ALPHA PARTHE.Nothing ever prepared me for the surprise that awaited me. I didn't know what came over her but I was thankful it did.She seemed different.She teased me in ways my body couldn't bear. It took all the self-control in me not to snap that flimsy silk off my wrists, pin her to the bed and fuck her until she could no longer breathe."I am ready to love you, Parthe."Those words were all it took to snap the tiny thread holding my restraints. I'd waited so long to hear her say those words. I thought she'd never say them. I thought she'd never be able to love me ever again.But I was wrong."Unbind me, Luxuria!" I said, baring my teeth. I wanted to show her exactly what those words meant to me."Parthe..." She called nervously at my command and for a moment, the bravery she had put up slowly faded away."Scared?" I asked, arching a brow, "would you rather I break free myself?" Even I couldn't recognize my voice. Fuck, I was lost in her spell.I felt the nervous thrill that ran
LUXURIA.I stepped out of the bathroom, feeling fresh and energized. It's been a long night, and the most part of today had been far spent, too.Parthe almost didn't want to leave my side all day. We had made love all through the night until this morning, even before he stepped out.It felt... Perfect... I found myself falling for him even more. I liked this side of him when he wasn't being cruel or brutal or cold and all that.For the first time since I met him, I truly felt a connection between us. A connection that went deeper than sex and the mate bond. This connection was more intimate and exciting.The only worry I had now was the fact that he had marked me. I had stopped him too many times without a proper reason. I guess he was tired of waiting. I was his mate, after all. But Amelia's words kept haunting me. What if I was truly from the lineage of Calandus?Although the possibility of it seemed very slim, but what if...?Right now, all I could do was to hope not."What's my li
LUXURIA."Alpha?" I called when he kissed me to wake up. I didn't realize I had slept so late into the night."Call me Parthe," He said in response, stroking my hair and my cheeks heated up."Okay... Parthe..." I replied and he seems pleased."Did you sleep well?" He asked."Yes... Sorry for disrupting your day. I didn't..." I was saying but he kissed my lips, stopping me mid-sentence."It was worth every second." He stroke my cheek tenderly, "You want to say something?"I hesitated, not knowing if he'd be pleased with what I was about to say."I've told you, Luxuria, you don't have to be scared of me anymore. Feel free around me. You can do or say whatever you want to me, and it'll be fine. I promise." He reassured and I lifted my head from his chest where I lay, looking into his black eyes, and I saw assurance and sincerity in them.I smiled, "Okay," I said, resting my head back on his chest, "I wouid like to go to my father's pack..." I began, expecting a reaction but got none. But
LUXURIA."What? I... I don't..." The words stuck to my throat."You were never my child. You were the curse who made me lose my mate! A woman I had grown to love and cherish!" His eyes shot daggers at me as his jaws clenched.I was scared. He looked like he was going to murder me with his bare hands."Father... What are you saying?" I asked in a breathy whisper."Don't you dare call me father. I am no father of yours!" He thundered, rising to his feet, "You are a product of your mother's infidelity." He narrowed his gaze on me."But you... You said..." I sniffed, my whole body trembling, "You said my mother was one of your mistresses. She wasn't... She wasn't your mate."I didn't want to believe that the very little I thought I knew about my mother were all lies. My poor heart was aching terribly."That was a lie I had to tell everyone, just to cover up my shame," He took his seat, seeming calm now, as he rested his elbows on the table before him, facing me, "Your mother never listene
RORDEN.This changes everything.I had wished everyday that somehow, it was all wrong and that she was never a daughter of Calandus. But, fuck!I slammed my fist against the huge tree one more time, watching the blood coat my knuckles. But I cared less. It would heal up. The pain on my knuckles was nothing compared to the one in my heart.I loved her. I couldn't tell how I got to this point, but I knew I loved her. I had hoped that one day, I'd be able to make her mine. I was so certain that Parthe would fail her. He always did. He was never capable of loving someone.But seeing his mark on her today changes things even more.It hurts. And I know it would hurt even more when everything starts falling apart but I guess I just have to move on.Hurting Luxuria had never been my intention. It was never my intention.***LUXURIA.I ran a hot bath for Parthe. He had just returned. He noticed my mood and asked what was wrong but I told him I wasn't feeling so well.He blamed himself for lett
LUXURIA.I watched the Alpha leave the spot where he stood and walk forward. I was terrified. It seemed like he was walking towards me. But thankfully, I was wrong.I watched, barely breathing, as Parthe circled the bodies on the floor, studying them intently before crouching beside them."Step aside," Parthe said to Tervan, who hesitated before sluggishly pulling away.Alpha Parthe placed his hand on the side of Lorel's head, his fingers resting on her temple.He closed his eyes and muttered some inaudible words for a moment.A chill seeped down my spine. What if he finds out that I was the one who did it?Suddenly, I felt a presence beside me. A familiar one."Luxuria?" The familiar voice whispered, and my head snapped in the direction of the voice."Ro... Rorden?" I whispered, looking back at where Parthe had his eyes closed. I shouldn't be seen standing close to him. "What are you...""Did you do it?" He asked before I could finish my words."What?" I asked, my brain slow to proce
