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.My entire body stiffened, and for a split second, I didn't dare move. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. I felt my pulse thudding against my throat.I couldn't bring myself to turn around. I stood there, my back still turned to him, my body betraying every ounce of composure I tried to hold onto.He was a good distance away from the entrance to the fortress, but he had managed to see my unmistakable figure despite the cloak and hoodie I was wearing.Although he called my name with uncertainty, I knew a greater part of him knew I was the one he had just seen.I felt his footsteps drawing closer.I panicked. Every muscle in my body locked."Luxuria?" He called, and I contemplated running off. For my life. Because he'd kill me for disobeying him.A cruel Alpha like Parthe didn't need to raise his voice or his hand to break someone; his mere presence was enough to rip a soul apart.His steps quickened, the sound of boots crunching against the gravel-like ground sending sh
ALPHA PARTHE.She struggled against my firm grip. I could feel my demons creeping in. My blood boiled with rage."What? I... I have been indoors," She stuttered, swallowing hard."Wrong... I saw you out there, Luxuria. You can't fool me." I said through clenched teeth.I know I wasn't sure about that anymore. But I had to threaten her to tell me the truth. A part of me believed she was the one I saw, but... She didn't look like one who had left my chamber all day."I have been in here. You asked the guards not to let me leave..." She replied, almost in a whisper.My grip on her hair tightened further. "What was Dashi doing here?" I asked, hoping for a credible explanation for this coincidence."She brought me this..." She replied, opening her palms to show me an ointment in a small vial.I released my grip on her hair, taking a closer look at the vial, "What's in here?" I asked with furrowed brows."It's... It's for the aches and sores," She replied nervously, and somehow, it calmed t
UNKNOWN POV.I have been livid. The mere thought of the Alpha's closeness to Luxuria weighed heavily on me. I hoped against all things that he wouldn't go ahead and mark her just yet before our plan came to life.If he does, then killing her would be a disaster for him. It would affect him in more ways than we'd want... We still need him strong and healthy for now, at least until all our plans fall into place.Luxuria was gradually becoming his weakness. I could smell it from afar. If he continued like this, the enemies might leverage that, and he'd become vulnerable.I stood before the mirror, adjusting my hair, ready to step out for my task for the night, when the door to my chamber creaked open, revealing the last person I imagined to see.Shikta.Shikta's presence always unnerved me, her recklessness and arrogance unmatched. I turned away from the mirror, narrowing my eyes as I crossed the room, my hands tightening into fists at my sides."You're walking a fine line, Shikta," I gr
ALPHA PARTHE.Two thousand warriors drew their swords for a battle they knew they'd lose either way.Fools. Lesser men always are so foolish.The battleground was charged with the kind of energy I liked. Fear. Panic. Terror. It poured from Lucius's men like a pungent stench, feeding the darker corners of my soul.Even though Lucius was too much of a coward to admit his wrong and decided to keep up with his pride, his men were obviously aware of what they were up against.I watched them with detached emotion. They looked pathetic.The image of my sleeping mate kept replaying in my head. She was so beautiful when she slept. Especially when in a deep slumber like the one I had just put her in.She'd thought I'd abandon this war? She thought wrong. I had to use my powers to put her in a slumber to be able to leave."You're sure about this?" I heard Urik ask from beside me."What? You think you need to leave?" I asked in a menacing tone without even looking at him.Urik had been against th
LUXURIA.Parthe has been too adamant about this war, and I have a bad feeling about it. That's why I did what I had to do."The men are ready, Alpha," Vixtin said, adjusting his armor. His pregnant mate was almost due for delivery. Why would Parthe put him in harm's way just at the peak of his life?"Tell the warriors securing the entrances of the pack to get more weapons if need be. We wouldn't want any surprises while we are out there," Parthe said, not lifting his head from the map he was studying.I gathered the courage I needed and entered his courtroom, "Parthe?" I called while approaching him."How much longer did you intend to stand there?" He asked so casually.Of course, what did I expect? He'd smelt me from where I was hiding and contemplating if I should talk to him or not.I cleared my throat, "Please don't go for this war. I have a bad feeling about it and... And..." I trailed off, my voice choking with restrained sobs.Even though we've both not been the best of mates,
LUXURIA.Of all people, I never thought I’d ever do anything to save the one woman who had always been my greatest problem in life. I was done sulking and feeling dejected when I decided to take an evening stroll—something I rarely do. I had gone to see Rorden but he was nowhere to be found. Just as I was making my way back to my chamber, I saw the commotion unfolding right in front of me. I didn’t hesitate to think twice before swinging into action and knocking the intruder off of Shikta. This might not be for Shikta. This might be for the greater good. I just want to believe so. Otherwise, this was a perfect opportunity to get rid of one of my problems on a platter of gold. “Speak!” The Beta’s fist collided with the man’s already bleeding jaw.The man knelt in the center of the dimly lit chamber, blood dripping from his nose, his face swollen and battered.He wasn’t healing. He’d been beaten with wolf’s bane long enough to weaken his healing ability.“Who sent you? What were yo
