A week after finding out I'd been involved with the murderer Alexander Romanov I'd managed to keep it together. It was the first full moon since my arrival, the White Forest Ball would shortly be underway, the castle full of the Alpha and Beta family groups. The next ball would be the day of my eighteenth birthday so I wanted to sneak a preview. I helped Bella and Kyra into their dresses and styled their make-up as best I could. Bella’s long straight dark hair was set off beautifully in a shimmering silver gown that clung to her slender shape whilst dripping with sparkling crystals. Kyra’s more petite frame and unusual grey hair was tightly wrapped up in a mermaid style neon blue gown which made her look like something from another realm. Neither of them had found mates yet and they didn’t sound hopeful of the night yielding any better results. “Wait until you see the Dance of Connection,” Bella sighed, “all that twirling around into the arms of everyone on the dance floor is just t
“Hello,” was the best I could manage, feeling foolish in my dressed down clothes. “Have you told anybody about seeing me?” he asked firmly. His brow furrowed and his eyes looked so deeply and seriously into mine. “Of course not!” I whispered taking a step towards him, “I promised and I…I wanted to see you again”. Stroking his hand through his dark, unruly hair, I could sense the tension within him dropping down a few notches. “Thank you,” he replied in a low rumble “so you know, I am not following you…you keep appearing” “Really?! That’s so bizarre…” as my words trailed off Fyre filled in the blanks for me, /we’re connected somehow/. The idea of our being connected made a shiver of excitement run through me. “I assume you might have heard some stories already?” his voice was rough and stern sending a shiver through me. “I've heard some things yeah. '' I couldn’t help but look at his body and face and hope he would take hold of me again. He had wanted me last week, the way he too
For the next five minutes I couldn't focus on the dance. I pulled on my sweatshirt, sat on the floor and listened to the music floating around me, trying to make sense of everything Alexander had said...and done to me. There was no way to truly believe the version of events he had given me, Fyre was drawn to him and I was massively attracted to him, but it wasn't proof. The music soared around me as the dance reached its climax and I made myself peep through the curtain. Over thirty men stood in four rows and as the music built to a spinning peak the partners broke and ladies swirled into the arms of a new partner. It was an intricate dance whose pace built up to the switch between partners heightening the drama. I spied Bella and Kyra, Bella still didn't look happy even as she whirled into the arms of a smiling Alpha Bram, her glistening dress and gorgeous figure couldn't compensate for a sour face I mused. Kyra looked to be having a lovely time as she glided into a tall brunette h
The shock of the attack on Caleb and Jack four weeks ago had prompted Alpha Jones to revitalise the training programs of Beta Dawes. It was now mandatory for every male to attend. Sweaty, back breaking drills and sparring sessions were the only noises through town as non-essential shops were shut to allow men to take part in drills and war games in both human and wolf form. Caleb and Jack had taken a few days to recover, whilst their throats had shifter healed, they were left with the faint silvery scars of claws across their neck and up into their jawline. Jack’s eye however was permanently lost, and he now wore a defiant black eye-patch to cover the cavern in his face. Rumours abounded throughout the pack, the original story of a rogue attack was slowly shifting towards a White Forest spy narrative. Most of the older townsfolk were reticent, haunted by the bloodshed from the decades before. It was quietly noted by many that a man would never pluck out another’s eye, it was normal
The two weeks after the ball had dragged so slowly it was torturous. All I seemed to do was fighter training, roam around the castle and read Pack histories in the library although I couldn't find anything further on my parents. The Five Lake scout discovery was common knowledge around the castle and whispers began of an impending war or skirmish to reset the balance. I was conflicted, I loved to fight and spar but against Five Lakes, I would go up against people I had known my whole life, what if I came up against Beta Dawes…it wasn’t worth thinking about. People had started to treat me differently, whereas I had been working my way into the community, most people just saw me as Five Lakes property, a potential traitor and there was a definite coldness. Not from Ivan, Bella and Kyra though. Ivan was a sweetheart, his soft red hair and kind eyes brightened up my day for he had the best sense of humour and took me as I was. Kyras stillness helped me improve my own impulsive nature. B
