LUXURIA.I stepped out of the bathroom, drying myself up, when my hands touched the familiar locket on my neck. I paused, caressing it.My mind drifted to how much time had gone since the day Kahel gifted me the locket and sang about his undying love for me.I had been a fool to have believed him.A lone tear slid down my cheeks at the thought of seeing him being intimate with Rella.I pulled the locket roughly, and it came off my neck with a snap. I tossed it into the trash, willing for the ache in my heart to go away.I heard a knock on my door, and I rushed to answer it. I hoped it was Rorden. Even though he said he'd see me later tonight, I hoped he had already come up with a solution.Seeing Amelia as soon as possible was paramount. The full moon is in a few days, and I know I have been trying to control the curse, but I can't tell what happens on the full moon. I am not the Alpha. I do not know how he manages his, and I wouldn't want to find out by the nature of destruction I mi
ALPHA PARTHE.I have been having this nagging feeling since Luxuria left my chamber this morning. Something tells me she wants to sneak out of the pack deliberately. Perhaps to see Kahel.The mere thought of it made me mad with rage. What was she thinking?"You are overreacting," Ravorn, my wolf, said with a hiss."Not now, Ravorn." I dismissed him.He's been this way ever since our passionate encounter with our mate. He was upset that we didn't get to mark her. I had my reasons for not marking her just yet. I'll do that when the time is right."If you had just marked her, you wouldn't be this insecure, you know?" He mocked me."What is your point, Rav?" I asked frustratedly."You are already falling in love with her. Why hide it?" He asked."You know the answer to that already. She doesn't feel the same way for us. Her heart still belongs to someone else," I replied."You are wrong. I feel it. She feels something for you, but she is scared. You've always wanted this... A fated mate.
LUXURIA.What would he think of me? He'd think I was truly up to no good in the pack. He always had that notion. And now, seeing me getting into a heated argument with Nevada would surely prove him right."Is there a problem here?" Tervan's voice was calm but laced with authority.I took a step back, my chest heaving with tense breaths.I opened my mouth to speak, but the words caught in my throat. All eyes were on me now.Why did they stare at me as if I was the problem? Hadn't they witnessed what Nevada did to me?The accusation in their gaze made my heart drop further."Beta Tervan..." Nevada called ever so calmly, a sly smile creeping onto her face. "It seems the Alpha's mate breeds trouble wherever she goes. This would be the second time she is trying so hard to get me into trouble with the Alpha." She said.I narrowed my brows to her words, disbelief coursing through me. "That’s not true—”“Just last week, she barged into the kitchen unannounced, yelling at the other maids, dema
ALPHA PARTHE.I decided to pay Alpha Jalar a visit. Today seemed like a fine day for that. I arrived at the edges of his territory, and I could barely contain my rage.My patience had worn thin, and today would be the last time I allowed this to fester. Tervan, Griff, and Urik flanked me silently.Alpha Jalar wasn't one to be underestimated. He was in his early fifties but still possessed the rugged strength of a much younger man.His face was marked by a deep scar running across his jawline, and sometimes, I sincerely wish I was the one who had left that scar on his face. He had his scanty black hair tied in a ponytail.Jalar stood waiting outside his pack house; his arms crossed over his chest as if this confrontation was little more than a bothersome chore.I had no intention of drawing this out."Alpha Parthe," Jalar greeted, his tone condescending, as if we were old friends catching up rather than enemies standing on contested ground. "What brings you all the way out here? Surely
LUXURIA.I have been waiting all afternoon to see the Alpha. I heard he went out of the pack. My heart raced. This was what I wanted, but the idea of Shikta threatening me with the wrong impression she got from last night unnerved me.I had informed Rorden about Shikta's threats. Although he wasn't bothered about it, he encouraged me to give the Alpha an excuse, saying I was doing this for our own benefit and not because of Shikta's threats.It was already sundown, and I was certain the Alpha was back. It wouldn't hurt to go and check.Just as I prepared to leave my chamber, a knock startled me.No. Not now. This wasn't time for an interruption. I couldn't let anyone in.I made sure I was ready to leave, so as soon as I opened the door, I'd dismiss whoever was there.When I opened it, I was surprised to see Gamma Urik standing there. He had a serious expression on his face that made me uncomfortable.We've never really spoken since I came into the pack. He seemed like a reserved perso
He leaned down slightly, his breath hot against my ear as he whispered, "You don't want to disappoint me, do you, Luxuria?"I shook my head, my voice lost somewhere between my dry throat and the tightening knot of anticipation inside me. His thumb brushed over my trembling lips, parting them slightly, his touch rough yet deliberate. The heat from his skin seared me, making my pulse race faster."Good," he murmured, his tone softer but no less commanding. "Now, open your mouth for me."I hesitated for a fraction of a second, but the pressure of his grip on my hair reminded me that this wasn't an option—it was a command. Slowly, I parted my lips, my heart thudding loudly in my chest as I forced myself to relax.He guided his cock toward my mouth, pressing the tip against my lips. His salty, musky taste filled my senses as he pushed forward, sliding past my parted lips. I gagged slightly at the intrusion, but his hold on me tightened, preventing any retreat."Take it all," he ordered, hi
