped a beat. He wore a dark shirt that clung to his well-built frame, the collar casually loosened. His eyes gleamed like tempered steel beneath the pale moonlight.
“Victor?” Lana whispered, her voice catching. “What are you doing here?”
“Why didn’t you come find me?” His voice was low, rough, and undeniably commanding. Before she could respond, he stepped inside, closing the door behind him. One hand slid behind her head, pulling her backward until her back pressed against the cold wall.
Lana’s pulse surged. “Why would I come looking for you? I had nothing to—”
“Nothing?” His lips brushed against her ear, his breath cool and steady. “Did I not leave an impression that night?”
Her face flushed fiercely. “You mean the night you nearly broke my back? No, not at all. Your ‘technique’ was… average.”
Victor’s eyes glittered with dark amusement, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Average, huh? Then tell me, whose technique would you rate higher? I’d love to… study.”
Lana shot him a sharp glare. “Try the nightclubs. Plenty of experienced partners there. Maybe the great Victor Ashford could learn a thing or two.”
That earned her a low, guttural growl. He caught her chin between his fingers and bit her lower lip—not hard enough to break skin, but enough to make her gasp. “You really shouldn’t provoke a wolf if you can’t handle the bite.”
“Victor—” she began, but her protest was cut off by his mouth crashing onto hers. His kiss was fierce and consuming, his scent—a potent mix of iron, cedar, and smoke—wrapped around her like a silent command. She struggled, pushing against his chest, but he only deepened the kiss, leaving her breathless, her body trembling from the heat that bloomed beneath her skin.
“Stop—Victor, I—can’t—breathe—” she gasped between kisses, her voice thin with panic and something else she refused to name.
Finally, he pulled away, his breath ragged. “Then let me practice,” he murmured, his thumb gently brushing her swollen lip. “You said I wasn’t good enough, didn’t you? I learn fast.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re insane.”
Before she could react, he lifted her effortlessly, carrying her down the short hallway toward her bedroom.
“Put me down!” she hissed. “Victor, I swear, if you—”
“Too late,” he said simply.
Lana froze as he nudged the bedroom door open with his shoulder. Her heart pounded wildly. This man was pure chaos incarnate. Every boundary she had set—distance, control, dignity—crumbled in his presence.
“Victor, put me down right now!” she whispered harshly. “Freya’s here—she’ll hear—”
From inside the bathroom came Freya’s voice. “Lana, I’m done! Should I leave the heat on for you?”
Lana nearly choked on her breath. “N-No! It’s fine!”
Victor smirked against her neck. “Freya’s back, huh?”
“Yes, and if she sees you—” Lana whispered, panic rising in her voice.
He tilted his head, amusement fading to something sharper. “Then maybe I should say hello.”
Her blood ran cold. “No! Don’t you dare.”
He studied her face intently. “You don’t want her to know about me,” he said softly. “Why is that? Embarrassed? Or am I just your secret pastime?”
Lana swallowed hard, his words striking too close to the truth. The reality was, she didn’t know how to define whatever existed between them. He wasn’t her mate. He wasn’t her lover. Yet somehow, he was the only one who ever made her feel… undone.
“Victor, it’s not like that,” she whispered.
“Isn’t it?” His voice dropped to a quiet rumble that stirred something uneasy within her wolf. “You keep your distance, keep me hidden. Yet you tremble every time I touch you.”
Lana looked away, a tangled mix of shame and anger twisting inside her. “You’re impossible.”
He chuckled darkly. “Maybe. But you don’t seem to mind.”
Freya’s footsteps echoed faintly down the hall as she headed back to her room. Lana tensed, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Just stay here until she’s gone.”