Adrian's POV The torture chamber reeked of Xavier's blood, rust, and secrets. Xavier sat in the middle of it, chained to the chair like he had no care in the world. But his bloodied nose from where I punched him multiple times told a different story.His head was tilted back lazily against the wall to stop the blood flow.He had one leg bouncing, and that same smug smile plastered across his face like he wasn’t moments away from being torn apart again. “I’d ask if you’re comfortable,” I muttered, my voice low and venom-laced, “but I honestly don’t give a damn.” Xavier’s eyes flicked toward me, amusement dancing in them. “Adrian,” he said with mock warmth. “So tense. You really should relax. It’s not good for the heart. Or the woman you're sleeping with.” I nearly lost it right then. His casual mention of Kayla lit a fuse inside me, one I was desperately trying to smother before i personally drove out to burn down his entire pack house. “I’ll ask one more time,” I growled, step
Kayla's POV I hadn’t realized how empty my heart would feel until the silence settled in.Days had passed—or maybe just hours—I couldn’t tell anymore. Time didn’t move the same without Adrian. Every second felt heavier, like it dragged its feet just to remind me that I was far away from him.I sat curled up on the cold cot in the far corner of the cave, arms wrapped around my knees, heart aching in a way I didn’t think was possible. I hadn’t spoken much since Hector and Ingrid brought me here. The girls were kind, but I was distant. Lost.I missed him.Goddess, I missed him.His scent. His voice. The way his arms wrapped around me like I was something precious. The way he said my name like it was his favorite word.Sleep didn’t come easily, but when it did, I dreamed of him. Always him. His voice in my ears, his lips brushing my skin, his arms holding me while the world fell apart around us.I woke up with tears on my cheeks more often than not.“You’re dreaming of him again, aren’t
Tamara's POV On the day I died, my husband was too busy having sex with my sister to care. The world around me had blurred as the poison my husband fed me coursed through my veins. “Please… someone… help me,” I begged, but my voice was too weak. I painfully dragged myself across the cold floor, desperately trying to reach my guards who were standing just outside the door. “Please …h-help.” I cried louder but they did nothing, even though they clearly heard me. They were choosing to leave me, their Luna to die on my cold bedroom floor. Above the sound of my cries, I could still hear the sound of my bed creaking as my husband continued to fuck my sister on my bed just a few feet from me. “Yes! Fuck me Jack, claim me so your wife can see. Yes! Harder Jack!” My sister Kate moaned as my husband continued to pound her into the bed. I tried to turn my head away but the movement felt agonizing, so I was forced to watch Jack’s hips furiously thrusting into Kate. Jack was
Tamara’s POV I tried to scream for help again, but Kate snarled at me. “Stop it Tamara. No one is coming to save you. I already killed all your friends, and your parents are dead too. And thanks to me, the whole pack believes you’re a killer so everyone hates you now.” Kate laughed. I was devastated to realize that she was right. I had no one left. Since the day she moved into our house two years ago, she had managed to successfully turn everyone against me. Everyone who tried to help me was executed for treason. I was all alone. My heart broke even more. “You won’t get away with this Kate! I swear you won’t!” I choked out. Kate laughed, a loud chilling sound. “Oh darling, but I already have. I got away with it since that day you first let me step foot into this house, years ago. Your fate was sealed that day." She said and I cried harder. Kate suddenly pulled out a long dagger and aimed it at my chest. “Sorry sister, but it’s time for you to go now, Goodbye, Tamara,”
Tamara's POV I stood there, horrified and heartbroken but I refused to give up. "But this is my house Jack! I’m the Luna of the winter pack so I get to say who—“ “You don’t get to say anything alone Luna! Have you forgotten that we merged our packs when I claimed you?” Jack interrupted. "I have an equal say in everything. Stop being selfish and think of others for once. Kate will stay with us and that’s final." He declared in a firm unyielding Alpha tone. I felt my blood boil as I watched Jack scoop Kate up in his arms and carry her to one of the bedrooms upstairs. She still had that smug smile on her face. That bitch! Kate had won this round, and unless I did something drastic, she would continue to win. But what could I do? The logical thing would be to break up with him now so we don’t get married and he doesn’t kill me in the future right? But there was one problem. Our packs had already merged to become one, and as my pack had grown, Jack’s pack had grown in number a
Tamara's pov Jack continued speaking, "I promise you sweetheart, Kate will only stay with us until she is healed, and after that, I will personally make sure she leaves." I felt a surge of annoyance. This was an old lie he had told me in the past. He had sworn up and down that he would kick Kate out, but he never did. Instead, he laid back and watched as Kate took everything from me. And that same thing would happen again if I didn’t find a way to stop them both now. But I couldn't let him see my anger. So I forced another smile and pretended to accept his apology. "Thank you, Jack. I appreciate your concern." Jack moved closer, and caressed my face. “Anything for you my love. You know I would do anything it takes to make you happy. I love you so much Tammie.” He said and I tried very hard not to gag. How could he lie so boldly like that, especially while he was planning to kill me? Jack bent to kiss me, but I turned my face away. "Darling, not tonight, I'm tired," I said
