Alexander Wolf and Athena Blackwood first meet as teenagers in Thailand, bonding over their hardships in life. They become inseparable, their friendship slowly growing into something more. But before either of them can say how they truly feel, Athena is forced to leave after a traumatic event. Her sudden disappearance leaves Alexander broken and betrayed, driving him to join the military to escape the pain. The boy she left behind becomes a hardened, distant man.
Years later, Athena has built a life for herself, becoming a respected martial arts sensei. Alexander, now known as Sensei Wolf, has also risen to fame in the martial arts world. They meet again at the Seikai Taikai, a prestigious tournament where their undefeated teams are competing. Seeing Athena again feels unreal to Alexander, and when he notices the necklace she still wears, the one he gave her, it stirs up all the emotions he's buried for years.
When they finally confront each other, old wounds reopen. Alexander blames Athena for leaving him, while she accuses him of doing the same. As their rivalry heats up, so does the tension between them. Through their clashes, both on and off the mat, they begin to realize that their bond might not be broken after all. But with so much hurt between them, can they find a way back to each other, or will they let their pain keep them apart?
The forest on a rainy day with a hint of citrus floods my nose, engulfing my mind. My eyes go blurry the scent is so lovely. I look back at the doorway to find it empty. My legs seem to move without thought as they track the scent, my more primal side taking over. I know my blue eyes are swirling with my wolf's black as I find myself at the edge of the dance circle frantically looking around. As my brother and best friend waltz in a circular motion around the room, I can finally see directly across from me. Time freezes as I lock eyes with a pair of hazel-green orbs that belong to none other than Xavier Rivers. He stands straight, towering over everyone around him. In the deepest, most haunted part of my soul I know one thing to be true.
Xavier Rivers, the monstrous Alpha of Crystal Moon Pack, is my Mate.
~
Athena Drakos is Gamma of Dark Blood Pack. Athena has not always been the strongest in her pack and two years ago this failed her. She was used and taken for leverage in a war. Athena overcame the physical and mental scars of her past. Yet during her families annual Dark Blood Ball, Athena discovers her mate. Xavier Rivers; her long lost friend, Alpha of the most powerful pack in the world. Xavier has a reputation of cruelty, never showing compassion or forgiveness, a true monster. Will he reject her because of her past or will he be the male she once knew?