Chapter 8[Ciara’s POV.]I was still trying to process what Damon had said before he left. My instincts had been right all along; something about Daryl and his brother was off. And the worst part? They weren’t even trying to hide it any more. There was only one option; I needed to take Damon’s advice and get the hell out of here.I sat slumped in the corner with my head in my hands as I thought about every bad decision that led me to this moment. How did I let this happen? How did I not see this coming?Then I heard footsteps drag across the wooden floor, and I looked up. Daryl was already heading for the door, his hand reaching for the knob. And before I even thought about it, my mouth moved on its own."Wait!"Daryl stopped. He didn’t turn around immediately, but I saw the way his shoulders tensed and the way his fingers curled at his sides like he regretted stopping. When he finally turned, his face was drawn tight.I swallowed hard. “What is it?” He snarled. “I know I have said
Chapter 9:[DARYL'S POV ]I stepped into the Red Room, and immediately, it felt like all eyes were on me. The council members were already in their usual spots around the large oak table. My eyes quickly found Damon who was seated by the table, twirling a glass of whiskey between his fingers.I looked away from him and focused on my father who was seated at the head of the table. He had his arms crossed and his lips were set in a hard line. My stomach tightened as I noticed how his eyes bore into me. “Daryl,” he called in his rough voice.“Father…?” I replied. “Finally decided to show up?” Garret, the jerk sitting next to him, sneered. “I still don’t get why this reputable council had to wait on some pup who doesn’t know his place.”“Garret,” I spat his name out like it was something disgusting. “I am here now.” I didn't know why, but I fought the urge to punch him. Garret was the pack's official beta and my father’s right hand. He had never hidden his hate for my brother and me. E
Chapter 10:Daryl's POVI stormed out of the Red Room with my fists clenched. I could feel the thudding of my heart. As much as I hated it, I couldn’t stop thinking about the smug smile Damon had back in the Red Room. I didn’t need a witch to tell me that he was determined to take the Supreme Alpha throne.Over my dead body! I swore. My jaw clenched as I realized how much had changed. My plans were different now.Just last week, I was set on leaving the pack, ready to cut ties and move to California. I knew disappearing like that would raise suspicions, so I came up with a plan. I decided to introduce a fake mate to my family. That way, they’d think I was settled, and that I wasn’t one of those unlucky wolves destined to be mateless forever.But now… something shifted. A strange feeling took hold of me. I didn’t want to leave BlackThorn anymore.Damon and I were both heirs to the throne, but I’d be damned if I let him take it. I hissed under my breath, just thinking about what a disas
Chapter 11: Daryl's POV.I rushed through the woods with Alaric hot on my tail as we walked the narrow path leading to the secret exit."What is it?" he asked, falling in step with me. "It's the human girl, isn't it?"My jaw clenched from trying to hold back the desire to yell at him once more and also the gnawing urge to correct him. Her name was Ciara, and she was not just any human girl, she was...I shook my head, dismissing the incoming thoughts, but I knew Xere wouldn't let it be."I knew you could feel it." I felt Xere smirk but ignored him."I told you to stay out of it," I said rather calmly, but between gritted teeth. It was best he stayed out of it. Alaric knew me so well that he must've noticed the self-control I was so badly practicing because he didn't press me with further questions.Once at the exit, I quickly placed my hand on the stone wall and whispered the passcode. I didn't wait for the door to fully open before I dashed out and rushed through the corridors of th
Chapter 12: [Ciara's POV]The next morning, when I opened my eyes, bright sunlight streamed through the glass window. I sat up slowly, blinking as I rubbed my eyes. For a moment, I felt a little lost.Then I realized it. I was still in Daryl's room. And he... wasn't here.I was alone. Perfect! At least now I could think about how to spend the next few weeks of my life.I yawned and glanced down at what I was wearing. It had already been 24 hours since my last bath."I need a change of clothes," I muttered, suddenly remembering I hadn’t brought any luggage. I had no idea where to even find new clothes.I let out another sigh and looked toward Daryl’s wardrobe. My lips parted slightly.“He wouldn’t mind, would he?” I bit my bottom lip, thinking about what to do next.After a few seconds, I got out of the large bed and walked over to the wardrobe, which had mirrors on both doors. I opened it slowly and was met with rows of neatly arranged clothes, mostly in neutral colors.One side had w
Chapter 13: Ciara's POVI walked down the hallway beside Damon, my eyes fixed ahead. I kept my gaze straight, hoping it would make it obvious that I had no interest in speaking with him.I noticed figures in suits of armor displayed along the hallway. They looked like decorative pieces, probably there to show off the craftsmanship and wealth of Daryl’s family.Several huge looking men stood guard nearby. They were the same ones who had let me pass earlier, causing Daryl to question how I got through.“You’ve certainly caught Daryl’s attention, haven’t you?” Damon said suddenly. His tone was oddly playful. “My younger brother is amusing. He hasn’t given you a moment to breathe since he brought you here." I gritted my teeth and kept walking, not giving him a glance. I didn’t know what he was trying to pull, but I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of a response. Why exactly was he even talking to me? Didn't I make it clear enough that I wanted nothing to do with him? Whatever he
Chapter 14:Ciara's POVI stood frozen, Luna Eleanor's piercing question hanging in the air like a challenge as my heart drummed in my ear."How did you meet Daryl?" she asked again in disdain, her eyes never leaving mine.My knees buckled beneath me."Sit," she ordered, as though she'd noticed that my knees buckled.I moved towards the two chaise lounges surrounding a gold center table and sat, clasping my hands on my thighs, willing them to stop shaking.What was I meant to say? How was I supposed to answer her?The first thought that filtered through my head was to lie...'Daryl and I met at a coffee shop?''We met at a socialite event or charity gala?''Work. I applied for a job at his company?'Oh, how rich!I groaned internally as I immediately thought against lying. If I were to gain her trust, the truth was the way forward. Lying would only make things worse by making me look untrustworthy, which was not the goal.So maybe I could say...'Oh, my blonde bestie got cheated on by
