Elijah Lykon
She’s beautiful and small, like a fairy. My fairy. I was whipped before our story even began. The moment I saw her on that bus, it felt like time stopped. Maybe it did. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that my idea of building this hotel—a desperate, last-ditch attempt to find her—would actually work. I knew my mate wasn’t in our world. I had searched every corner, leaving no stone unturned. The human world had been my last hope, and here she was. I should be overjoyed. My plan worked. She’s here, but then my joy soured into confusion and anger. Why was she here? And alone? The thought of her coming to a retreat meant for couples, possibly hurt and abandoned, sent a fresh wave of rage through me. No one should dare hurt her. My wolf growls in my mind, the sound low and guttural. “Shouldn’t you be happy she’s alone? This way, we don’t have to kill anyone.” “Maybe,” I mutter, flexing my hands into fists. “But I hate that she might have been hurt. No one gets to hurt her.” Earlier, when our eyes locked through the window, her hazel gaze stopped me in my tracks. She looked... lost. There was a sadness in her eyes that mirrored something deep within me. I know that feeling—loneliness. My pack and I had been drowning in it for years. Seeing it in her made me want to fix everything—to fix her world and mine. I walk out of the elevator, my footsteps echoing in the long hallway until I reach my office door. Pushing it open, I find Caleb, my gamma, lounging in my chair, his feet propped on my desk. He’s flipping through a file with maddening nonchalance. “Comfortable?” I ask, voice tight. “Very,” he smirks, not bothering to look up or remove his feet. “What’s got you looking so murderous, Alpha? Something go wrong with breakfast? Or is it just your usual brooding self?” I’m across the room in seconds, grabbing him by the collar and yanking him upright. His eyes widen in surprise. “What the hell happened, Elijah?” Caleb sputters. “What did I do?” “It’s your fault,” I snarl, barely controlling my temper. “She doesn’t want me. She thinks I’m... too good to be true, and it’s because of this.” I gesture to my tailored suit, every seam perfect, every thread expensive. “This ridiculous outfit was your idea!” “You’re blaming me for looking good?” Caleb chokes out, half-laughing. I release him with a shove, and he stumbles back, straightening his shirt. “Care to explain?” he asks, brushing imaginary lint off his shoulder. “I didn’t mean to read her mind,” I admit, pacing the room. “It wasn’t intentional. When our hands brushed, the bond sparked, and for a moment, I heard her thoughts concerning me. She said…” My voice drops, anger simmering. “She said I look like I belong in a penthouse, not faking a marriage with someone like her. That I’m too perfect, too intimidating.” “Fake marriage?” Caleb whistles low, his tone shifting to intrigue. “What does she need a fake husband for?” “That’s what I need to find out,” I snap. Why is she even considering finding someone else for a fake marriage? A fake marriage, when I, her mate, have been waiting for her my entire life. Caleb leans back against the desk, arms crossed. “Okay, but look at the bright side—she’s thinking about you. And, let’s be honest, she noticed how good you look. Maybe we overdid the suit, but it’s not all bad.” “Not bad?” I glare at him. “She’s already planning to push me away before I’ve had the chance to explain anything. And she thinks I’m some untouchable, polished...” I trail off, clenching my fists again. Then, despite my frustration, a smile tugs at my lips as I remember another stray thought I’d caught. She’d pictured children—*our* children. Lots of them. The idea of her carrying my pups warms something deep inside me. My fairy, my mate, dreaming of our future. Even if she doesn’t realise it yet. “You’re smiling,” Caleb notes, raising an eyebrow. “You’re thinking about her, aren’t you?” I scowl, turning away. “Shut up.” “You’re whipped, boss. Completely.” Ignoring him, I turn to the window, looking out at the vast forest surrounding the hotel. This place had been my last hope—a project born of desperation. For over two decades, we’d drawn humans here with promises of adventure and romance, hoping to find our mates among them. Some of my warriors had succeeded. Even Caleb had found his mate. But me? I’d been left waiting. Until now. I’ll do whatever it takes to make her stay—to make her mine. Even if it means convincing her to go through with this ridiculous fake marriage with me. “She’s my mate,” I say softly, more to myself than to Caleb. “She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s mine.” "So, she thinks you're too good for her, huh?" He chuckles, drawing my attention as he shakes his head. "That’s ironic, considering she’s your mate. But it gives me an idea." I narrow my eyes at him. "Spit it out, Caleb. No riddles." He sits up, resting his elbows on the desk. "You need to be less for her. Strip away the intimidating Alpha image. Stop being perfect, Elijah. Make her see you as someone ordinary, someone on her level. That way, she’ll