Author's POV

6 years in the past

The rain poured down on the mourners gathered at Elijah's funeral. Victor LaGraine, Elijah's younger brother, stood at the front, his eyes fixed on the casket. His heart felt like it had been ripped apart, and his mind was consumed by anger and grief.

As he glanced around, his eyes landed on Elijah's widow, her eyes red and puffy from crying. Their young daughter, no more than ten years old, clung to her mother's hand, tears streaming down her face. Victor's anger intensified as he watched them grieve.

He took a step forward, his movements stiff with emotion. "Hey, sis," he said softly, trying to offer some comfort. "I'm so sorry. I know how much Elijah meant to you and the kids."

The widow looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears. "Victor, I...I don't know what to do. He was everything to us."

Victor's jaw clenched as he fought to control his emotions. "I promise you, sis, I'll make sure the person responsible for Elijah's death pays. I'll make them suffer."

Just then, one of Elijah's men approached Victor, his voice low and urgent. "Victor, I have some information. I know who killed Elijah."

Victor's eyes narrowed, his heart racing with anticipation. "Who?"

The man hesitated before speaking. "Marcel. Marcel Peterson."

Victor's face twisted in anger, his mind consumed by a burning desire for revenge. He would make Marcel pay for taking his brother's life...

★

Current Day

Ella's POV:

I watched with a happy smile on my face as Marcel played with our little daughter Evelyn. They were laughing and chasing each other around the backyard, completely carefree. I felt like the happiest woman on the planet, and I actually was.

To me, this was the perfect life. I was married to the most caring and loving husband ever, and we had produced the most precious gift ever - Evelyn. I would always remember the day I thought I lost Marcel, the day he died before his miraculous resurrection. The pain and hurt I felt that day still lingered in my memory, but now it seemed like a distant nightmare.

It's been three months since Marcel came back and was living with us, and I had been loving every single day. He had been both the best husband and father, and I couldn't ask for more.

I snapped out of my reminiscence and decided to join Marcel and Evelyn outside. As I approached them, Marcel turned around and gave me a warm smile. He walked towards me, Evelyn still clinging to his leg, and gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"Hey, beautiful," he said, his eyes sparkling with love. "What are you thinking about? You looked lost in thought."

I smiled, feeling my heart swell with love. "Just thinking about how lucky I am to have you both in my life," I replied, hugging him and Evelyn tightly.

The three of us spent the rest of the afternoon playing together, laughing and enjoying each other's company. It was moments like these that I cherished the most, and I knew that I would always treasure them.

Marcel's POV

As I tucked our little princess into bed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and joy. I had just finished reciting a story about a king who would give his life to protect his little princess, and Evelyn's eyes had sparkled with delight.

Ella and I sat beside her bed, watching as she drifted off to sleep. We exchanged a proud smile, and I gently planted a kiss on Evelyn's forehead. Ella did the same, and we both whispered a soft "I love you" to our sleeping daughter.

As we left Evelyn's room and retired to our own, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. I wrapped my arms around Ella, pulling her close as we sat on the bed.

"I'll always protect you and Evelyn, no matter what," I whispered, my lips brushing against her ear. "I'll give my life to keep you both safe."

Ella's arms tightened around me, and she looked up at me with tears in her eyes. "I don't want you to give your life for us, Marcel," she said, her voice trembling. "I want you alive, with us. We'll face whatever comes our way together, as a family."

I smiled, feeling my heart swell with love for this woman. "I love you, Ella," I whispered, my lips meeting hers in a gentle kiss.

As the night wore on, our kiss deepened, and we lost ourselves in each other's arms. The world outside melted away, leaving only the two of us, wrapped in each other's love.

Selena's POV:

I stood beside Rolan, my mate and alpha, as we faced the invading wolves. Our pack, the Crescent Pack, had been targeted three times in the past two months, and we were determined to defend our territory.

Rolan, with his enhanced strength and skill as an alpha, took the lead in the battle. I fought alongside him, my own skills and strength honed from months of training and battle experience. Our pack members fought valiantly, and together we managed to drive the invading wolves back.

The fight was intense but short-lived, and in the end, we emerged victorious. However, one of our pack members, a young werewolf named Lucas, was seriously injured during the battle. Rolan and I exchanged a concerned glance as our pack's healer rushed to Lucas's side.

As we watched Lucas being taken away for medical attention, Rolan turned to me with a furrowed brow. "This is the third time in two months we've been targeted," he said, his voice low and serious. "We need to do something to strengthen our pack."

I nodded in agreement. "I've been thinking the same thing. We need to recruit more werewolves, make our pack stronger and more formidable."

Rolan's eyes narrowed. "That won't be easy. We'll have to battle them for their loyalty."

I smiled, a fierce glint in my eye. "I'm ready for that. Are you?"

Victor's POV

I sat at my desk, sipping on a glass of whiskey as I poured over the research I had gathered on Marcel Peterson. My brother Elijah's killer. My eyes scanned the pages, taking in every detail. And then, I saw it. Marcel Peterson, deceased. A snarl twisted my face, thinking that justice had finally been served.

But something didn't sit right with me. I couldn't shake the feeling that Marcel's death was too convenient. I needed to confirm it. I needed to see his grave for myself.

I waited until nightfall to make my move. I had to confirm whether Marcel Peterson was truly dead, and the only way to do that was to check his grave. According to my sources, Marcel was buried on the grounds of his mansion, which was now occupied by Eden. Marcel's foster brother and a powerful man in his own right. I had heard rumors about Eden's rise to power after Marcel's death, and I had to admit, I was intrigued.

I am sure the building would be highly fortified with armed guards as well as security surveillances. I can't just stroll in and out like that but for me to confirm if Marcel is truly dead or not I have to enter that building. I need to see the grave for myself...

At the darkest hour I made my way to the mansion, avoiding the main entrance and instead scaling the perimeter wall. I landed softly on the grass, my eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of guards.

I spotted a few patrolling the grounds, but they seemed to be following a predictable route. I waited until they were out of sight, then made a dash for the area where Marcel's grave was supposed to be.

I found it easily enough, a simple headstone bearing Marcel's name and dates. But as I approached, I noticed something odd. The grave looked... untouched. There was no sign of decay or overgrowth, no indication that anyone had been buried here at all.

A shiver ran down my spine as I realized the truth. Marcel Peterson might not be as dead as everyone thought.