Tamara's POV The next morning, I woke up to find Jack sleeping in my bed like he never left. He was cuddling my waist and I could feel his erection pressing against me. I frowned in disgust, he was probably dreaming about how he fucked my sister. I quietly slipped out to not wake him, but when I opened my door, I found Kate kneeling in front of my door. "Kate? What are you doing?" I asked in surprise. Kate scrambled up to her feet quickly and bowed to me. "Oh Luna! I'm sorry if I surprised you." She stammered with fake innocence. "I was just polishing the floor for you. I want to thank you for letting me stay here, and in return, please let me be your maid, I'll work very hard and do anything you want and I promise to never annoy you. Please accept me as your humble servant." She bowed. I was confused about her actions for a second but then I looked up and saw that my servants were peeping at us and whispering. That's when I realized that Kate was doing all these to loo
Tamara’s POV "Marry me." Alpha Dante declared and I froze. "What?" "You really want to form an alliance with me Luna?" "Yes," I said, my voice was no longer confident. "Then leave that immature brat and marry me." My breath caught in my throat. "What? W-why?” If I remembered correctly, this man was supposed to hate me, and I was supposed to hate him, so why was he asking me to marry him? I was shocked. "Marry you? But—" "Think about it, Tamara," he said, his tone now cold and calculating. "If you're truly willing to do anything to make me believe you want this alliance, then this is the price. Marry me, submit to me and we will form an alliance so strong that it would be legendary." I was speechless. The man who had killed my family, the man I had once ordered to be executed, was now offering to be my husband. My mind raced, Could I really do this? Could I marry the ruthless Alpha Dante to protect my pack, save my parents and friends and stop the people wh
Kayla's POV I hadn’t realized how empty my heart would feel until the silence settled in.Days had passed—or maybe just hours—I couldn’t tell anymore. Time didn’t move the same without Adrian. Every second felt heavier, like it dragged its feet just to remind me that I was far away from him.I sat curled up on the cold cot in the far corner of the cave, arms wrapped around my knees, heart aching in a way I didn’t think was possible. I hadn’t spoken much since Hector and Ingrid brought me here. The girls were kind, but I was distant. Lost.I missed him.Goddess, I missed him.His scent. His voice. The way his arms wrapped around me like I was something precious. The way he said my name like it was his favorite word.Sleep didn’t come easily, but when it did, I dreamed of him. Always him. His voice in my ears, his lips brushing my skin, his arms holding me while the world fell apart around us.I woke up with tears on my cheeks more often than not.“You’re dreaming of him again, aren’t
Adrian's POV The torture chamber reeked of Xavier's blood, rust, and secrets. Xavier sat in the middle of it, chained to the chair like he had no care in the world. But his bloodied nose from where I punched him multiple times told a different story.His head was tilted back lazily against the wall to stop the blood flow.He had one leg bouncing, and that same smug smile plastered across his face like he wasn’t moments away from being torn apart again. “I’d ask if you’re comfortable,” I muttered, my voice low and venom-laced, “but I honestly don’t give a damn.” Xavier’s eyes flicked toward me, amusement dancing in them. “Adrian,” he said with mock warmth. “So tense. You really should relax. It’s not good for the heart. Or the woman you're sleeping with.” I nearly lost it right then. His casual mention of Kayla lit a fuse inside me, one I was desperately trying to smother before i personally drove out to burn down his entire pack house. “I’ll ask one more time,” I growled, step
Adrian’s POVSuddenly The battlefield is silent.Too silent.My chest rises and falls rapidly as I stand in the middle of the destruction, blood staining my hands, my claws still extended, my wolf barely caged beneath my skin. Around me, my warriors are shaken but alive, their eyes darting between the few bodies of the fallen rogue like creatures—if they could even be called that.The battle field is quiet not because we were winning, but Because the moment Kayla was taken… they suddenly vanished into thin air before our eyes.Not a trace of them left.My fists clench, rage surging inside me like wildfire.Kayla was gone too though.My woman had been taken by my stepbrother and Kayla's former assistant.“Hector,” I snarl, snapping my head toward Logan. “Where the hell is Hector?”Logan’s face is grim, his body tense as he watches me carefully. “We don’t know.”A growl rips from my throat, sharp and deadly. “Find them. Now!”“We tried.” Logan’s expression hardens. “The second she was t
