Tamara's POV I hadn’t seen Violet since the attack. My heart raced as I followed the nurse from earlier down the long, sterile corridor. I couldn't stop thinking about the look of terror on her face yesterday when she saw me—when she saw my red eyes. The memory sent a pang of guilt through me. Was she still scared? What if she didn’t want to see me now? After everything we’d been through, the thought of her pushing me away was unbearable. Violet was all I had left. The nurse stopped in front of a door and gestured for me to go inside. I hesitated, my stomach in knots. What if she didn’t want me here? I could barely breathe as I pushed the door open. My mind was filled with worst-case scenarios, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the sight of Violet’s face lighting up the second she saw me. "Tamara!" she gasped, her voice full of relief and joy. I blinked, frozen in place for a moment before the tension in my chest released. I couldn’t hold back the tears that suddenly fi
Violet and I sat silently as the car made its way toward Alpha Dante’s palace. The closer we got, the heavier my heart felt, knowing that whatever was waiting for me inside could change everything. For good or bad, I didn't know yet, I was about to find out. I glanced at Violet, her wide eyes betraying the nervous energy I knew she was trying to hide behind a brave face. She had insisted on coming with me, despite my protests. This girl was a fucking gem! I was more than glad for her support, but I couldn’t help but wonder if bringing her along was a mistake. When the palace finally came into view, both of us gasped in unison. The structure was fucking massive! its towering spires cutting into the sky like gigantic spears. It was more than just a palace; it was a fortress, built with cold, gleaming stone and adorned with intricate carvings and banners. Despite its intimidating size, i thought it was undeniably beautiful, powerful and dangerous, just like its owner alpha Dant
Standing in that grand hall, with all those cold, disapproving eyes on me, I realized something that made my stomach churn—Alpha Dante wasn’t just playing politics with me. This was more than a simple marriage for power. If I wasn’t careful, if I stepped out of line even once, he wouldn’t just destroy me. He’d kill everyone I cared about. My pack, my friends—Violet. I couldn’t afford to make any mistakes. The elders weren’t happy with Dante’s announcement, and their dissatisfaction was obvious. They were greedy, calculating men, each of them thinking about how they could benefit from this union, how they could manipulate their daughters into positions of power. I could see it in the way they looked at me, in the way they spoke about Ana. Finally, after some heated murmuring among them, one of the elders stood up. He was a stout man with a sharp face, and he addressed Dante with a formal tone, though the impatience behind his words was unmistakable. “Alpha, while we understa
As I stepped through the grand doors of my new quarters, I could barely believe my own eyes. Holy shit! The room was fucking enormous! it was far bigger than anything I’d ever seen before, even bigger than the master bedroom back at my pack. The bed in the center of the room was gigantic- for lack of a better word, plus it was practically drowning in plush bedding and embroidered pillows that looked softer than anything I had ever touched. Maya, my wolf chose to snicker at that moment, “imagine how amazing it would feel being pressed between it and our mate.” She sighed and I blushed bright red. “Control yourself woman!” I playfully scolded her, “we are here to fulfill our purpose for rebirth, not to have naughty thoughts about that sexy man— I mean alpha Dante!” I quickly caught myself but Maya noticed and snickered before going quiet. I looked around and noticed there was a sitting area by the fireplace, with rich, luxurious sofas arranged neatly around a low table. “God dam
I took a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. There was no way I was going to let these women intimidate me. No matter how hostile they were or how much they already seemed to hate me, I wouldn’t back down. Not today, not ever.“Hello,” I said, stepping forward with a polite smile. “I’m Tamara, and I’m really not here to make your lives difficult. In fact, I hope we can all get along.”The five women, who had been glaring at me just moments before, exchanged surprised glances. Clearly, they hadn’t expected me to be this… nice. It seemed they had already made up their minds about who I was before I even stepped foot in the palace.The tall woman with long dark hair, the same one who had been rude earlier, narrowed her eyes at me. “We’ve heard things about you. People say you’re harsh. Controlling.”I forced myself to keep my expression calm. So that’s what they thought of me? It wasn’t surprising, considering the rumors that must’ve spread about me after everything with Jack, Kate, and
I shoved Dante back with more force than I intended, my heart racing and my temper rising. “I’m not one of your concubines, Dante,” I snapped, glaring up at him. “If you’re so desperate for sex, why don’t you go to Lucy? She’s your favorite, isn’t she?”His brows lifted, and that infuriating smirk spread across his face. “Lucy? Oh, she’s alright.” He chuckled, stepping closer again. “But if you want, Tamara, you can be my favorite.”I glared at him, my stomach twisting. “I don’t want to share my man with anyone else.”Dante’s laugh was low and deep, clearly amused by my outburst. “Are you jealous?” he teased, his eyes gleaming.I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. “I’m not jealous. I just… I made that mistake once. I’m not doing it again.”That wiped the smirk off his face. His teasing faded, replaced with curiosity. “You made that mistake before?” he asked, his tone gentler, as if he were trying to figure me out.I swallowed, feeling the familiar sting of that old betrayal cr
"I still can't believe you fucking tricked me." I glared at him, feeling betrayed. Dante’s eyes flashed with an emotion I couldn't describe as he took a step closer. His voice was low but firm when he spoke. “I didn’t trick you, Tamara,” he said, his tone carrying a barely restrained hint of frustration. “All I did was because I knew I had to encourage you to marry me quickly, or else Jack would succeed in starting a war between our packs." I narrowed my eyes as the choice of his words he used sank in. “Encourage me?” I repeated with disbelief. “You freaking manipulated me into believing I had no other choice. You forced my fucking hand!" I yelled at him. Alpha Dante's jaw tightened, but he didn’t back down. “I did what I had to. If I hadn’t taken action, Jack would’ve won. He was using you, Tamara, to destroy everything. I couldn’t let that happen.” I paused, torn between grating anger and an uncomfortable realization.... As much as I hated to admit it, Dante was right. Jac
Jack's POV I stared at Tamara's beautiful picture in my hands, my thumb gently tracing the outline of her face. Tamara. She was smiling in the photo, her eyes shining with that spark that used to light up my entire world. Dear Goddess I love her so much. How did things get so twisted? How did I lose her so fast? The pain of the memory pressed down on my chest, suffocating me as I struggled to breathe. God I fucked up! The sound of the door creaking open barely registered. I didn’t even turn when I heard the sharp intake of breath behind me. “Jack,” Kate’s voice cut through the air, laced with fury. “What the fuck are you doing?” I clenched my jaw, not looking up. “Nothing.” I sneered with a grimace, Damn, how did I let her find me? “Nothing?” She scoffed, storming over and snatching the picture from my hands. “This doesn’t look like fucking nothing! You’re sitting here staring at her again. She’s gone, Jack! Get over it!” My blood boiled at her words, and I shot up from the c
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