stop seeing you as untouchable and start seeing you as... approachable." I sigh, crossing my arms. "And how exactly do I pull that off? Everyone here knows who I am. They’ll bow the moment they see me, and that’s bound to blow my cover." Caleb’s grin widens, mischief sparkling in his eyes. "Simple. Go undercover. Disguise yourself as one of the human staff. Work in the hotel, mingle with the guests—heck, scrub floors if you have to. But act like you're broke, a nobody. Blend in. Make her believe you’re just another guy trying to make ends meet." I stare at him, a mix of disbelief and intrigue. "Pretend to be a poor church rat?" "Exactly," Caleb says with a firm nod. "And don’t just pretend—commit. Be a damn good actor. She’ll see you as someone she can relate to, someone within her reach. And when the time is right, let her see the real you. A Wolf." For a moment, I consider it. The idea is absurd... yet it’s brilliant. My chest tightens at the thought of her looking at me without hesitation, without doubt. Just pure, unfiltered connection. I let out a breath I didn’t realise I was holding and clasp Caleb’s shoulder. "You’re a genius, you know that?" Caleb’s grin softens. "Of course, I am. But, with you playing the pauper, that makes me the acting Alpha." I roll my eyes and punch his arm lightly. "Don’t get ahead of yourself." Before Caleb can fire back, the door creaks open, and Ryder steps in. As always, his expression is stoic. Unlike Caleb and me, Ryder is all business—no jokes, no games, and no unnecessary words. "Alpha," Ryder says, his voice low but commanding. He sets a wooden box on the desk between us. I know exactly what it is before he even speaks. "These are the wishes I’ve managed to gather from the pack this week. As requested, none of them know it’s you." My gaze shifts to the box, a pang of guilt tightening my chest. Inside are slips of paper, each one carrying the quiet hopes and dreams of my people. They think the Moon Goddess has sent them a guardian angel, a Santa, but in truth, it’s just me—a flawed Alpha trying to make amends for a curse I caused—or at least that's what I was told. I open the lid, and the familiar scent of parchment and ink fills the room. My fingers graze the edges of the wishes, and my throat tightens. "Thank you, Ryder." He nods once, his dark eyes studying me. "The pack believes the curse will be lifted soon. They’re hopeful, but..." He hesitates, which is rare for him. "But what?" I ask. "They’re also scared. Five years without a single birth... it’s taken a toll. They don’t know how much longer they can hold on." I clench my fists, the weight of his words settling on my shoulders like a boulder. "The curse will end," I say firmly. "I’ve found her. My mate. The Moon Goddess’s punishment will be over." Ryder nods, but his gaze lingers. He knows me too well. He knows I’m not just worried about the curse—I’m terrified of failing my pack. As Ryder leaves, Caleb claps his hands together, breaking the heavy silence. "Well, Alpha, looks like the clock’s ticking. Time to put on your best ‘poor man’ act and sweep your mate off her feet." I smirk despite myself. "And you think this will work?" Caleb grins, leaning back in my chair once more. "Trust me. By the time we’re done, she won’t just want you in her plan—she’ll think she came up with it herself. Now go get changed. You’ve got a mop to handle." I laugh, shaking my head as I leave the room. For the first time in years, I feel a flicker of hope. My mate is here, and I’ll do whatever it takes to win her heart—even if it means pretending to be something I’m not.Piper I step into my room, shutting the door behind me with a soft click. Leaning against it, I exhale, still replaying the moment those piercing blue eyes locked onto mine during breakfast. It wasn’t just the way he looked at me—there was something in his gaze, something possessive and oddly intimate that sent shivers down my spine. I shake my head, trying to push the memory aside.Focus, Piper.After a quick shower, I pull on a pair of ripped black jeans, a loose, white cropped sweater, and my trusty canvas boots. I tie my black hair into a messy bun and grab my leather jacket just in case it gets chilly later. Comfortable and casual. Nothing to catch anyone’s attention. That’s the goal, right?As I step into the hallway, closing the door behind me, I see her—Zoe. She’s down the hall, locking her door. Surprisingly, she’s alone. No sign of her insufferable boyfriend hovering over her like a possessive shadow. She must feel my gaze because she looks up suddenly and smiles, lifting a
Piper I sit at the corner of the bar, the room spinning slightly from the wine. Another empty glass sits before me, and I motion for a waiter, trying to shake off the weight of all the judgemental stares."One more," I slur, waving my hand with an air of indifference.The waiter hesitates but nods, just as Zoe suddenly appears out of nowhere, placing her hand over my glass. "Isn’t that enough?" she asks, her voice light but tinged with concern. "You’ve been drinking all afternoon, and it's obvious why."I blink at her, feigning ignorance. "What are you talking about?"She rolls her eyes and sits down beside me. "Come on, Piper. You’re missing him."I straighten in my seat, crossing my arms defensively. "Missing who? You’re being ridiculous."Zoe leans in closer, her brows raised knowingly. "Oh, please. You’ve been sneaking glances at the door ever since he handed you that glass of wine earlier. And I told you he’d show up again, didn’t I? Granted, he’s not the millionaire boss we tho
