Blackthorn 23

Posted by ADMINADBADMIN, ? Views, Released on October 27, 2025

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Chapter 23

The car screeched to a halt in front of the hospital.

Before I could even try to sit up, Rylan was already out of the driver’s seat. He opened the back door and scooped me into his arms again like I weighed nothing. My arms instinctively wrapped around his neck. I was still dizzy. My throat was burning, and my clothes were sticky with blood.

“Hold on, Lisa,” he said, “We’re almost there.”

Alexandra was right behind us. Her face was pale, her eyes filled with worry as she rushed through the hospital doors. “We need help! Someone, please…she has been attacked!”

Nurses came running.

Everything after that felt like a blur.

They brought a stretcher, but Rylan didn’t let go of me. “I’ll carry her,” he snapped, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Just show me where.”

A nurse pointed down a hallway, and Rylan followed, moving fast. Alexandra ran beside him. She was still

pressing her scarf against my wound.

I could hear the beeping of machines, the clatter of shoes, and murmurs of staff. People stared, but I

didn’t care. I was too tired to care.

They led us to a private room, and a doctor came in almost immediately. He was an older man with sharp eyes and a calm voice.

“We need to stop the bleeding,” he said. “Alpha, please put her down gently.”

Rylan laid me on the bed. I winced as I touched the pillow. My neck was throbbing. Alexandra stepped

aside. Her hands and scarf were stained red.

“Don’t worry,” the doctor said. “You’re going to be okay.”

He quickly cleaned the wound. I winced as the cold antiseptic stung my skin. Tears sprang to my eyes, but I blinked them away.

“You were lucky,” the doctor said as he stitched the cut with careful movements. “It’s not deep. It looks

worse than it is.”

I gave a small nod. My hands clutched the bedsheets tightly. I hated feeling weak.

After a few minutes, he stepped back. “There. All done. You’ll have a scar, but it will heal well with your werewolf blood. I’ll prescribe some painkillers for the night, just in case.”

Rylan exhaled slowly, like he had been holding his breath the entire time. “So… she’s okay?”

1/4

The doctor nodded Yes Just beep her reating And make sure she doesn’t strain herself

Alexandra let out a relieved sigh Thank the Moon Goddess”

The doctor left, and the nurse came in with a pill and a glass of water. I took it quietly My throat was dry and getting sore with every swallow

Rylan moved to sit beside me. His expression had softened, but his eyes still burned with worry “You scared me half to death,” he said.

T’m sorry” I whispered

He smiled, but it was sad. “Don’t apologize. Just don’t do it again.”

Alexandra pulled a chair closer and ant at the foot of the bed. “You were so brave, Lisa. I thought I was

“་

going to faint watching all that blood.” She shuddered. “I swent, If I ever see that man again, I’m going to

kick his face in ”

I laughed weakly. “I’d like to see that.”

Rylan smirked. “Actually, I would pay to see that ”

Alexandra rolled her eyes. “Ugh, you guys are the worst.”

Rylan turned back to me. His tone was lighter now. “Well, at least you look better now. A bit pale, but still

gorgeous.”

I stared at him. “Seriously?”

“What?” he said, raising an eyebrow. “You can’t expect me to ignore how cute you look even when you’re injured. I mean, you could be covered in mud, and I would still say that you were beautiful.”

Alexandra groaned, “Oh Rylan, you’re flirting with her while she is sick?”

“Hey,” he said with a grin, “I’m just trying to cheer her up.”

I felt my cheeks warm. Despite everything, I found myself smiling. Maybe he really did want me to feel

better.

Then, his phone buzzed.

He looked at the screen, frowned, and stood. “Excuse me a moment.”

He walked toward the door and answered the call.

I watched him pace outside the room. His voice was low and tense. Then I heard it, his angry tone slipping through the wall.

“Damn it. I don’t understand. How could so many men not be able to find his trace?”

My heart clenched.

A moment later, he walked back inside and slipped the phone into his pocket.

“What happened?” I asked and sat up slowly. “Was that about the man who attacked me?”

425 Points

Rylan nodded grimly. “Jared and the others searched the entire area. There is no scent, no tracks. It’s like

he vanished into thin air.”

My mouth felt dry again.

“That’s not possible,” I whispered. “Wolves always leave a trail.”

“I know,” he said. “But this one didn’t. He must have used something…..magic, maybe. Or had help.

Whoever he is, he was prepared.”

I thought about his words.

Prepared.

