On her 18th birthday, Nyx faces a tumultuous journey into the world of magic, fate, and love. Bound to five powerful alphas as her fated mates, she must navigate overwhelming romantic and physical trials to become the perfect Luna. As secrets unfold and prophecies reveal hidden truths, Nyx struggles with heartbreak, rejection, and the risks of a destiny she never anticipated. Amidst passion and betrayal, she must decide whether to unite her mates and embrace her role or succumb to the shadows threatening to destroy her.
On her 18th birthday, Nyx faces a tumultuous journey into the world of magic, fate, and love. Bound to five powerful alphas as her fated mates, she must navigate overwhelming romantic and physical trials to become the perfect Luna. As secrets unfold and prophecies reveal hidden truths, Nyx struggles with heartbreak, rejection, and the risks of a destiny she never anticipated. Amidst passion and betrayal, she must decide whether to unite her mates and embrace her role or succumb to the shadows threatening to destroy her.
NYX
I WAS SUFFOCATING. MY breath was constricted, and the smell of smoke and burning filled the air surrounding me. The smoke clawed at me from every direction, mixing with the metallic tang of the blood soaking the ground beneath my feet.
Fear rooted me to the spot. The flames reached up and licked the sky and as I watched the horror unfolding before me, my heart pounded in my ears. But the pounding in my ears was not enough to block out the screams of my pack as they filled the night, echoing in my mind.
Confused, I watched as the massive werewolves destroyed everything Iâd ever known. They werenât unlike our pack, but at the same time, they were nothing like our pack. They were brutal and undeterred. The towering figures looked larger than our biggest warriors as they loomed through the smoke and fire haze. Their eyes were cruel and unyielding, with teeth that shone in the flickering of the flames, in menacing grins covered in blood.
I couldnât move. My feet werenât listening to me as I continued to watch in terror.
My fatherâs deep voice rang through the chaos, rallying our pack. I could hear his commanding tone, but also something else, something I knew in this moment. Fear.
I desperately wanted to call to him, run to him, but still my feet refused to budge. It felt as if they were glued to the spot. One by one, the pack warriors were slain and their blood was spilled, coating the ground and painting it crimson.
âWe have to go, Nyx.â My motherâs wavering voice rang in my ears as she scooped me from the ground and started running without turning back.
Remember what I said, my fatherâs voice came through our family mind-link. Survive, my girls. Live. His words fell as I watched the massive monsters standing over him through the haze, the last of our pack warriors surrounding my father, our Alpha.
My mother pulled my head down tight against her shoulder as she sprinted. I could hear her heart racing as she took big breaths of air. Her iron grip on my body was painful, but nothing was more painful than the silence in my family mind-link as a distinct silence lanced through it, causing my mother to almost trip as she ran.
The moon was high and full, but the forest was dark and scary. We slipped through the shadows and my mother never stopped sprinting, never looked back, not until the moon gave way to the sunrise. Slowing, she held me even tighter, allowing her tears to fall as she dropped to the floor of the forest, holding me to her chest as if her life depended on it.
I jolt awake, drenched in sweat from head to foot, the nightmare clinging to my mind. My heart races as I look around my room to ground myself, trying to catch my breath.
Nyx. A gentle voice pierces my thoughts, and for a moment, fear clouds my mind. The voice is soft, familiar, yet foreign. The fear quickly fades as a powerful connection surges between us, our souls intertwining in exhilaration and acceptance.
âFreya,â I whisper, the name flowing through our connection. Iâve known her all my life. I have been waiting for her. As I say it, I feel the elation as our auras grow between us, a light purple hue glowing alongside the morning sunrise. For years, it has just been me, but today, on my 18th birthday, her awakened presence fills me with a joy I could never have imagined. Yes, Nyx, Freya replies. I breathe deeply. We are finally one.
This feels incredible. Our two spirits will now coexist for the rest of our lives, human and wolf bound together.
Werewolves share everything between their human and wolf counterparts, down to their DNA. Both personalities support and communicate with each other, helping to shape our destiny, emotions, and instincts.
Dormant until awakened, the wolf spirit lives within us from birth, and once the wolf is strong enough, it makes its presence known. A wolf can then take an element of control at the acceptance of the human. They can transition the physical form of the human into that of a wolf, allowing a powerful shift not only in form but also in abilities. Wolves possess heightened senses, strength, speed, and stronger protective instincts. When the wolf lives internally, they can rest, but during that time, they rely on their human counterpart and can only communicate thoughts and emotions through the deep bond.