SHIKTA.I lay back on the bed, my hands resting on the swell of my belly, but the ache in my lower back made it impossible to find a comfortable position. Every shift of my body brought a sharp, jabbing pain, and my feet throbbed from swelling.I wanted to cry, but tears wouldn’t solve anything.I tried to talk with Parthe but he was enraged for reasons best known to him. I also went to spend some time with Tervan but he pushed me away. His words played over in my mind, his usual excuse for keeping me at arm’s length. “I need more time.” Time for what? I wasn’t asking him to love me. I wasn’t even asking for much—just his presence, his support, someone to lean on. I wasn’t the one who decided this pup would exist, yet here I was, facing the brunt of it alone.A lot of times, I need the father of my pup around… Or, at least, a man around. But I was mostly alone. The troubles of pregnancy weren’t something I ever envisaged bearing alone.It was a cool night, and taking my usual walk
LUXURIA.All eyes were on me expectantly. Every gaze felt like a weight pressing down on me, and the intensity of their expectations made my throat tighten.The hall was quiet. So quiet that the footsteps of a tiptoeing ant would be heard if there was any around.I swallowed hard, feeling the tremble in my hands. “I…” I began, my voice shaking slightly. My palms were damp against the smooth wood of the podium. My eyes darted to Parthe, his jaw clenched tight, his gaze like coal-black fire boring into me. I could feel his displeasure.Urik was disgusted. Tervan had a neutral expression.My eyes stung with tears. What’s going on? The last thing I remembered was standing outside with Rorden, wondering if I had actually seen Sibille or if it was just a figment of my imagination. How did I get on the stage? The speech I had diligently prepared and rehearsed for hours, all jumbled up in my head. I couldn’t even remember a line from it. “What is going on?” Parthe asked through the mind
LUXURIA.I was already coming to a decision. I had to. As painful as it seemed, I had to start accepting my fate—the cruel fate Selene had subjected me to.Perhaps I could swallow my pain and hatred and seek refuge with my father, Nelfas. Would he cast me away? I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. He never cared about my birth mother until she died at the hands of Odren. Odren’s pack was never an option. I’ll be more of a laughingstock now than ever. And Rella? She’d make sure to make my life hell than she used to, now that she finally had the one thing she could kill me for. Although the last time Niksha visited me, she told me Rella and Kahel’s union wasn’t as blossoming as it should be, but that they were getting better by the day and Kahel was learning to love and accept Rella really fast. My heart ached. Rella was finally having the last laugh. I thought I would find peace with my mate, instead, I lost the man I loved with my life, and now, my mate too. I wiped the tear that sl
ALPHA PARTHE“She needs you around, Alpha. It is a critical time for her. She’s weak and the unborn pup needs its father close always,” Dalia explained.She had found out. She fucking had.I wanted this to be a secret until I could figure out what to do but right now, more people were getting to know about it.I looked at Shikta’s almost unconscious form and I didn’t know what to feel—anger, hate, disgust?“Dalia. Not a word about this to anyone. Not even a soul,” I said and I saw the look of surprise that crossed her face.“As you wish, Alpha.” She bowed, “But she could grow weaker by the day and the pup is at risk of being unhealthy without the presence of its father. Please, make time out of your very busy schedule and spend around her. It will be beneficial to you both in the future.” She added.I only nodded casually and walked out without saying another word.I stood in front of Luxuria’s chamber, unsure if she’d want to see me. The realization of how I had spoken to her in the
ALPHA PARTHE."Search everywhere! Send spies to every other pack. She couldn't have vanished from the face of the earth without any trace!" I yelled at my warriors who had returned with nothing but bad news.I'd put in every effort necessary to find Eldora but all to no avail. It was eating me up rapidly. I needed closure. I needed to know if Zendaya was truly the one.A part of me refused to believe that I had ruined my chances of living with my own hands. I just... I just needed something... Anything! Fuck it! I just needed to see Eldora!Nelfas' daughter was out of the question. She was underage and without her wolf. I couldn't even take her as a substitute. There has to be another way!I slammed my fist on the table before me, shattering it to pieces. My rage has been almost out of control lately.My body trembled and I needed a release. I needed to take out this anger. Perhaps, I could go for a hunt tonight.The full moon was just yesterday and the hunt was less satisfying. It w
LUXURIA.I tried to steady the tremors in my hands and the rapid beating of my heart as I washed off the dirt on my body.I felt better after having a warm bath.I had been training with Vixtin all morning, and it was a great way of letting out some of the anxiety that was constantly plaguing me for no reason.Sometimes, when I let out some steam in the training process, it keeps me sane and tames the chaos that the voices in my head keep whispering to me.On several occasions, I've had to fight the urge to rip Vixtin into pieces for no reason. The urge to hurt people around me was becoming unbearable, but I didn't intend to give in to it.Not now. I wouldn't want to be executed.Last night was the night of the full moon, and I barely found any prey, save for a young rogue whom I regretted killing.The more I killed, the more I wanted to kill. It was intoxicating and it bothered me.I almost didn't need the full moon to crave blood anymore. I am totally scared because anyone could be