LUXURIA.We had returned. And sincerely, I feared for my life.Parthe hasn't said a word to me since we left my father's pack. Not even a glance my way. It was as though I no longer existed in his world, and that terrified me more than anything else.His silence was suffocating, his cold indifference a weapon far more lethal than any words could ever be.I had made a terrible mistake.I had no idea what he would do, and that terrified me even more. He wasn't the type to lash out without thought—at least, I didn't think so. But what did I really know about him? Each time I thought I understood him, he showed a different side, one darker than before.As soon as we arrived, he went in with Shikta. A small, irrational pang of jealousy twisted inside me as I watched them disappear behind closed doors. I knew I had no right to feel that way—not after what I had done.I stared blankly at the outfit I was putting on, which Leisha brought to me.In her words, "The Alpha has instructed you to w
He lay casually beside me, his hand lifting, the backs of his fingers brushing along my collarbone, trailing lower, just grazing the skin of my chest.His hand slid downward further, ghosting over my hips and my thighs, but he never lingered long enough to satisfy the growing ache that his touch had ignited inside me."You're mine," he whispered, "Your body is mine to command."He drifted lower, his fingers tracing the line of my hip, sliding to the sensitive flesh of my inner thigh.He slid further, daring close to the pool of wetness that had gathered in my center. I squeezed my quaking core in and tried to control the sensation I was feeling.But then, just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, he pulled away. The absence of his touch was maddening, leaving me burning, aching, and desperate for more."You're weak," he murmured, his lips grazing the shell of my ear. "Look at you... trembling. And yet... you want this, don't you? You need it."I bit my lip, refusing to answer, b
LUXURIA.It's been two days now after his cruel torture and I hadn't set eyes on him since then. It was almost deliberate. We never crossed paths.Although he was out of the pack for a regional meeting yesterday, but that didn't make me feel any better.A sick part of me craved to see him. I know I should hate him for the humiliation he made me face, but I couldn't get the picture of him off my head.I craved intimacy with him, and he was intentionally starving me of it. It was killing me.I picked up a small basket from my chamber, ready to head to the garden. I had finally found something I'd like to try out as a remedy for my illness.The missing page from the book I was reading that day still bothered me. And I have been trying to do all I can to find it.I hurried out of the fortress, my eyes darting around. A fraction of me wished to bump into the Alpha, but instead, I bumped into someone else.A woman who I've never seen since I set foot into this pack. I wouldn't blame myself.
LUXURIA.As I met Alpha Parthe's eyes, my heart sank. His cold, emotionless stare bore into me, and I could feel his anger simmering.My mouth went dry; words stuck in my throat. Shikta stood to the side, clutching her cheek, her eyes filled with a mix of satisfaction and triumph, as though she knew what was about to happen.He didn't speak immediately. The silence was more terrifying than any words could have been.I wanted to explain, but Alpha Parthe wasn't a man who entertained explanations."Alpha... She hit me," Shikta's deceptive voice announced as if the Alpha was blind."Yes, Alpha Parthe. I saw it all happen. She slapped Shikta." Nevada said, adding to my confusion as to her intentional hatred toward me.His heavy boots echoed in the stillness as he moved toward me, his eyes never leaving mine.I could feel my pulse thundering in my ears, and a cold sweat broke out along my spine."You’ve broken a rule,” he said, his voice low and dangerously calm.I felt a tremor run throug
LUXURIA.He's the storm I should fear, but I find myself walking into its eyes willingly.I found myself getting increasingly interested in anything that concerned Parthe. I had no control over it anymore. I guess I'm just curious to know more about my mate. Nothing else."You'll get to know him better in due time. For now, just do as he says. Meanwhile, what happened to you the other night was never meant to happen. Why did you leave your chamber?" Dashi asked me, and I rolled my eyes."I'm tired of chanting the same mantra to everyone, Dashi," I sighed sadly, "I promise you, I didn't step out of my chamber that night."She creased her brows and looked at me as if I was lying to her."Believe me. I went to bed as instructed but found myself on the floor the next day. I am equally curious. Why was I asked never to leave my chamber in the first place?" I asked, turning fully to face her.She hesitated."Please, Dashi. Tell me. I am scared and curious. No one cares about what happened t
LUXURIA.The herbs lay neatly crushed and blended in the small bowl before me, their scent earthy and bitter as I carefully poured the final mixture into a glass vial. It was dark already, and I felt the illness taking a new height.I had to hurry up.My hands trembled as I worked, though I wasn't sure why—anxiety had crept into my bones since earlier today after speaking with Dashi.This potion was supposed to help me. Supposed to give me strength. Whatever was brewing inside me, this would fix it.I sat down in front of the small mirror in the dimly lit room with the vial in my trembling hand.I took a deep breath, my reflection staring back at me. Then, without thinking further, I tipped the vial back and swallowed it.For a moment, nothing happened. The taste was bitter, burning as it slid down my throat. I watched myself in the mirror, half-expecting to see something... Maybe a physical reaction that would make me know it was going to work.My eyes brightened, an eerie blinding,
ALPHA PARTHE.I scanned through the reports on my table, but my attention was divided.I'd need these reports for the upcoming regional meeting, which is in a few days, and I have to get my head straight. But not with Luxuria constantly plaguing my thoughts.I was still mad at her for letting another man touch her. The feeling was maddening. I lost every ounce of control I ever had.She hadn't even come to apologize to me yet. She surely was the stubborn type.I craved her presence like an addiction, but I couldn't bring myself to go to her. Whenever I think about her, all I see is that filthy rat kissing her.It got to me more than I will ever be willing to admit.I had intentionally stayed away from her for a lot of reasons, anger and caution taking the lead.It was still very early in the morning, and I already felt the need to see her.Fuck.A knock on the door brought me out of my thoughts. "Come in," I said, knowing who was at the door.Nevada walked in, closing the door behind
LUXURIA.I felt extremely weak.A dull ache coursed through my body, my limbs heavy as though I'd been drained of every ounce of strength. I blinked slowly, the dim light of the room swimming before my eyes. The knock echoed again, sharp and impatient, pulling me from my haze.Groaning softly, I attempted to push myself up. That's when I felt it—slick warmth across my skin. My eyes darted down to my hands, and I froze. Blood. Crimson stained my palms, smeared over my arms, and streaked across my bare skin.A chill raced down my spine as I quickly scanned my body, searching for any cuts or wounds. But there were none. Not even a scratch.My heart pounded against my ribs as panic surged within me. How did this happen? How did I end up on the floor, naked, bathed in blood that wasn't mine?The last thing I remembered was taking the potion I had prepared and feeling restless and uneasy. Every other thing went blank after that. I had slid into unconsciousness.So... What was happening?My
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