LOOK WHO'S ALIVE AND KICKING

**Third POV**

Harper opened the door, Wyatt poking his head around it. "I was wondering if you need a bedtime stroll, Puppy."

Harper swallowed nervously, "Great. But I thought at this time, you should be continuing with the warriors. As tomorrow is the day we break into the palace."

Wyatt raised an eyebrow, "If my warriors still need my guidance on the eve of battle, that only means I'm a useless Alpha."

Amusement flickered across Harper's face, "You know I don't mean that." She shrugged, "It seems like I can only take a walk with you as a way to compensate."

"Do you think I should bring a jacket?" Harper hesitated by the rack of clothes.

"I think you could just dress down," Wyatt said with a little blush on his face, "Noah would like to meet with Mila if you're up for it. I know a place around here, the woods by the lake, that would be good for our wolves."

Wyatt's deep voice successfully stirred all of Harper's senses. The forest, the lake, the moonlight, and the possibility of being naked. It sounded quite romantic. It had been a while since they had a proper date.

Harper snapped herself out of her imagination. She didn't want Wyatt to catch onto her excitement. "I'll change into my workout clothes then. You can wait for me outside."

Wyatt showed great respect for his girl. He waited quietly outside until Harper emerged in her gray sportswear. "You look great," Wyatt smiled.

Harper cleared her throat, "Thank you."

They soon arrived at the forest Wyatt mentioned. It was even more tranquil than Harper had imagined.

"This place is really beautiful," Harper exclaimed.

Wyatt nodded and casually picked up a stone from the ground. The serene surface of the lake was disrupted as the stone skipped across the water, creating a perfect ripple.

Harper giggled, "Looks like you're a pro."

Wyatt's voice is tainted with a hint of lightness as well, "I guess I am in every way."

Harper picks up a rock as well, "Apparently not in the area of learning to restrain your massive ego." They both laughed.

"Wyatt," Harper said as she sat by the lake, "Do you get nervous thinking about tomorrow?"

Wyatt sat down beside her. "No. What about You?"

Harper didn't answer immediately. Her fingers gently brushed over the grass beside her. Then, she took a deep breath. "I guess I am."

Wyatt turned to look at her. Harper closed her eyes, letting the moonlight wash over her face. He stroked her hair, "Harper, we're going to face Karina. I'm really worried about what she might do to you."

"That's what worries me too," Harper thought about the hysterical words Karina had once said to her, "She brought out my darkness. I became someone I didn't know."

"That wasn't you, Harper. It was mental manipulation."

"Yes, Wyatt. But I felt it all. I watched myself do things that hurt the ones I love. It terrifies me." Harper opened her eyes and turned to Wyatt.

"Harper," Wyatt's expression was filled with concern, "You know, you can wait for me back at the base. I promise I'll come back victorious."

Harper gently rested her head on Wyatt's shoulder. "I understand what you mean. But if I choose to run away, it will haunt me like a ghost forever."

Wyatt sighed, "I hear and obey, my princess."

Harper laughed. "Now, we can let the wolves out. I can hear Noah howling."

"Savage beast as he is," Wyatt took off his shirt with one hand, his well-defined muscles glistening in the moonlight. Then his shorts followed.

He took a few steps forward, flexed his arms, and then in a leap, released his wolf fully. Noah shook his ears and turned around.

Harper also completed her shift. The two wolves dashed into the depths of the forest.

The two mate wolves, who hadn't seen each other for a long time, expressed their longing for each other with more intense playfulness and chasing.

As a result, by the time Harper and Wyatt regained their human bodies, they were both out of breath. Wyatt leaped into the lake, the cool water making him shout, "Come on! Puppy! The water feels great. Take a dip!"

Harper's hesitation was swept away by Wyatt's persistent invitation. She gently entered the water and joined Wyatt.

He reached out, stroking her cheek, and then her soft lips. Harper's breath hitched. She felt Wyatt's warm breath mingling with hers where they connected.

They stared at each other, Wyatt narrowing his eyes. Desire ignited in his gaze.

Harper lifted her chin. "Kiss me, Wyatt."

She melted in the embrace of this long kiss.

————

The night was dark and silent, except for the occasional sound of horses' hooves on the cobblestone streets.

A carriage bearing the crest of the Bear Kingdom stopped in front of the royal palace, and a tall man in a black cloak stepped out. He was greeted by a guard who led him to a secret passage leading to the Queen's chambers.

"Welcome, Pearson. I'm so glad you're here." Karina opened the door, smiled warmly and embraced Pearson, dressed in a simple white gown, her blonde hair falling loosely over her shoulders.

Pearson kissed her hand and whispered in her ear. "My dear Karina, it's been too long since I've seen you. You look as beautiful as ever."

"Thank you, Pearson. You are too kind. Come, let us talk in private. "

Karina led him to a cozy sitting room, where a fire was crackling in the fireplace. They sat on a sofa and poured themselves some wine.

"Pearson, I'm so glad you came. I was worried that you might not make it in time for Simon's coronation ceremony tomorrow."

"Karina, you know I would never miss such an important event." Pearson stroked her face and said, "The world never imagined that my son would become Alpha King. He has inherited your beauty and intelligence, and my strength and courage. He will be a great ruler.

Karina put a finger on Pearson's lips and whispered, "Shh, keep your voice down. We don't want anyone to hear us."

Karina smiled and kissed him softly. "He is our pride and joy. But we have to be careful, my love. No one must know about our relationship. It would ruin everything we've worked for."

"I understand."

Pearson and Karina leaned closer and kissed passionately, forgetting their worries for a moment. They were about to go into the bedroom when they heard a knock at the door.

"Your Grace, I'm sorry to disturb you, but Lady Lily has arrived. She says she has something urgent to report." A servant's voice came from outside.

Karina furrowed her brow. "Darling, I'm sorry, but I need to step away for a moment. The witches seem to have something to discuss. I promise I'll be back soon."

Pearson deeply inhaled Karina's scent from her hand. "Hurry back, we have more important things to do than work."

His lecherous expression was disgusting, but Karina only gave him a flirtatious look. "Wait for me here, my 'teddy bear'," she said and hurried out of the room.

Karina headed to the drawing room only to find Lily in a disheveled state. Her clothes were torn and dirty, her hair was messy, and her face was pale and bruised. She looked like she had been through a fierce battle.

"Lily, what happened to you? Where is Sofia?" Karina asked in shock.

Lily's breath was ragged, her demeanor almost manic, "That fucking bitch ran away!"

______

Silvergray Pack.

The intense pounding on the door disrupted Carter's thoughts. "Damn it. Why isn't anyone answering the door?" With the pounding growing more urgent, he had to leave his study.

"Kelly?! Elena?" Carter shouted his family's names as he descended the stairs. Unlike the explosive knocking on the door, there was a dead silence inside his house.

Carter reached the door, and the person outside seemed to hear his footsteps, stopping their frantic actions.

He swung the door open, and there stood a face he thought he'd never see in his lifetime.

Sofia.

She spoke sarcastically, her eyes filled with murderous intent. "Well, well. Look who's alive and kicking.

ALPHA CARTER."