There is an intricate balance between wolf and human.
When there is a strong human, especially those from powerful linesâlike royalty, Alphas or Betasâthe human can tap into the wolfâs attributes in some ways, such as extending their claws or canines while remaining in their human form. It is the deep and remarkable connection to their wolves that allows for this transformation, and it makes them exceptionally formidable.
On the other hand, a weak human risks allowing a powerful wolf to take control, locking the human out of their own mind. This is rare, and those who cannot control their wolves tend to be hunted down for the protection of the surrounding packs.
Right now, Freya and I share our thoughts, feelings, and our bond. It is powerful. As the immediate surging current subsides, I feel the joy of raw primal instincts coursing through us. Itâs a strange sensation; I can almost feel the air pulsing around us.
I watch as the aura emanating from me takes on a darker shade of purple.
Auras are fascinating. A remarkable part of our existence as werewolves, they are shimmering energies that radiate from us and become most prominent during intense emotions. They often speak before we have a chance to articulate our feelings, sometimes betraying us. I canât help but marvel at the spectacle of our connection, the energy surrounding us revealing what we share.
Auras hold great strength among wolves. High-ranked members of the pack emanate powerful auras that are charged by the need to protect their pack, serving as a protective shield.
An Alphaâs aura can easily inspire fear or loyalty.
In contrast, omegasâthose with no power within the packs and generally weaker wolvesâcontribute to the pack by working tirelessly beneath the ranked wolves. They radiate a far less intense aura, focused solely on self-preservation or protecting one other person like their mate or their children.
Both the human and the wolf can manipulate the aura through our connection, shifting it to respond to the situation before us. It can be gentle, reassuring others, or it can transform into something intimidating and forceful. A powerful aura can physically impact another; it can dominate wills and even strike out at enemies.
Itâs still early in the morning, and not many in the pack are moving around at this hour.
Letâs run, I suggest to Freya, immediately feeling the excitement and thrill surging through our connection.
Leaping from the bed and not bothering to change my clothes, I push through the front door of my motherâs house, the cool air hitting me and the scent of the earth filling my senses. I run straight into the forest that backs onto our house.
I know that shifting is said to be a painful experience the first couple of times, but there is no hesitation between us. As I focus, I feel Freya doing the same. I take a deep breath. My lungs expand, and I hear the rip of the clothing I hadnât thought to remove. In a sharpened flash between our eyes, Freyaâs paws hit the ground.
Freya runs almost immediately, relishing the freedom. Our hearts and senses synchronize; the world is sharper through Freyaâs eyes. The scents have more depth, and the soundsâ along with Freyaâs howlâare beautiful through her ears.
With every stride, Freyaâs joy fills our connection. I thought I knew what freedom was. But now I realise I had no idea, as Freya redefines the word through the emotions coursing through our bond. This is the best birthday present any werewolf could ask for.
ALPHA CODY
As I settled into my role as the new Alpha, a title passed down to me by my father on my 18th birthday, I immediately knew I had to search for my mate. It is essential to produce an heir to secure our line. An Alpha is always stronger with his Luna by his side. For years, even before I ascended to Alpha, I have been presented with potential mates by their mothers, my mother, and anyone who hoped to see their daughter fated to an Alpha of one of the strongest packs in the country.
One of those women, Nyx, came to our pack after the destruction of her own when I was much younger. She and her mother joined our pack in the aftermath of the chaos. As Nyx proved herself to be a capable member of our pack, my mother pushed her in front of me as often as possible. My mother recognised the power in her bloodline; Nyx was the daughter of one of the most formidable Alphas from my fatherâs generation.
Even though she wasnât my fated mate, my mother believed that bringing Nyx into my life could significantly strengthen our pack. Nyxâs talent and strength were undeniable; her skills surpassed all expectations for someone who hadnât yet awakened her wolf.
Everything changed one evening as I sat across the dining hall from her during dinner. I felt a surge of connection, catching me completely off guard. It was like a lightning bolt striking, igniting a deep desire within me and my wolf, Ilio. The mate bond echoed in the back of my mind, snapping fiercely into place and leaving me breathless. There she was, the most beautiful woman Iâd ever known, and I instantly know she was mine.