Kayla’s POVPain throbs in my skull as I slowly open my eyes, my body aching like I’ve been tossed around like a rag doll. The last thing I remember is screaming Adrian’s name, reaching for him, only to be pulled away—taken by force. My heart clenches at the memory, and panic floods my veins.I jolt upright, my breaths shallow as I take in my surroundings.The room is dimly lit, the walls made of rough stone. A few small lanterns cast flickering shadows across the space, illuminating the frightened faces of young women who stand huddled together near the far end of the room. Their eyes are wide as they stare at me, like they’ve been expecting me.“Where am I?” My voice comes out hoarse, my throat raw from screaming.A rustling sound to my right makes me turn. My body tenses when I see Hector and Ingrid standing near the doorway. Hector’s arms are crossed, his expression unreadable, while Ingrid looks more hesitant, shifting her weight from foot to foot.I shove the blankets off and t
Adrian’s POV Kayla was trembling in my arms, her fingers gripping my shirt like she was afraid I’d disappear. I tightened my hold on her, pressing my lips against her temple, trying to ground her. "It’s okay," I whispered. "You’re safe." She didn’t respond. Her breathing was shallow, her entire body stiff. Something was wrong. Very wrong. I pulled back slightly to look at her face. Her pupils were dilated, her skin too pale. "Kayla," I murmured, brushing my thumb across her cheek. "Talk to me." She opened her mouth, but before she could speak, a howl ripped through the night. The pack alarm. Again! Shit. I snapped my head up, my instincts immediately on high alert. The howls multiplied, blending with distant shouts. My wolves were already gathering outside. We were under attack. For real this time. Earlier was just a warning from something that looked like Xavier.. but wasn't quite him. Kayla gasped, grabbing my wrist. "Adrian—" I cupped her face, forcing her to focus on
Kayla’s POV I slammed the bedroom door shut, twisting the lock with trembling fingers. My breath came in ragged gasps as I pressed my back against the door, my chest rising and falling in rapid, uneven bursts. What had I done? I had told Adrian I loved him. And worse—I had meant it. The words had slipped past my lips before I could stop them, before I could shove them back down into the deep, dark place where I kept all the things I couldn’t afford to feel. And then—like a coward—I had run as Adrian was forced to leave. But where could I run to? I belonged to him now. And that was the most terrifying part. I squeezed my eyes shut, my nails digging into the skin of my arms. I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t afford to need him. Not when I was changing. Not when I didn’t even know what I was anymore. The mark on my arm burned as if it could hear my thoughts, reminding me of what I was trying so desperately to deny. Lady Elizabeth’s words echoed in my head. "You bear their mark,
Adrian’s POVMy heart still pounded from my situation with Kayla, but I pushed the thought aside as I raced toward the border. Logan ran beside me, his jaw tight with frustration. The moment the border guards had sounded the alarm, I knew it couldn’t be anything good."Who the hell would be bold enough to get this close?" Logan muttered, keeping pace."I don't know," I said, my voice sharp. "But if they think they can just waltz into my territory, they're about to learn a painful lesson."The moment we neared the tree line, I caught sight of a figure standing at the edge of our land. My stomach twisted into a knot.Xavier.Or at least… I thought it was Xavier.The stance, the cocky smirk—it was all the same. But something was off. His face seemed… distorted. For a split second, his features blurred, like I was staring at a reflection in rippling water. My wolf bristled, sensing something unnatural."Adrian," Logan said warily, stepping up beside me. "That—" He hesitated. "That doesn’t
Adrian’s POVI didn’t plan on letting her go.Not tonight. Not ever.I held Kayla’s face between my hands, staring into those stormy eyes that I had come to crave more than anything else in this world. I had meant every word—I wasn’t letting her leave this room until she told me the truth.But deep down, I knew I wasn’t just talking about tonight.A dark part of me, the part that had already lost too much, whispered that I would never let her go at all.And I felt guilty for it.Kayla wasn’t some possession to be kept in a cage. But I couldn’t shake the possessiveness curling in my chest, the absolute refusal to lose her too.Not after what I’d already lost.She was shaking now, her breaths coming out in sharp, uneven gasps. Her hands clenched at her sides as if she was fighting some invisible war within herself.And she looked scared.That’s what threw me off the most.What the hell was she so afraid of?"Kayla," I murmured, my fingers tracing over her cheekbone. "Talk to me."Her li
Kayla’s POVI couldn't stop thinking about last night.The way Adrian had held me. The way his hands had traced my skin, setting every nerve in my body on fire.And the way he had stopped.He had looked at me like I was something precious, something he was too scared to take before I was ready.I had never known a man like him before.Adrian was dangerous, feared, and yet with me, he was patient. Protective.I was falling for him. Hard.The realization terrified me. I had spent so long guarding my heart, convincing myself that love—real love—was a luxury I would never have again. And yet, here I was, aching for him in a way that had nothing to do with the mate bond.I needed a distraction, something to clear my mind.Which was why I was now standing outside Lady Elizabeth’s home again, my heart hammering as I raised my hand to knock.She had asked to see me privately, and though I had agreed, I wasn’t sure I was ready for whatever she had to say.But something told me I needed to hear