I shivered.

“He knew my name,” I said quietly. “He didn’t just randomly pick me. This was planned. He came for me.”

Rylan’s eyes darkened. “You’re right. Maybe… it’s someone from your former pack.”

“Maybe…” I murmured. “But I don’t have enemies, Rylan. I never hurt anyone. I’ve always kept to myself.

Why would someone want to attack me?”

Rylan was silent for a moment, then said slowly, “What if… it was your ex-mate?”

I froze.

Kael?

Would Kael do something like this?

He had no reason to. I had left his life. I wasn’t standing in the way of him and Roxanne anymore. I was no

threat. He didn’t even know I was here… or did he?

He had seen me.

At the boutique.

He had spotted me while I was shopping with Alexandra the other day.

Was he… spying on me?

Was that man sent by Kael?

I swallowed. “Maybe… it is him. But I don’t know why he would do something like this. I’m not in his life

anymore.”

Rylan sat down beside me again. “Some people… have twisted minds. Maybe even after rejecting you, he still isn’t satisfied. Maybe… he wants to hurt you.”

I felt cold.

Kael had always been cold… but this?

Would he go that far?

I didn’t want to believe it. But I couldn’t ignore the possibility either.

“We’re not sure yet,” Rylan added quickly. “We have no proof. But we need to be cautious. Lisa… it’s better if you don’t leave the mansion for the next few days.”

I looked at him. “You think I’m still in danger?”

“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “And I’m not taking any chances. I’ll assign guards to you. You won’t be

alone, not until we know more.”

Alexandra spoke up. “I agree. You need to stay safe, Lisa. That guy was terrifying. I still can’t believe he just vanished.”

I nodded slowly.

My heart was heavy. I felt trapped, confused, and scared.

But I also felt grateful.

“Thank you,” I whispered. “For everything. I’m sorry I caused so much trouble.”

Rylan leaned forward. “No, Lisa. Don’t say that. You didn’t cause anything. And you’re not trouble.”

He reached out and gently touched my hand.

“You’re my responsibility now,” he said softly. “And I’ll do my best to protect you. Always.”

His words settled into my chest like a warm blanket.

I looked at him, really looked at him. His expression was firm and his eyes were full of quiet strength. He

meant every word.

I didn’t know who was after me.

I didn’t know why.

But right now, in this moment, I felt safe.

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Blackthorn

Score 9.9

Status: Ongoing Type: Alpha

Blackthorn

“The Wolf Who Couldn’t Shift”

1. The Outcast of Nightshade Pack

Lisa had always been the outcast of her own home — a wolf without a wolf.

In the Nightshade Pack, turning twenty-one meant power, dominance, and pride. Every werewolf her age had already shifted, embracing their animal half. But Lisa hadn’t. Her wolf had never emerged.

Because of that, she was treated as an anomaly, a failure, and a source of shame.
Her parents ignored her. The pack ridiculed her. Even her own blood — her beautiful, perfect sister Roxanne — made her life a living nightmare.

Roxanne was everything Lisa wasn’t: strong, admired, and loved. The perfect daughter. The shining jewel of the family. And to make matters worse, Roxanne was dating Kael Blackthorn, the Alpha’s son — a man everyone respected and desired.

For Lisa, that was the final reminder of her insignificance. Every time she saw them together, it only highlighted the chasm between their worlds.

2. A Celebration That Wasn’t Hers

That night was Roxanne’s birthday, and their mother had transformed their home into a grand venue — lights, laughter, and music filled the air. Roxanne had been gifted a stunning red gown, handpicked by their mother, while Lisa was given a single task: serve the guests.

No one remembered Lisa’s birthday a few months ago. No cake. No presents. No “happy birthday.” Her parents had said it plainly before — Roxanne came first.
Lisa was simply expected to sacrifice and stay silent.

Still, she wanted to look decent. She chose a modest navy-blue dress, applied light makeup, and promised herself she wouldn’t let the night break her.

But the universe — or rather, Roxanne — had other plans.

3. Sister Cruelty

The door burst open, and Roxanne walked in like a queen entering a servant’s quarters. Her crimson lips curved into a smirk.

“What are you doing? You should be downstairs, not wasting time,” she sneered.

“I’ll be down in a minute,” Lisa replied softly, trying to keep her calm.

Roxanne’s eyes glinted with malice. Without warning, she snatched Lisa’s face cream from the dresser and poured it all over her dress.

Lisa gasped as the thick cream soaked through the fabric, staining it completely.