PiperThe garden is breathtaking. I step through the wrought-iron gate, and it feels like I've walked into another world. Twinkling fairy lights drape from trees, their golden glow illuminating a cobblestone pathway lined with vibrant flowers. The air smells like roses and jasmine, and a soft breeze carries the chirping of crickets. I stop in my tracks, my mouth slightly open.“How does a waiter have access to… this?” I can’t hide the disbelief in my voice. My eyes dart to him, but he simply smirks, gesturing toward a small table in the center of the garden.“Have a seat,” he says, his voice smooth, yet carrying an edge that leaves me unsettled. He pulls out the chair for me, and I sit down, feeling the weight of his gaze on me.He takes the seat across from me, leaning back casually, like he owns the place. “You brought me here for a reason, didn’t you?”I take a deep breath, my palms sweating despite the coolness of the evening. “I’m not going to waste your time.” My voice is more c
Piper’sAs I walk down the quiet hotel hallway, an uneasy feeling continues to gnaw at me. I’d spent time searching for Zoe throughout the hotel, but she was nowhere to be found. Worse, I realized I didn’t have her number to text or forward her the evidence. Anxiety prickled at me as I debated whether to ask the hotel staff for her details. For some reason, my worry for her was growing by the minute.Just as I’m about to turn back, a muffled sound stops me in my tracks.Rounding the corner, I freeze. Zoe is on the floor, curled into herself, her arms wrapped tightly around her knees. Her shoulders tremble, and the soft sound of her crying breaks the silence.“Zoe?” I rush to her, my heart lurching. She looks up at me, and her tear-streaked face punches me right in the gut.I don’t ask any questions—I don’t need to. The raw pain in her eyes is too familiar. A part of me feels relief that I hadn’t been so foolish as to send her that stupid video, which would have only added to her pain.
"Through the door,” he replies sarcastically, standing there shirtless, his infuriatingly smug smirk making my blood boil.Did he hear my thoughts?“What the hell are you doing here?” I stammer, embarrassment washing over me as my face flushes a deep crimson.He crosses his arms and leans casually against the wall, like he owns the place. “What does it look like? I’m doing my job.”“This is not your job!” I hiss, clutching the robe tighter to my chest. “You’re supposed to be—this is supposed to be—oh my God!”His grin widens, and he takes a slow step closer, his eyes dark with amusement. “What? You seemed like you were enjoying it.”“I didn’t know it was you!” I shout.“Well,” he says with a shrug, “now you do. Who else would dare touch your body if not me, your mate?”Again with his crazy word?My hands tremble as I grab my clothes, trying to ignore the heat coursing through my body. “This is wildly unprofessional! You—ugh, you’re impossible!”“I’m impossible?” He repeats, his tone d
Piper."You know nothing, Piper," Zoe spat, her face a mess of streaked mascara and tear-stained cheeks, but her eyes burn with a stubbornness that catches me off guard."Zoe, no," I plead desperately. "You’re not going back to him. Not after everything he’s done to you. He doesn’t deserve your pity—he doesn’t deserve you."She jerks her arms free, her eyes narrowing at me as if I’ve said something offensive and unforgivable. “You don’t get to decide that,” she snaps, her voice shaking with anger and something else—maybe fear. “Zack needs me now more than ever. He’s hurt, and I’m not going to abandon him.”“Zoe, he dragged you by your hair and—”“It wasn’t a big deal!” she yells, cutting me off. My mouth falls open in shock. “What happened… It’s not some big, unforgivable thing, okay? So he cheated—so what? That’s between me and Zack, not you. Stay out of it.”“Not a big deal?” I repeat, my voice rising despite myself. “He dragged you, Zoe! Like you were some—some piece of furniture h
PiperMy chest tightens, the air in my lungs refusing to move as if an invisible hand is squeezing the life out of me. Pain lances through me, sharp and unrelenting, like a knife twisting deeper with every breath I can’t take.I lurch forward instinctively, my hand grasping his wrist before he can step away.“No!” I cry, my voice cracking. Sparks dance up my arm at the contact, igniting something I can’t name, but I shove the feeling aside. “Please, don’t go.”Elijah freezes under my touch. His muscles stiff beneath my hand, but he doesn’t turn around.“I’m sorry,” I whisper, swallowing the lump in my throat. “I’m just—my head is all over the place. A mess. I’m scared, Elijah.” My words come out shaky and fast, tumbling over each other. “My ex-boyfriend is making my life miserable, and I need your help. I need you to be my fake husband more than ever. Please help me. I need this—so he’ll finally leave me the fuck alone for good.”Finally, he turns, his dark blue eyes locking onto mine