LUXURIA.I drew my shawl tighter around my shoulders, shivering against the bite of the cold that seeped into our chamber. Parthe hadn't returned since that argument with his Beta.That clash had rattled something deep within him. It was quite intense, and I felt terrible for the Alpha. He's being judged by so many people, even those who are meant to be the closest to him. They all misunderstood him—their perception, their resentments were shallow judgments against a man burdened with far more than anyone knew.I had to see Rorden. I didn't feel like myself, either. A strange weight pressed down on me, an aching emptiness that seemed to twist through my bones, unsettling and exhausting. It was almost as if I was living the life of someone else.My entire body ached, and my emotions have been unstable for no reason.I felt anger, frustration, hurt, depression, just name it. And I have no reason to feel that way.I also craved to see the Alpha like he is an addiction. I felt an insatiab
LUXURIA.I didn't know how and when I left Rorden's chamber, but I found myself walking straight into the woods.It was already dark, thankfully.I changed into my wolf and ran a great distance, trying to clear my head. I had to think but couldn't. My brain refused to process a single thought.What do I do?I was doomed.Amelia was the only one who had answers to my questions. She was the only solution I had.By the time I returned to the fortress, it was really late. I didn't know how I had made it back. My mind was a fog of grief, memories and thoughts swirling.I barely even noticed Parthe as I entered the room, his pacing form a blur until he stopped and strode toward me. "Luxuria. Are you alright?" He asked, his eyes scanning my body as if checking to see if I was hurt.I didn't meet his gaze. "I'm fine, Alpha," I replied, walking past him, but he gently pulled me back."Wait," he murmured, "I… I shouldn't have spoken to you that way earlier. I know I was… too harsh. That wasn't
ALPHA PARTHE."I saw my old friend, Thaddeus. Remember him?" Elder Geth asked, sinking into the chair across from me, a small sigh escaping his lips.I barely glanced up from the parchment in my hand. "The name rings a bell," I replied, keeping my tone flat, uninterested. I had other pressing issues to handle at the moment."The one who told me about Eldora and Alpha Odren. I had mentioned him during our last conversation," He explained, leaning back slightly.The mention of Eldora caught my attention. I set the parchment down, meeting his gaze. "Ah, yes. I recall. What about him?""He’s a refugee in our pack. Imagine my shock when I saw him among the others today."That caught my full interest. I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the edge of the table. "And? What did he say? Did you ask him about Eldora? About the child?""I didn't have the time to do so. They were being taken out by the warriors for their daily tasks. But I told him I had something crucial to talk to him about, a
LUXURIA.I was terrified. My hands trembled. Tears flooded my vision.How do I explain this? What did I just do? Oh, Selene!“What have you done, Luxuria?!” I heard the familiar voice ask with terror from behind me.I turned around immediately, my heart drumming in my chest. I took a step forward, but she took three frightened steps backward, her body trembling with terror.“I… I can explain. Please,” I choked.“No! Stay back! Stay away from me!” Dashi cried, placing her palm over her mouth as she took in the gory sight before her. “Kensa…” She whispered.“Please, Dashi, hear me out,” I pleaded desperately.“What in Selene’s name are you? Why did you… What did she do to deserve this?” She asked as more tears flooded her vision.She made to run, but I ran after her, blocking her path. “Please, Dashi. You have to listen to me. I am still that friend you think I am. Nothing has changed.”“No. You are not. And you are nothing like us. You are not our kind. You are a monster!” She spat wit
LUXURIA."I'll be going to see Tarin tonight," Dashi whispered like a happy teenager into my ears as we made our way out of the garden.Since I started keeping the Alpha busy, she had been able to make time to sneak out to see Tarin, the love of her life from her former pack. I was happy for her. She seemed happier these days."That's fine. I hope you have fun," I teased and she squealed."Thank you for being a true friend to me. I never believed I'd find true friendship here in this pack. Everyone is all about themselves, always. But you...?" She placed a hand on my shoulder, "You are different, Luxuria."I smiled back at her, "Thank you for also being more than a friend to me. I will never forget that."We hurriedly left the garden. The Alpha would be waiting for me by now. It had taken longer than anticipated. Being with Dashi is always like this. We always had something to talk about... Always."I'll see you later. I have to go to the local market. There are things I need to get,"