Chapter 15:Ciara's POVHe pulled me effortlessly into the room next to the Luna's chamber. My eyes widened at him as he closed the door of the room behind us, with his hand still over my mouth.I told him to let me go, but the words came out disoriented and misplaced, making no sense as his palm was still over my mouth."Sorry," he mumbled so low I almost didn't hear him, as he removed his hand from my mouth and stepped away from me. He walked further into the room, giving his back to me."What was that for...?" I started asking, but my voice trailed off as I looked around and took in the interior of the room he brought me to, immediately getting engulfed by its opulence. I didn't want to gawk, but it was hard not to. It was like a room straight out of a medieval movie or novel.The room held so much majesty. But this was real life. It was reality.It was a luxurious dressing room with a large chandelier hanging elegantly in the middle. The dressing room was filled with elegant gowns
Chapter 24: Don't you dare!Ciara's POV~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I pulled back almost immediately, ending the kiss as quickly as it began. I was breathless as I felt whoever had just kissed me step backwards. “Who-who are you?” I stuttered, struggling to catch my breath. Silence. I blinked in the darkness, trying to make out the outline of the person before me, but I could barely see. I still stood with my back pressed against the cold stone wall and my heart pounded hard in my chest. That was when I realised that I was alone. Whoever had kissed me had slipped away, and there was no way I'd know who it was. The aftershocks of what just happened rippled through me and my lips tingled with the taste of his lips. I knew that was not Daryl. He was still in the hall when I stepped out, and it certainly wasn't his scent. I knew his cologne too well. It was fresh, clean and sharp like peppermint.But this? It was something else. Something muskier. Woody. Heavy, and very unfamiliar. My m
Chapter 23: Who could that be?Ciara’s POVI froze, my eyes widening as I looked up into Damon's blue eyes. My heart pounded in my chest, and I was unsure of what to do in that exact moment... in that exact position.Damon's hand gripped my waist firmly, and I felt his warm, almost comforting touch at my bare back, which made me shudder. "Ahem!" Someone said sharply behind us. It broke the moment, and I was out of Damon's arms in an instant like he'd burned me. I turned to see Luna Eleanor staring at us. Well... at me, condescendingly. And then, everyone else's eyes were now on us... Yeah, me again.My cheeks heated as embarrassment flooded my entire being. Damon leaned down and whispered into my ear."Don't let her make you feel small." His low voice caressed my ear and I turned to look at him, then pushed myself away from him. Before I could stop him, he swiftly grabbed my hand and planted a soft kiss on it, prompting a gasp from everyone.He stared at me under his thick lashes, w
Chapter 22Damon's POVI leaned back in the chair at the head table where I was seated. My fingers drummed on the table in irritation at my disinterest in the lively atmosphere of the grand hall. My detachment from said atmosphere couldn't be helped.I closed my eyes, bringing back to mind the intense glare of honey-dipped eyes and the fierce fire latched in her soul.Her...The loud music, chatter, and scent of roasted meats couldn't distract me from my thoughts. Thoughts that were consumed by the woman who had been on my mind for far too long.The double doors swung open, and Daryl strode in with Ciara clinging to his side.Ciara...I instinctively sat upright, my insides twisting at the sight. Ciara wasn’t just clinging to Daryl's side—he was holding her. Close. Too close. I went internally livid instantly.The entire hall went still as my eyes carefully took her in and my entire body froze. I swallowed the huge lump in my throat and adjusted in my seat."...What a beauty," Calyx h
Chapter 21Ciara's POV I stood rooted in the same spot minutes after Daryl had left the balcony. This was what I signed up for, wasn't it? Why then did the idea of showing up at the Alpha feast seem like such a big deal to me? Maybe, it was because I knew that no matter how hard I tried, I could never fit in among the people here. I let out a quiet sigh as I walked down the hallway. When I reached Daryl’s chambers, I pushed the door open slowly and stepped inside. I wasn't surprised to find the room empty. It was a good thing Daryl wasn't here. I didn't know how I'd be able to get dressed in his presence. "Just an hour". I said under my breath, recalling his words. That’s all I had. One hour to myself.“I should get dressed before he comes back,” I muttered, glancing around.Then it hit me. I had nothing to wear. Nothing even close to what was probably expected at something like the Alpha Feast. My stomach twisted a little as I stood there, trying to think of a solution.But nothi
Chapter 20: Ciara’s POVI couldn’t breathe as I rushed down the hallway. My heart was racing, and every step felt like I was dragging my shame behind me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t erase the image of Daryl’s naked body from my mind.He hadn’t even flinched when I barged in. He just stood there, completely unbothered, like it was nothing. He didn't even react like I had just walked in on something I should’ve never seen.Why was I reacting this way? He wasn’t really my fiancé. This whole thing was fake. It was a contract, and nothing more. I mumbled the words to myself, trying to shove the panic back down.I didn’t look back because I didn’t want to know if he was behind me. But then a thought hit me.Wait. He wouldn’t follow me… right? He was still naked.That made me slow down, just for a second. My mind was spinning and in that moment of distraction, I caught my foot on the edge of a rug and stumbled. My hand shot out and grabbed the wall and I tried to steady myself.