In that life-changing moment, my Beta, Markus, sensed the change in me and watched me closely as I focused on her. Disappointment quickly washed over me when I realised Nyx was completely unaware of the change that has just occurred between us. I know I had to reach out to her, to draw her closer to my life.
I tried everything I could think of to start conversations with Nyx, even inserting myself into her life by partnering with her during training sessions. But nothing worked. Nyx remained focused on her training, dedicated to becoming a valued member of our pack. I knew everything would change when she turned 18 and would finally feel the mate bond connecting us, but I couldnât wait a year to be near her.
The jealousy that surged through me when I would see her standing too close to another male, sharing laughter and friendly banter. It was overwhelming.
As her birthday approaches now, excitement and pressure course through me. I can feel our fated bond pulsing, ready to connect us. I am determined to plan an incredible gathering for her, organizing everything. Nyx may not consider me her mate yet, but I am intent on showing her that she belongs by my side. I will gift her an elaborate birthday and Luna Ceremony, where I can mark her as my mate and finally have complete access to her, my mate through our bond, our mind-link, and our lives together.
Marking her will be sacred, completing our bond and sealing our connection for all our lives. It is a visible representation of our possession and commitment to each other, and as an Alpha, I know this ritual needs to be celebrated as a pack, bringing her in to run alongside me as the pack Lunaâif she accepts.
The thought of her rejecting our connection is unbearable. A rejection of such magnitude could lead to the death of one of us. I have heard stories all my life about the dangers of rejections, how the sheer agony of the bond breaking could kill those too weak or unwilling to embrace it. These tales keep me on edge about my own fate. I canât understand why anyone would turn away from their destiny, and I pray to the Moon Goddess that Nyx wonât be one of those who does.
If only I could mind-link her now, she would realise from the connection we were fated. Mind-links are the primary means of communication throughout the werewolf packs, and there are many different types across the country.
At the top of the hierarchy, royalty possesses extraordinary abilities when it comes to mind-links, allowing them to connect with every member of their domain, regardless of their pack or standing. The royals wield more power than any other pack in the country, a power not just held by the royal family but shared among many of their pack members. There are even whispers of the king possessing personal powers that none of us have ever seen. Our packs rarely mingle with royalty, and when we do, itâs through delegates, not the actual royal line.
An Alpha and their Beta share a unique relationship through their mind-link, granting us the ability to communicate with any member of the pack. We can send messages easily, but the rest of the pack cannot respond without express permission; itâs primarily a one-way channel.
Ranked members can communicate with one another, allowing the hierarchy of the pack to discuss private matters even in mixed company. Warriors have a similar capability, ensuring they can communicate effectively and privately during battles.
Family connections run deep. These ties begin very early; children become attuned to their parentsâ emotions and thoughts before birth. After birth, that connection deepens. I remember sensing my motherâs presence as a gentle whisper in my mind. It wasnât until a few years later that I could consciously respond, communicating through that unseen thread.
The most significant connection through mind-link for any werewolf is that between fated mates. At the moment our souls become one through marking, a mind-link is created between us, allowing us to share our thoughts and emotions seamlessly.
I couldnât wait to have that flawless connection with Nyx.
NYX
Freya and I were now walking into the Alphaâs den with the rest of the high-ranking wolves, and not just from my pack. Alpha Cody announced a special occasion this evening and invited members from the Dreamshire Pack, Ravenshill Pack, Crystal Lake Pack, and the Sixth Body Pack. Rumour even has it he invited the Lycans for the sake of maintaining an uneasy peace, but as usual, no one truly expects their appearance.
I spent much of the day with Freya, learning about her and trying to build my confidence for the evening, trying to calm my thoughts. But beneath that calm, a wave of excitement flowed freely. The thought of finding my mate tonight raced through my mind. What if they come from another pack? Life would certainly change. At least I wouldnât be alone. Right, Freya?
I scrutinised myself in the mirror. Do you think it is too much? I asked Freya.
Oh, no Nyx, you are divine. The perfect embodiment of a Luna. Freya approved.
I smiled to myself; running my hands down my sides to flatten the figure-hugging emerald green dress, which flowed gracefully to the floor from my thighs. At that moment, Olvana entered the room, followed quickly by Beta Markus.