Thirty minutes later l was laid down on a narrow wooden jetty, shifted back from wolf to human. Staring up at the moonlit sky, the water gently lapping away I felt a sense of peace wash over me. Surrounded by high pine trees that gently swayed with the breeze I kept telling myself the Birazzi surname wasn't going to define me. So what if my bloodline was tied to the Fates, I'd not been brought up with their ways, I didn't meddle with people's futures even I'd have wanted to. An exhausted sigh left my body, cool in my running gear with one hand hanging off the edge of the jetty, sensing the cool, rhythmic pulse of the water. "Hey," an angry voice barked, making me out my skin, "what are you doing this far from the castle?" My eyes flicked away from the stars and landed on the hulking figure of Bram Romanov. He stood with his hands on his hips, black boots, tan trousers, black open shirt displaying a wide chest. He stood a metre away from me and whilst I scrambled up to my feet his d
It’s only been a month since I first came across this girl and she is ruining me. I should have known from watching that fight with Caleb she was something else. The Fates never warned me that I would fall for her even though she isn’t meant to be mine. That’s why people don’t trust the Fates, they only tell you so much of the truth. It drives men insane trying to pick apart the meaning in their words. Hydra growled at my negativity, /she seeks you out every time doesn’t she?/ I can’t allow myself to believe her heart is involved, I argue back. She doesn’t know me really, only the accusations, she might have got caught up in the heat of the moment a few weeks ago. When Bram offers her the Luna throne, when their mate bond is established, I will be beyond gutted. I might as well allow myself to turn rogue even though that would be against my promise to father. Hydra growled even more aggressively at the idea of betraying him, we won’t go rogue whilst we remain undetected in White For
Days passed and yet I still couldn’t wrap my head around everything. Alpha Bram being convinced we were mates, the certainty everyone held that Alpha Alexander was a murderer. The fact Alexander wanted Bram to be my mate! Finally, the fact I was apparently connected to the Fates all formed a soupy mess in my mind. Could I reject him? If I did would he be violent, or damage me, keep me at his side anyway, would I even care if I was banished? The only thing that scared me was the knowledge that you can die from rejecting a mate, the pain being so intense it can kill you and your wolf because you’re going against what the Moon Goddess herself has intended. If I did reject him would Alexander be disappointed in me too, he asked me to follow this through for the Pack. At least I was still being trained up for the security team. It would appear Bram had kept his part of the discussion quiet as agreed. The big difference today was that I was finally getting some dance lessons. Ivan, Kyra,
Finally the orchestra started up. Myself and Alexander were surrounded by a crowd of similarly interest people, all waiting to see if a match would be made tonight. Azalea took the hands of her first partner and I saw a little flicker of emotion cross her face. They gently twirled and I saw her duck her head down shyly at the compliment she was receiving. She danced delicately and lightly, her feet barely seeming to touch the ground as the pace of the dance increased to its full drama. Suddenly they swapped and she was in the arms of Drake, her partner from earlier. He looked disappointed, as well he might for Azalea was a shining star in that room tonight. My eyes darted over to Ivan and he was dancing very politely with a tall brunette, but no match. His face was flushed red and his eyes were sparkling wildly, I don’t think I had ever seen him this e
Helena POV After quickly smartening myself up in the bathroom I rejoined Alexander in the corridor. Although I'd fixed up my hair and smoothed out my dress there was no way to hide the happy glow on my face. Alexander was the same, the stern look he'd made a constant feature had finally melted. His forehead was softer and more gentle. He was still the most masculine being I'd ever encountered but he was finally allowing himself to be happy. Holding my hand lightly we stepped back into the ballroom everything seemed lighter and brighter. Moonlight beamed through the uncovered windows, the opportunity for mating was approaching. A few more dances remained before the dance of connection. Before us the swell of couples twirling around us was delightful. The colours of the women's dresses, the music, the merry clinking of
Blinding lights hit me once more, in front of me a drunk, angry and unrecognisable Alexander staggered into view. He seemed to be on a cobbled streetl, the bright lights of a packed tavern displayed behind.He was dishevelled and bearded, dressed all in black as I had first known him. His air was so different to the man I knew, depressed, angry and broken as he fell to the floor in a drunken sloppy mess. Noises broke into my awareness, three men surrounded Alexander and taunted him. They recognised him and mocked him with shouts of murderer, scum and pushed him to the ground. My heart ached at the torment as they started kicking his ribs and head. After what felt like forever he suddenly lashed out wildly, shifting into his massive black wolf form and attacked the three men. Guttural screams ripped across the vision in waves maki
