The Cub Is Gone
The Cub is Gone
(Amber’s POV)
The shrill sound of my phone jolted me from deep sleep. I groaned fumbling blindly for it on the nightstand. My head pounded with each movement.
“Hello?” I mumbled, my voice raspy.
“Amber! Finally!” Paige’s voice was too loud for my sensitive ears ‘It’s almost noon, Are you okay?”
I forced my eyes open, wincing at the light streaming through the windows.
“I have good news and bad news,” Paige continued. “Which do you want first?”
“Bad,” I muttered, pushing tangled hair from my face.
“Someone posted a behind–the–scenes photo of Shannon Miles from your studio account. Her fans are furious, claiming you violated her privacy. The supernatural community is attacking you online.”
I groaned, feeling Cora stir uneasily beneath my skin.
“The good news is your new assistant arrived early this morning. Very eager young man.”
“Tell him I’ll be there soon. Offer him some venison jerky if he’s hungry.”
After ending the call, I sat motionless, memories of last night washing over me. Dominic carrying me home. The bath he’d given me, his strong hands gentle against my skin.
I remembered pulling him into the tub with me. Later, in bed, I’d begged him, and he’d refused at first. But I’d been persistent, climbing on top of him, taking control. With each encounter, I found myself wanting more of him.
Shaking myself from these thoughts, I headed for the shower.
Downstairs, the scent of coffee pulled me toward the kitchen. I froze in the doorway, surprised to find Dominic at the stove. “You’re still here,” I said, unable to hide my pleasure.
He turned, his blue eyes warming. “I left early for a territory negotiation but came back for lunch.”
“You didn’t need to cook,” I said, moving closer.
His lips curved into that rare smile. “You mentioned being hungry last night. Several times, actually.”
I felt my cheeks flush.
“You also mentioned an auction for a rare moonstone artifact,” he continued, amusement in his eyes. “Something about needing it for a photography project?”
“I did?” I had no memory of this conversation.
Dominic nodded. “You were quite passionate about it.”
I groaned, covering my face. “I’m never drinking moonlight wine again.”
“Paige called me about the social media situation. I can have it handled if you’d like.”
“No need,” I said, reaching for coffee. “The negative attention actually helps my position.”
His eyebrow raised in question.
“The supernatural community loves drama,” I explained. “This feed puts me in the spotlight. More visibility means more
clients.”
The Cub is Gone
+25 BONUS
After lunch, Dominic left for a meeting with his father. I grabbed my phone, creating a new account to observe the unfolding
drama.
The online battlefield was worse than I’d imagined. Shannon’s fans were viciously attacking my professional reputation. Pack loyalties were becoming evident in the comments.
I closed the app, sighing. This would blow over eventually.
When I arrived at Moonlight Photography, Paige was waiting with young man who practically vibrated with excitement.
“Ms. Chase! It’s an honor to meet you!” He jumped to his feet. “I’m Liam Wilde, beta wolf of the Wilde family, distant cousin to the Maples on my mother’s side!”
I blinked at the torrent of words, shaking his offered hand.
“I’ve admired your work for years,” he continued without breathing. “The way you capture supernatural beings is revolutionary!
I studied photography at Silvercrest Academy, specializing in lighting techniques for werewolf subjects!”
Paige caught my eye, her lips twitching with suppressed laughter.
“And of course,” Liam barreled on, “I’m deeply honored to potentially work for Alpha Blackwood’s mate!”
“Liam,” Paige finally interrupted, “maybe let Ms. Chase speak?”
He flushed, ducking his head. “Sorry, I get carried away when nervous.”
I found myself smiling at his enthusiasm. “It’s fine. I appreciate your interest.”
“I warned you he was talkative,” Paige murmured, gathering her purse. “I need to meet Ryan for lunch.”
I nodded, watching her leave before turning back to Liam. “So, you’ve studied photography?”
“Yes! Graduated with honors!” His eyes shone with eagerness. “I’ve brought my portfolio, references, and a detailed plan for improving studio efficiency!”
There was something endearing about his enthusiasm. Cora stirred with approval, sensing loyalty in this young beta.