Piper's Throughout the night, sleep evades me like a cruel joke. My bed is comfortable—too comfortable, actually. Yet every time I close my eyes, Elijah’s face is there. His smirk, the warmth of his lips on my cheek, the way he said, “Dream of me.” It’s like he’s haunting me, and I’m not even mad about it.By 3 a.m., I give up. Grabbing my phone, I scroll mindlessly, and there it is—Adam’s name glowing on the screen. Missed calls. Messages. Voice notes. My stomach twists, but this time, it’s different.I stare at his name, and without overthinking, my thumb hovers over the block button. The memory of Elijah’s kiss gives me the courage to press it. The second I do, I exhale loudly, like a weight has been lifted off my chest. For the first time in forever, I feel free. His voice notes and messages? Deleted without a second thought.By morning, my body feels lighter, even if my mind still races. I stand in front of the sink, brushing my teeth, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The
PiperThe guards lift Leona's limp body like she weighs nothing, hauling her out of the training ground as the rest of the class stands in stunned silence. My knuckles still tingle, and I keep staring at my hands like they belong to someone else.How? How did I do that?For the rest of the class, I’m left standing alone. Nobody wants to partner with me now. Every time I glance around, I catch people whispering or quickly averting their gazes. It's ridiculous. Me? Scary?Coach Morgan claps her hands, snapping everyone’s attention back to her. “Listen up. Starting next class, you’ll need to earn points. These points will go toward your overall score in the competition.”The collective groan is immediate. I can’t blame them. As much as I respect Morgan, she’s already made it clear that ‘fun’ is code for hell. “Dismissed!” Morgan announces, and the crowd starts dispersing. My legs feel like lead as I follow them, the day's events playing over and over in my mind.Before I can make it far
Piper The moment Serene says, "That's enough meditation for today," I practically bolt upright. My heart pounds against my ribcage like a caged animal desperate to escape. Without looking at anyone, I rush out of the hall, ignoring the confused and judgemental stares trailing after me. My feet pound against the floor, my breath shallow as if I’m actually being pursued by that voice—the wolf’s voice.When I finally reach my room, I slam the door shut and lean against it, gasping for air. My chest heaves as I try to calm the storm inside me, but it’s no use. My mind is spinning, the voice still echoing: Hello there, Piper. I have been waiting for you.I squeeze my eyes shut, pressing my palms to my temples as if I could block it out, but it’s no use. The voice feels like it’s burrowed into my skull, haunting and familiar in a way that makes my stomach churn.My gaze falls on the book Zoe gave me, sitting neatly on my bed. Its worn cover seems to mock me, daring me to pick it up. The im
PiperThe hall feels stifling, the sheer size of it doing nothing to calm my nerves. Everywhere I turn, there’s a woman stronger, taller, or more confident than me.I can’t stop shifting from one foot to the other, the name tag pinned to my chest feeling more like a mark of humiliation than identification. Piper, it reads in bold, cursive letters.Around me, twenty-nine other women chatter, stretch, and eye the weight racks like predators circling their prey.I glance at the weights and suppress a nervous laugh. Those monstrous hunks of iron look like they could crush a car. What am I doing here? Competing for Elijah’s heart feels ridiculous—like some twisted reality show gone horribly wrong. I bet he feels like a damn celebrity right now. Maybe I should start calling him "Alpha Superstar."Still, there’s no sign of Serena, and that makes me uneasy. Somehow, her presence brought me a strange sense of calm. Trying to shake the discomfort, I twitch my fingers and start stretching, hoping
The moment I stepped into my world, there has been no peace, no reprieve, just one disaster after another—an endless parade of problems I didn't ask for. It's fucking suffocating.I can’t help but wonder if I made a mistake. Maybe I should’ve stayed in the human world a little longer, kept Piper close until she was ready to be marked and mated. At least then, I wouldn’t be drowning in this endless nonsense.Damn the curse.My hands clench into fists as I think of my mate. Piper has been unconscious for two weeks. Her human body wasn’t built for the strain of our world. She’s been drained, vulnerable. And then Serena—my manipulative stepmother—had her moved to the Luna Court without my permission. It’s not far, but it’s not close enough either. I know her motives. Revenge.Serena has been waiting for this opportunity ever since I imprisoned her son, Nicholas, for treason. She hated me long before, but that act sealed her animosity. Now, she’s exploiting the one thing she knows I’d burn