ALPHA PARTHE.We walked into the fortress gate. Everyone with me was as quiet as they ought to be. My men and I had to put Alpha Jalar in his place. He was already beginning to bite more than he could handle.Urik was with me. I could feel the tension between us, but I did not pay any attention to him. Whatever was making him angry was no concern to me.I should be the one angry here. I was so close to ending Jalar's miserable life, but Urik stopped me.This was one of the reasons I wished Tervan was done mourning his mate. If he was there with me, he would have gladly allowed me to kill that slob."Alpha?" Urik called, coming to a halt just as we entered the fortress.Here we go. The short-tempered Urik was about to spit out his displeasure.I sincerely hoped he wouldn't anger me while at it."What is it, Urik?" I replied, turning to face him. "What was that back there? You acted too rashly, and it's becoming too frequent lately. Should we be worried?" He said, and I only arched a b
LUXURIA.I didn't know how and when I left Rorden's chamber, but I found myself walking straight into the woods.It was already dark, thankfully.I changed into my wolf and ran a great distance, trying to clear my head. I had to think but couldn't. My brain refused to process a single thought.What do I do?I was doomed.Amelia was the only one who had answers to my questions. She was the only solution I had.By the time I returned to the fortress, it was really late. I didn't know how I had made it back. My mind was a fog of grief, memories and thoughts swirling.I barely even noticed Parthe as I entered the room, his pacing form a blur until he stopped and strode toward me. "Luxuria. Are you alright?" He asked, his eyes scanning my body as if checking to see if I was hurt.I didn't meet his gaze. "I'm fine, Alpha," I replied, walking past him, but he gently pulled me back."Wait," he murmured, "I… I shouldn't have spoken to you that way earlier. I know I was… too harsh. That wasn't
LUXURIA.I drew my shawl tighter around my shoulders, shivering against the bite of the cold that seeped into our chamber. Parthe hadn't returned since that argument with his Beta.That clash had rattled something deep within him. It was quite intense, and I felt terrible for the Alpha. He's being judged by so many people, even those who are meant to be the closest to him. They all misunderstood him—their perception, their resentments were shallow judgments against a man burdened with far more than anyone knew.I had to see Rorden. I didn't feel like myself, either. A strange weight pressed down on me, an aching emptiness that seemed to twist through my bones, unsettling and exhausting. It was almost as if I was living the life of someone else.My entire body ached, and my emotions have been unstable for no reason.I felt anger, frustration, hurt, depression, just name it. And I have no reason to feel that way.I also craved to see the Alpha like he is an addiction. I felt an insatiab
LUXURIA.I watched the Alpha leave the spot where he stood and walk forward. I was terrified. It seemed like he was walking towards me. But thankfully, I was wrong.I watched, barely breathing, as Parthe circled the bodies on the floor, studying them intently before crouching beside them."Step aside," Parthe said to Tervan, who hesitated before sluggishly pulling away.Alpha Parthe placed his hand on the side of Lorel's head, his fingers resting on her temple.He closed his eyes and muttered some inaudible words for a moment.A chill seeped down my spine. What if he finds out that I was the one who did it?Suddenly, I felt a presence beside me. A familiar one."Luxuria?" The familiar voice whispered, and my head snapped in the direction of the voice."Ro... Rorden?" I whispered, looking back at where Parthe had his eyes closed. I shouldn't be seen standing close to him. "What are you...""Did you do it?" He asked before I could finish my words."What?" I asked, my brain slow to proce
RORDEN.This changes everything.I had wished everyday that somehow, it was all wrong and that she was never a daughter of Calandus. But, fuck!I slammed my fist against the huge tree one more time, watching the blood coat my knuckles. But I cared less. It would heal up. The pain on my knuckles was nothing compared to the one in my heart.I loved her. I couldn't tell how I got to this point, but I knew I loved her. I had hoped that one day, I'd be able to make her mine. I was so certain that Parthe would fail her. He always did. He was never capable of loving someone.But seeing his mark on her today changes things even more.It hurts. And I know it would hurt even more when everything starts falling apart but I guess I just have to move on.Hurting Luxuria had never been my intention. It was never my intention.***LUXURIA.I ran a hot bath for Parthe. He had just returned. He noticed my mood and asked what was wrong but I told him I wasn't feeling so well.He blamed himself for lett
LUXURIA."What? I... I don't..." The words stuck to my throat."You were never my child. You were the curse who made me lose my mate! A woman I had grown to love and cherish!" His eyes shot daggers at me as his jaws clenched.I was scared. He looked like he was going to murder me with his bare hands."Father... What are you saying?" I asked in a breathy whisper."Don't you dare call me father. I am no father of yours!" He thundered, rising to his feet, "You are a product of your mother's infidelity." He narrowed his gaze on me."But you... You said..." I sniffed, my whole body trembling, "You said my mother was one of your mistresses. She wasn't... She wasn't your mate."I didn't want to believe that the very little I thought I knew about my mother were all lies. My poor heart was aching terribly."That was a lie I had to tell everyone, just to cover up my shame," He took his seat, seeming calm now, as he rested his elbows on the table before him, facing me, "Your mother never listene