“You’re hired,” I said simply.
His mouth dropped open. “Just like that?”
“I trust my instincts,” I replied. “And right now, they’re telling me you’ll be an asset.”
The joy that spread across his face was almost comical.
(Third–person’s POV)
Liam couldn’t believe his luck. Not only had he secured a position at Moonlight Photography, but he was working directly for Alpha Blackwood’s mate! His wolf practically preened with pride.
Ms. Chase was even more beautiful in person than in photos – her amber eyes luminous, her presence commanding yet approachable.
After she disappeared into the darkroom, Liam took out his phone. Carefully framing the shot, he captured Ambe partially open door, her profile illuminated by the red light as she worked.
ugh the
The image was perfect – artistic yet respectful. With a few taps, he posted it to “The Pack Bond,” the Blackwood Pack’s private communication group:
“Honored to begin working with our future Luna today! Alpha Dominic has chosen a mate as talented as she is beautiful. The Moon blessed our pack with this union!”
His wolf wiggled with satisfaction as likes and comments appeared. He’d served both his new employer and his Alpha with one
simple act.
+25 BONUS
The ripples from Liam’s innocent post spread quickly. Within hours, the photo had reached wolves throughout Silvercrest City. In the Blackwood mansion, Melissa James stared at the image, her fingers tightening around her phone. Amber looked radiant, confident, successful – everything Melissa had hoped to become.
“Why are you still in that group?” Ethan demanded. “You know my mother doesn’t approve.”
“I just want to know what’s happening,” Melissa replied defensively. “Your cousin’s mate is all over social media today.” Ethan’s expression darkened. “Why do you care what Amber’s doing?”
“I don’t,” Melissa snapped, her heart rate increasing. “But everyone’s talking about how perfect she is for Dominic, how beautiful their cubs will be. Meanwhile, your mother can barely look at me!”
“Lower your voice,” Ethan hissed. “The doctor said you need to stay calm.”
“Calm?” Melissa’s voice rose. “How can I be calm when your entire family treats me like nothing? When your uncle openly says I’m not good enough to carry Blackwood blood?”
“This isn’t good for the cub,” Ethan warned.
Melissa jerked away, her face flushed with anger. “Don’t touch me! This is all your fault! You promised me respect, position, security – but all I’ve gotten is humiliation!”
She stood abruptly, a sharp pain lancing through her abdomen. Her face paled suddenly, one hand flying to her stomach. “Something’s wrong,” she whispered, looking down in horror as a dark stain spread across her dress. “Ethan, something’s wrong with the cub!”
Three hours later, Olivia Blackwood stood in the hospital corridor, her face a mask of grief and fury.
“I want that beta wolf punished,” she said, her voice dangerous. “He had no right to post that photo.”
“Mother, this isn’t Liam’s fault,” Ethan said wearily, his face haggard. “Melissa chose to look at the pack communications. She chose to become upset.”
“Your mate lost my grandchild!” Olivia hissed. “Someone must be held responsible!”
“If anyone’s responsible, it’s Melissa,” Ethan replied, surprising both his mother and himself. “The doctor said she’s been ignoring their advice for weeks. Her blood pressure was already dangerously high.”
Olivia stared at her son, speechless.
“She refused to leave the pack communication group despite knowing she wasn’t welcome,” Ethan continued, his voice hollow.
(Amber’s POV)
I was closing the studio when the bell above the door jingled. I looked up to see Ethan standing there, his ap ance shocking
- me.
His normally perfect hair was disheveled. His clothes were wrinkled. But it was his eyes that alarmed me – hollow and red- rimmed.
“Ethan?” I approached cautiously, Cora growling softly beneath my skin.
“Can I have some water?” His voice was rough, as if he’d been shouting.
I handed him a bottle of moonlight spring water, watching as he drank half in desperate gulps.
“What’s happened?” I asked, though something in me already knew it was bad.
He lowered the bottle slowly, his eyes meeting mine with such emptiness that I took an involuntary step back.
The Cub is Gone
“Amber,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “The cub is g