âNyx, my child,â my mother gently motions to me. âBeta Markus is going to escort us to the event tonight at the request of the Alpha himself.â
My mother looks less than impressed at being assigned a babysitter. âPlease, follow his directions and letâs avoid any delays that may displease Alpha Cody.â
I give my mother a genuine look of confusion. Alpha Cody has never paid attention to me, no more than he does the other pack members. I quickly smile at my mother.
âOf course, Mother.â Turning to Beta Markus, âWhen would you like me to be finished up and ready to leave, Beta?â I asked.
âNyx, you are breathtaking!â exclaimed Beta Markus. âAlpha Cody will not believe his eyes.â
âThank you, Beta. What time should we be leaving?â I prompt again.
I watch Markus for a response as his eyes cloud in mindlink. âWe will allow for some of the more senior and distinguished ranks to arrive first. We plan to leave in 20 minutes,â Markus directs.
âIt takes 20 minutes to get there. You want her to be 20 minutes late to her very first appearance?â Mum questions Markus. âShe will be the last one to arrive!â She said, sounding exasperated.
âThere will be no consequences for allowing the Alpha to greet the other packs before Nyxâs arrival,â Beta Markus assures us.
âMadness,â Mum whispers to herself, throwing her hands up in defeat. âAbsolute madness!â
I continue getting ready, wrapping a beautiful emerald necklace my mother gave me earlier that day around my neck and double-checking that my hair and makeup are perfect.
I feel confident and alluring in my gorgeous dress; it accentuates my curves flawlessly. Taking the time to do my hair and makeup gave me a naturally elegant appearance that highlights my green eyes. My blonde locks flow in soft waves, framing my face with a tender and feminine touch, extending just below my breasts. I notice that Beta Markus is paying an awful lot of attention to the sweetheart neckline that hugs my torso.
Youâre stunning, Nyx. Freya prompts me as I turn from the mirror, following Beta Markus and Mum to the car waiting outside.
The vehicle brings us to the grand and spacious mansion, exuding elegance and luxury, and I canât help but feel impressed. I have never attended such a high-calibre event. The front of the mansion is a sight to behold, with meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and charming walkways. The large staircase looks magnificent with its sweeping design and intricate details, guiding guests up to the balcony and double door entry to the mansion.
I see no guests outside, which can only mean one thing: they have all arrived, and I will, in fact, be one of the last to enter alongside Mum and Beta Markus. There must be a reason Alpha Cody had relinquished his Beta just to be late with my mother and me.
âOlvana,â Beta Markus addresses my mother. âWould you do me the honour of escorting me inside?â
Although he poses it as a question, Mumâs expression tells me she would rather be presented alongside me. But clearly, this is a silent command.
Since the death of her own beloved Alpha, she has lived well within the Whispering Night pack after being taken in. They have even provided her with a position that she loves: training the young pups. But I know she hates being effectively demoted after having been a powerful Luna herself. She glances at me as I look on.
âOf course, Beta, but my daughter, this is her firstââ
âShe will be perfectly able to present herself. You have, after all, trained her for events and moments like these. Correct?â the Beta retorted.
Feeling a strong need to protect my mother, and I position myself better to confront the Beta. But after seeing my disgust, Mum places herself in front of me to intervene.
âChin up.â She raises my chin, warning me with her eyes. âBack straight.â She presses on my core to straighten my posture. âShoulders back.â Again, she presses and pushes my shoulders a little further back. âYou are a magnificent young wolf, with Alpha blood running through your veins. A true Luna. Present yourself with pride tonight.â She praises me as she stands close, holding my hands.
Mumâs words fill me with confidence. I step toward the bottom of the stairs and wait for Beta Markus and my mother to present through the doors at the top of the staircase before me. Music and voices of numerous people boom in the room behind the doors atop the staircase, growing louder as I ascend the stairs.
I reach the top of the stairs and steady myself, holding my head up, my shoulders back and straight as I smile at the omegas to open the doors for my entry.
You got this, Freya prompts proudly.
Stepping into the room, an instant hush falls over the crowd.
All eyes turn toward me, a sea of faces frozen. The air thickens with curiosity. At that moment, I can feel the weight of the crowdâs gazes. As I glance around the room, I notice the long tables draped in deep blue cloth, flickering candles casting a warm glow across the faces of the gathered wolves, all their eyes turned up to me.
Then, as suddenly as it went quiet, growls erupt throughout the room. Several Alphas look in my direction and begin stalking toward me, weaving through the crowd, their eyes flashing dangerously.