Chapter 19:Ciara's POV Something felt wrong. I shouldn't be here. My legs moved, but my mind screamed at me to turn back. I went down the steps slowly, breathing heavily. Then, leaned toward the maid, and whispered, “What is going on here? Who are these people?”She didn’t respond. Instead, her eyes dropped to the floor as she just kept walking. A lump formed in my throat and I swallowed hard, following her. My heart thudded as I approached the table. The women still hadn't taken their eyes off me, and I could feel the judgment in their stares. I wasn't surprised by how they didn’t bother hiding it.“Who’s she?” someone asked..“She’s the one Daryl brought in, isn’t she?” another voice mocked. “She looks… ordinary.” someone else said. My spine straightened, and I kept my head high, pretending not to hear them. Was there something about me that made me appear different? I didn't know and this was certainly not the right place to figure it out. ‘You can do this, Ciara. Stay calm
Chapter 18Ciara’s POVAs I stormed away from Damon, my footsteps echoed against the cold marble floor of the palace hallway.“Ciara!” I heard him call in a loud voice behind me.I glanced back at him. He was by the doorway of the room I had just walked out of, his hands resting on his waist as he eyed me.“I think you're forgetting something…” he said. “You need me to help you find your way back.”I raised my brows. “No, thank you. I'll pass on that offer.”I turned to continue walking away from him when I heard footsteps behind me.“Let me help you, at least,” he said.I stopped abruptly, jerked backward, and wagged my finger at him.“Stop following me, Damon! Isn't it enough that I have to deal with being around you already? Do you have to follow me like a lost puppy? Huh?” I snapped at him.He took a step back, his lips set in a hard line as he nodded slowly.“You're right. You don't need me to—”“Yes, I don't!” I snapped, already worried that if I spent any more minutes around hi
Chapter 17:[Daryl's POV]*************Something was off.I couldn’t quite place it, but the second my boots hit the pebble pathway, I felt it in my gut. The courtyard was packed with people. Several Omegas moved fast, carrying baskets full of food, drinks, supplies...or whatever they’d been ordered to carry. A few of them bowed slightly as they passed. I gave a brief nod back, barely paying attention.It looked like preparation for a feast or some kind of celebration, but no one had said a word to me about any event. I folded my arms on my arms as my eyes scanned the busy courtyard. Teenagers were sitting on benches, and some on the tables, chattering excitedly and laughing. In another part of the courtyard, some omegas were rehearsing a dance routine. Others were crafting handiworks. With everything going on, there was a festive feel in the air, like something big was coming.Finally, I spotted Alaric talking and laughing with one of the royal maidens whom I didn’t recognize. The
Chapter 16:[Daryl's POV]I stood rooted to the spot. Ciara had left my side when she followed Damon out the door to see my mother. I wondered why Mother wanted to see her and what she would say to her. But what unsettled me more was the fact that I couldn't get Ciara out of my mind.I started pacing with my hands clasped behind my back as my eyes darted to the door more times than was normal. It was as though I was expecting her to walk in any second when she had just left the chamber. Maybe she was clouding my mind, and I was thinking about her because Damon was involved. Yes! That was it. It was nothing else, except the fact that I didn't trust my twin brother and didn't want him to sabotage my plans.I clenched my jaw, picturing how she’d left with Damon and the stupid smirk he had on his face like he’d just won the lottery. I had fought the urge to blow his jaw so he could never form a smirk again. I had also fought the urge to dash down to Mother's quarters and bring Ciara right