LUXURIA.I had to come up with something. For whatever reason, the Alpha had decided to leave me behind. I was grateful, but keeping me confined to his chambers wouldn't help with my plans.Rorden would be waiting for me right now. And I hoped Shikta was able to go with the Alpha in my stead because, as it stands, I could boldly say I kept to my words."What do we do?" I asked my wolf, Xurie."I don't know. Maybe we could get help from someone on the outside," She replied, "but... I don't feel right about this. If the Alpha finds out...""He won't find out. We'll be quick about it." I retorted.Suddenly, an idea popped in.I opened the door and spoke to the guard again, "I need to see Dashi." I said, hoping they'd let me through."Forgive me, but we have strict instructions not to let you leave." One of the guards explained again."But we can bring her to you." The second guard said, and it was a bit relieving."Okay. Please bring her to me."Shortly after I went back into the room, t
LUXURIA.I was overly weak but kept moving. My body still ached, and I felt sore all over.Rorden knew all the nooks and crannies of the pack, and somehow, we were able to sneak past the guards. And even when we encountered two guards at the pack's Eastern exit, Rorden was able to go past them.They seemed very familiar with each other. Plus, I wasn't entirely popular among the Wild Wolf pack. So it was easy telling them a lie or two about me, and they let us pass.The sun was almost up, and I couldn't say I wasn't nervous. I willed for the horses to go faster than how they moved, but it was only a wish.The Wild Wolf pack was very enormous. To get to each border, one had to be intentional about it. The borders were quite far from the pack, especially the Eastern border.Rorden's men were more specific about where Amelia was spotted around the Eastern side of our border. She was somewhere around the Dolcanian mountains. Quite the hideout.It was a quiet trip. Rorden barely said a word
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
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.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
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 waited nervously for his return. My heart drummed in my chest but I occasionally took in deep breaths to calm it down.I wanted to thank him for saving my life. I just didn't know how.The door finally swung open and he walked in, tired and sweaty."Luxuria?" He called when he saw me still awake, "Why are you still up?"I ignored his question, rising to meet him, "Welcome back. How was the meeting?" I asked, helping him undress.I had already prepared a very hot bath for him. As if I knew he'd return stressed, I had added some relaxing herbs and oils into the hot water."It went well. You still haven't..." He was about saying when I interrupted him."I prepared a hot bath for you. Come here," I said, pulling him into the bathroom.I didn't miss the surprise in his eyes. He looked at me as if I had been possessed by someone else.I guided him into the bath tub filled with hot water.He sat, letting out a long, relieving breath."Relieving, right?" I asked, managing a smile.
LUXURIA.It was hard to believe that Zendaya was the one who almost had me killed. She was the first friend I made when I arrived here. And despite everything, I wouldn't deny the fact that her death touched me.I wonder how her mother would feel. Nevada loved her so much.As the days passed, I felt stronger. The effect of the trauma I was exposed to in my unconscious state was beginning to wear off.It had been three days since I woke up, and Alpha Parthe had hardly left my side since. I wouldn’t deny the warmth his presence brought, though I didn’t fully understand why it comforted me so much. Perhaps I was beginning to get used to being around him."I can't believe you are back to us, Luxuria," Dashi said for the hundredth time in three days. She has been so overwhelmed with joy.“How many times do I have to hear that?” I teased, rolling my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips.“Until the day after forever!” She sat beside me, her laughter filling the room. Then her express
LUXURIA.It was all too sudden. I fell hard, right back into the darkness I was afraid of. It felt like a force had ripped me off the light and pushed me back into the darkness.I was terrified. My eyes were slowly shutting, tempting me to give in to the sweet sleep that threatened to claim me. I'd never felt so sleepy all my life, and this time, it was too difficult to resist. I was so tired. So unbearably tired. Maybe this was it—maybe surrendering to the darkness would be my salvation. What was the point in fighting it any longer?I allowed my heavy eyes to succumb to the pull, but suddenly, I heard it again.His voice."Luxuria..."My eyes slowly open. And this time, his voice held more power and desperation than the first time."Find me," his voice urged, "Come back to me, Luxuria. I know I don't deserve you. I've pushed you away… I've hurt you. But I need you to listen now. You're stronger than this darkness. Stronger than anything that's tried to take you from me."I wanted to