“Roxanne!” she cried, panic and disbelief trembling in her voice. “Why would you do that?”

“Because you’re embarrassing,” Roxanne replied coldly. “You think dressing up will make people notice you? No one cares what you look like, Lisa. You’re nothing but a burden.”

Tears blurred Lisa’s vision as she ran downstairs, desperate for justice. But when she told their mother what had happened, she was met with scorn.

“Roxanne would never do that,” her mother said sharply. “Stop making excuses. Go change and get back to work.”

And there Roxanne stood beside her, smug and triumphant, watching Lisa break in silence.

4. The Invisible Sister

Lisa changed into an old, faded dress — dull and shapeless.
When she finally entered the main hall, guests were already laughing and drinking, the music echoing through the night.

She moved quietly among them, balancing trays and forcing smiles. She served drinks, ignored whispers, and endured Roxanne’s cruel jokes.

One of Roxanne’s friends gave Lisa a small, pitying smile.
“Oh, you must be Lisa, right? Roxanne’s sister?”

Before Lisa could answer, Roxanne appeared and laughed loudly.
“Don’t bother talking to her! She’s just the help tonight — our little maid.”

Her friends giggled, glancing at Lisa like she was a joke.
“She’s really your sister?” one asked. “She doesn’t even look like she belongs here.”

“She doesn’t,” Roxanne said proudly. “She’s an embarrassment to the family.”

The laughter burned like fire in Lisa’s ears. But she didn’t fight back.
She had learned long ago that silence hurt less than hope.

5. The Alpha’s Arrival

Suddenly, the noise died down. All eyes turned toward the entrance.

The Alpha, Luna, and their son Kael Blackthorn — Roxanne’s boyfriend — had arrived. Their presence demanded respect, their aura commanding silence.

Kael was striking — tall, dark-haired, eyes sharp and unreadable. Power radiated from him effortlessly.
He walked straight to Roxanne, pulling her into his arms, kissing her in front of everyone.

The crowd cheered. Roxanne basked in the attention like it was her birthright.

Lisa’s stomach twisted. Not out of jealousy — but from the ache of being so invisible even to those who shared her blood.

“Lisa!” Roxanne called, her tone dripping with authority. “Bring drinks for me and Kael.”

Lisa obeyed. She returned with a tray of crystal glasses, keeping her head down. But when she approached, she felt his gaze.

Kael was watching her.

“Is that your sister?” he asked, his voice low and deep. “What’s her name? I don’t think I’ve seen her before.”

Roxanne laughed, tightening her arm around him.
“Oh, don’t bother. She’s not important. Just the family failure. Focus on me.”

Then she kissed him again — possessive, showy, territorial.

6. The Breaking Point

Something inside Lisa snapped.

For years, she had swallowed humiliation, endured cruelty, and told herself it didn’t matter. But as she stood there, watching her sister claim everything — their parents’ love, the pack’s respect, even Kael’s attention — something deep within her stirred.

Maybe it was anger. Maybe it was pain. Maybe it was the first stirrings of the wolf she thought she’d never have.

But it was there — hot, alive, awake.

She placed the tray down calmly, ignoring Roxanne’s voice calling after her.
She walked away — past the laughter, past the whispers, past every face that had ever looked at her with pity.

They could laugh. They could mock.
But one day, they would see.

7. A Shift Waiting to Happen

As the night went on, Lisa slipped quietly outside. The cool air hit her face, carrying the scent of pine and moonlight.

The party’s laughter echoed behind her, but she barely heard it. Her heart pounded with a strange rhythm, her blood burning beneath her skin.

Something was happening — a pull in her soul, a whisper in her bones.

She tilted her head toward the moon, feeling its glow on her skin.
For the first time in her life, she didn’t feel weak. She felt something ancient stirring inside her, clawing to be free.

Maybe her wolf wasn’t gone.
Maybe it had just been waiting — for the moment Lisa stopped begging to be seen, and started seeing herself.

8. The Beginning of Change

Inside, the celebration continued. Roxanne laughed, oblivious to the storm brewing.

Kael’s eyes flicked toward the window where Lisa stood in the moonlight. For a brief second, something unreadable crossed his expression — curiosity, or maybe recognition.

He didn’t know it yet. None of them did.
But the quiet, invisible girl they had mocked all her life was about to become something far greater than any of them could imagine.

Because sometimes, the wolves who are late to shift…
Are the ones destined to lead the pack.