The sound of the Alphasâ possessive growls resonates across the room, and my heart races as others move quickly from their path. I watch as they exchange glances, and then I see Alpha Cody. He stands tall in the centre of the room, dressed in a fitted black shirt that accentuates his muscular build, commanding attention. His hair is perfect, and his strong jawline is tense. I see his eyes scanning the crowd, lingering on each Alpha. A quiet confidence radiates from him, and I can almost feel the energy shifting in the room as he makes eye contact with others, one by one.
Freya, help me.
Chaos erupts unexpectedly as I attempt to hold my composure. How do I navigate the tense situation that's unfolding before me?
The possessive growls of the Alphas resonate across the space, and a heavy tension fills the room as five Alphas come to a halt, standing tall among the guests. Their postures are rigid, facing each other, exuding a commanding energy that makes my heart race, their auras clashing in the room. The atmosphere thickens around the room, silent challenges and barely restrained instincts warring within the five.
The silence is deafening; there are no growls or sharp remarks to disrupt the stillness. Instead, I can hear the faint sound of breathingâmy own includedâas I breathe deep, captivated by the scene before me.
One Alpha, the tallest among them, leans forward slightly, arms crossed over his chest. His gaze pierces into another Alpha, who stands his ground, jaw clenched and fists tight at his sides. The tension increases, and I can feel a pulsing energy hitting in my chest. I watch as the Alpha on the far-left flexes his fingers. Itâs a subtle but intentional display, and a low whisper travels through the Betas, who have been in their own conversation, judging by the look of the confused group.
The quiet suddenly shatters once again as a chair slowly scrapes the floor, the sound causing everyone to turn. One of the Alphas shifts his weight, and I see the Betas stiffen instinctively. The moment stretches out unbearably, each of the five Alphas remaining rooted in their positions, each seeming to wait for one of the others to move first. My pulse quickens as I feel the electricity in the air. In this suspended breath, every eye darts between the Alphas and back to me.
Freya, I donât know what to do. What are they doing? Freya doesnât speak, as if she, too, is experiencing the shock of what is unfolding in front of us.
Mate... Mate... Mate... Mate... Mate... Freyaâs voice brings me out of my daze as I feel the mate bond snap between me and the five Alphas below.
They glare at each other while regularly flashing back toward me, as if to check that none of them had stolen me away since their last glance. All are trying to keep their wolves maintained.
Freya, what is going on?
I feel the pull in five different directions.
Blind Sided by EM J. Bakker begins with a scene that instantly grabs the reader. The first chapter is launched into action as we witness a catastrophic event in Nyxâs life. Although the scenes being played out are devastating, they allow you to understand the sacrifice Nyx mother made, and the childhood events that truly made Nyx grow to the person she is today. The author shows rather than tells, creating a vivid story that immediately had me all in. That intensity doesn't fade; it is throughout the novel, building momentum and leaving readers eager for more.
Set in a world dominated by powerful Alphas, Blind Sided introduces Nyx, a future Luna who is more compelling than any of her potential mates. While many might expect this to be a typical âwhy chooseâ romance, itâs not. Instead, readers will find themselves drawn to a phantom Alpha in a way that feels fresh and surprising. Even those hoping for a different romantic direction will come to admire Nyxâs strength and complexity. Her development is handled in a way that readers canât help but feel connected to her and proud of her resilience.
The novel is rich with great characters. Gerard, Nyxâs bodyguard and best friend, will be a fan favorite. His loyalty is refreshing, and their bond is a rare in that itâs an example of a deep, platonic friendship between a man and a woman. Their relationship never enters into romantic territory, and that decision only strengthens the depth of the story. I can only hope that his story and the âblind sideâ he encounters will be expanded upon in the next book.
Olvana, Nyxâs mother and a former Luna herself, is another highlight. Strong, wise, and independent, Olvana raises her daughter to be a fighter and a leader. Her belief in Nyx is unwavering. Single mothers especially admire her unshakeable confidence and quiet strength.
The Alphas, meanwhile, ranges from charming to detestable. The author does not shy away from the power dynamics, or the confusion Nyx feels navigating relationships with men who are often much older than she is and that have more leadership experience. Alphaâs struggle with this also .Nyx is powerful and this dynamic challenges them.
Blind Sided is an emotionally charged novel that hooks you early and never letâs go. With its exceptional character development and compelling world-building, this book is a must read, and I cannot wait for the second book! Absolute perfection!