He looked immaculate in his crisp white shirt and dark trousers and he strode confidently through the crowd. His hair was still a shaggy wild mid length, slight stubble and those dark eyes were constantly trained on me. I felt him look me up and down admiring my dress and I gave him a smile. "Alpha Alexander" Ivan nodded with respect. Alexander kissed me on the cheek softly and then graciously offered his hand in greeting to Ivan. "Ivan good evening, thank you for making sure Helena didn't miss out on the dancing in my absence" he said kindly. "Of course, it is a privilege to dance with Luna Helena" Ivan replied. I was so proud of him not being the jealous ape some mates were with their partners. He offered me his arm and with another nod to Ivan we moved to another bit of the dancefloor "ask Azalea to dance!" I mouthed as we separated and he gave me a shy grin back. Finally back in Ale
The past few weeks have been a blur. Once more I find myself stood behind that huge wooden door leading into the ballroom. But it's for a whole new Full Moon Ball. Beside me are Kyra and Azalea and I know out in the other half of the room is Alexander. Whilst we wait for the bugle call I allow my mind to wander, reflecting on the past few weeks. After the night we were mated we had to leave for a week to accompany Alpha Brandon and Luna Holly to Five Lakes to help oversee the transfer of members to the pack. Five Lakes was thankfully not resistant to being taken over by Dawning Star. The appetite for war was not strong like the previous generation. Caleb and Jack had tried to create a fierce, loyal army by force, missing the crucial element of respect and loyalty. Through my suggestion Beta Dawes was made the highest Beta o
I woke up in the middle of the night entwined with Alexander. Under the blankets our naked bodies lay together, and I couldn't help smiling and clasping him closer to me, his big arm was draped over my shoulder, trailing over my chest, his hand resting on my stomach. I had no idea what time it was but I had to get to the bathroom, I gently peeled myself out of his hold trying not to wake him. Easing myself out of the huge four poster bed as I walked towards the bathroom door I saw my heels and dress discarded on the floor. Flashbacks to earlier in the evening made me blush. I'd let Fyre take over and she'd given me the the confidence to be sensual, tease and flirt with Alexander as I'd only dared to dream of before. In the bright lights of the bathroom mirror as I freshened up I couldn't believe how I'd begged him to take m
She was an absolute torture. Just seeing her across the dancefloor talking to anyone else made my soul ache. She was so enticing, glowing in that purple dress, the necklace I'd picked made it clear how much she belonged as a Luna. Those loose brown curls highlighting her frame and shaping her face. She was a queen amongst slaves and every person in the room gave her the respect she deserved. Finally I could take no more, seeing her stood next to my father we locked eyes and hers flashed gold driving Hydra skywards. I'd done a couple of hours at this party surely there was no more. We definitely needed to skip the dance of connection for my jealousy would not endure her being grasped and twirled by all those other men. Her plump lips expanded into a smile and I wondered if she could tell what I was thinking. My cock had ached pain
The rest of the ball seemed to pass by in a blur, after greeting Alpha Romanov again I met Alpha Brandon and the lovely Luna Holly again. A group of Alpha’s from further regions approached Alexander and Alpha Brandon and he gently released me from him arm and asked if I cared to catch up with my friends. I gave him a grateful nod and sought out Ivan, Kyra and Calvin. Ivan and Calvin looked smart in their white shirts but Kyra was stunning in her pink tulle ballgown. “I had a feeling this was going to a big night so I went for the biggest dress I have!” “You really did!” as we clinked our champagne flutes together and smiled. Kyra swept me up in a warm hug, “how is Alexander then, how long have you known him? You two were just too sweet on that dancefloor. You could see him trying not to smile but he didn’t fool me!” she chattered
“We need to go” he sighed, tucking a stray curl behind my ear. I did the same to him, running my hand through his hair felt so natural, like we’d been together for years and we shared a small smile. We walked down the corridor together, alone apart from a few servants scurrying as everyone else had already attended the bugle call and gathered downstairs. My hand was wrapped around his arm and I felt like I could probably float at this point I was that happy. I gave him arm a gentle squeeze and felt proud at being on his arm. Looking up at his face as we neared the gathered crowds I felt him tense and his jaw set back to firm. “Three years away hasn’t made you any less of a prince or a gentleman you know.” "Hmmm" was his only response. We reached the original ballroom entrance, just a few steps away from the gathered crowd and Alpha Romanov. We could hear his speech midway through, annou