Piper Facing everyone back in the dining room had drained every ounce of my energy. The stares, the whispers, the outright mockery—it clung to me like a second skin. I barely register Luna Serena’s voice as she stops in front of a door.“This will be your room for the duration of your stay. I hope it suits your taste.”I don’t respond, too mentally and physically exhausted to muster even a polite nod. Instead, I push the door open and walk inside, unintentionally letting it slam shut in her face.The moment I see the neatly made bed, I sigh and collapse onto it, my body sinking into the soft mattress. I don’t even bother to admire the room or take in the details. My eyes catch on the wardrobe, though, and I spot normal human clothes neatly folded inside. A faint smile tugs at my lips. At least something here makes sense.I can’t remember when I closed my eyes, but I must’ve fallen asleep instantly because the next thing I hear is the shrill ring of a bell.“Time for your morning run,
I gape at her, my eyes widening. “Ryder marked you?”Zoe laughs, a light, airy sound that feels like a balm to my frayed nerves. “Yes. The moment I stepped into this world, Ryder made it very clear he wasn’t letting anyone take me away from him.”My lips press together; frustration bubbles in my chest, pressing against my ribs. “Then why didn’t Elijah mark me? Why did he let them take me?” The words tumble out, raw and unfiltered.Zoe’s amused expression fades, replaced by something more serious. “Would you have forgiven him if he had sunk his canines into your neck without your consent? And then, on the next full moon, you found yourself turning into something you’re not ready to be?”Her question strikes a nerve, leaving me speechless. My mouth opens, but no words come out.“Exactly,” she says softly, her eyes searching mine. “Your silence is why he didn’t do it, even when we all told him he should. It’s different for you, Piper. You’re still figuring out what you want, opening up t
Piper“What do you mean?” My voice comes out in a whisper, so soft I barely hear it myself, but I know she hears the tremor in it. Her words have pierced me, leaving a cold emptiness in their wake.Her eyes gleam with cruel satisfaction, and her lips curl into a cold smile. “As long as you stand by Elijah’s side without earning our respect, you’ll be seen as his weakness. The pack will turn on him. And you, dear girl, will destroy him.”The air in the room feels like it’s been sucked out. My knees threaten to give way beneath me, but I lock them in place, forcing myself to stay upright. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. Not here. Not in front of her.“So, I have to compete?” My voice is laced with disbelief and bitterness. “Like I’m just another one of them?”She tilts her head, a mockery of sympathy on her face, or was it amusement?. “You are free to walk away like I said. Use your mate bond as an easy out and leave. But if you stay,” her gaze shar
Piper:Darkness surrounds me, but I can hear them. Their voices cut through the haze, grounding me even though my body feels like it’s weighed down."Why is it taking so long for her to gain consciousness?" Elijah’s voice is a mixture of frustration and worry, sending a flutter through my chest. His voice always has this effect on me—like it’s a lifeline pulling me back to him. I want to wake up, to open my eyes and tell him I’m fine, but no matter how hard I try, my body won’t respond.“She is human, Alpha,” a calm, measured voice replies. It’s unfamiliar, and I assume it belongs to the doctor. “It’s taken a significant amount of energy for her to cross into this world. If you mark her—”“Shut the fuck up,” Elijah snaps, his tone sharp enough to make me flinch internally. “That’s out of the question.”I wish I could move, could reach out and take his hand. Maybe if I touched him, it would ease the storm brewing inside him, but unfortunately, I’m trapped in this endless void, unable t
Elijah clears his throat, cutting through the lingering tension in the room. He steps forward, his commanding presence drawing everyone’s attention.“Zoe,” he says warmly. “Thank you for saving Piper. I owe you a lot. Whatever you want for your birthday, it’s yours. Just name it.”Zoe blinks at him, clearly surprised. Then, slowly, a mischievous smirk creeps onto her face. “Anything?” she asks, her voice teasing yet calculated.Elijah nods without hesitation. “Anything.”Her smirk widens as she leans back against her pillows. “Give me this hotel,” she says, her tone light, but her eyes challenging. “It’s the least I deserve, seeing as my blood has been shed on this soil not once, but twice.”I gasp so loudly that everyone turns to me. “Zoe!” I sputter, my jaw practically hitting the floor. “You can’t be serious! This hotel is—this place is like something out of a fairytale! It has to be worth billions!”Even Ryder looks a bit stunned, his brow arching as he glances at her. “Baby, that