Elijah Piper’s eyes roll back, her body going slack as she collapses again.“Piper!” I shout, catching her face in my hands, shaking her lightly. Her skin is pale, her breathing shallow. My heart thunders in my chest, a mixture of panic and rage clawing at me.Turning sharply, I grab the doctor by the collar and slam him against the nearest wall. “I thought you said she’d be alright,” I growl, my voice dripping with venom. “She woke up, then fainted again! What the hell is happening to my mate? Save her!”The doctor stammers, his hands raised in surrender, his eyes wide with fear. “Alpha—please—she’s in shock. I swear, she’ll recover. Her vitals are stable. It’s just… I think she fainted from seeing your face.”“What?” I snarl, tightening my grip.“Alpha, hear me out!” he pleads. “She’s been away from you for too long. Her body... her soul aches for you. She thinks she’s dreaming, which could explain the shock.” His voice wavers, and he swallows hard before adding, “Maybe if you—if y
Piper My eyelids flutter open, and the faint ache in my muscles immediately makes itself known. I blink against the dim light, groaning softly as I rub my eyes. My hand brushes against the unfamiliar wires and tubes attached to my body, and I yank them off instinctively with annoyance and unease. A deep breath steadies me, though it does little to erase the weakness coursing through me.As my vision clears, I notice someone sitting in a chair by the window, their back turned to me. The silhouette is familiar, and my heart leaps. “Elijah?” I call out, my voice hoarse but filled with hope and yearning.I remember the dream—or was it a hallucination?—of him standing beside me, his voice low and full of concern. My chest tightens, and the weight of how much I miss him crashes down on me. This distance between us feels unbearable. I wish I could tell him how much he’s starting to mean to me, but the words never seem to come.The figure stirs but doesn’t respond. I swing my legs off the be
Piper"Uh-oh," I mutter, taking a step back from the tension crackling in the air. I force a weak smile and look between Zoe and Ryder, his expression frozen in a mixture of hurt and disbelief, hers like a deer caught in headlights. "You know, I think you two might need some privacy to, uh, talk this through."Zoe doesn’t say a word, just stands there, pale and stiff. Ryder doesn’t even glance at me, his eyes locked on her like he’s waiting for a bomb to go off.I edge past Ryder, avoiding his gaze, and awkwardly slip out the door, pulling it shut behind me. As soon as it clicks into place, I let out a heavy sigh, my head tipping back against the wood."Well, that was... something," I whisper to myself, straightening up and starting down the hall. My thoughts swirl as I walk, imagining what’s happening behind that door.I can’t blame Ryder for being shocked. From what Serena told me, werewolves cherish big families—it’s practically ingrained in their culture. So to hear that your mate
Piper"Please, sit down Zoe. Let’s talk this through.”Her tears filled gaze darts to mine. “What’s there to talk about? He rejected me already!”I take her hands gently, pulling her toward the bed. "Sit down, Zoe. Please," I urge softly. She hesitates, glaring at me for a second, but then she relents and lets me guide her to the edge of the bed. I kneel in front of her, taking her cold hands in mine. “Listen to me. Ryder was angry, okay? He acted on impulse. You blindsided him with something huge, and he didn’t know how to process it.” Her lips part, but I shake my head before she can argue. “But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you. He does, Zoe. I see it every time he looks at you and he’ll come to his senses. I’m sure of it.”Her shoulders sag slightly, but her expression remains hard. “He doesn’t love me. If he did, he wouldn’t have said those words.” She looks down at our hands, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Maybe he was shocked,” I counter squeezing her fingers gently. “
Piper I’m curled up on Elijah’s lap, my head pressed against his chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart. His arms wrap securely around me, and I feel like I’m in the safest place in the world, even as the cursed sky above casts dark shadows over the fountain in front of us.“You’ve changed, Piper,” Elijah says suddenly with amusement his voice laced with amusement. I tilt my head up, my brows furrowing in confusion.“Changed how?”His lips twitch into a grin, and his eyes dance with mischief. “You’re not as shy as you used to be. Back in the human world, you’d never sit on my lap like this. You’d turn red just looking me in the eye. Now look at you—clinging to me like a little koala bear.”Wasn’t he the one who suddenly got shy when I kissed him at that bloody Christmas wedding?I narrow my eyes at him, not finding his teasing funny. Instead of answering, I bury my face back into his chest, breathing in his scent—a mix of cedarwood and something uniquely Elijah that alway
PiperThe training yard buzzes with energy as we head to class, but it’s not because of excitement over drills or sparring. It’s the usual whispers about Elijah, and my breath hitches when I hear the annoying giggles.“Did you see him yesterday?” Beatrice’s voice is loud enough for me to catch every word. “Oh my goddess, he’s even more handsome in person.”“Handsome?” Delilah scoffs, flipping her sleek ponytail. “Try eatable. Those shoulders, that jawline... I’d let him throw me across the room any day—or bend me into any position he likes.”The girls around her burst into laughter, their shamelessness gushing, making my blood boil.“Forget throwing,” another voice adds, her voice dripping with longing, and I turn to see it's Leona, of all people, smirking like she owns the world. “I’d happily be tied up if it meant being by his side. He’s wasted on anyone else.”Leona. The same Leona I’d knocked out cold last week for running her mouth about me. Guess her trip to the clinic wasn’t en
Piper’s POVZoe’s hands shove against my shoulders with unexpected force that catches me off guard. “It’s not going to be okay, Piper!” she screams, tears streaming down her face.I stumble back, my boots skidding on the tiled floor. My heart leaps as I nearly lose my balance, but I manage to catch myself by grabbing the edge of a nearby chair.“Can’t you see?" She yells in my face.Her eyes—usually fierce, usually unbreakable—are red-rimmed and glossy, "Nothing is going to be okay!”The cold edge in her voice cuts deeper, and my heart aches as I watch her crumble, her shoulders shaking under the weight of it all.With a deep sigh, I straighten myself. “So what are you going to do?” I ask carefully.Her face shifts in an instant. The vulnerability, the tears, they disappear, replaced by a cold, hard mask that sends a chill through me. Her voice is calm, too calm, like she’s burying her pain deep inside. “I’m going to do what needs to be done.”The finality in her tone makes my heart lu
Elijah’s POVThe warm spray of the shower pelts my skin, but it does little to calm my restless mind. Piper’s scent lingers everywhere, tormenting me, pulling me apart piece by piece. It’s maddening—knowing she’s here, in the same building, so close yet so untouchable. My hand scrubs at my chest absentmindedly, my thoughts spiralling back to the way her lips felt against mine, soft and warm, like honey dripping straight to my soul.Damn Serena for ruining that moment.I bite back a growl, remembering how Piper had pulled away, her cheeks flaming with embarrassment when Serena walked in on us. Serena’s warning had been sharp and precise—keep your distance; don’t let anyone know she’s your mate. For her safety, she’d said. Piper doesn’t even have her wolf yet. But how the hell am I supposed to keep my distance when she’s all I can think about?I slap the shower knob, cutting off the water. This isn’t working. I grab a towel, drying off quickly as a plan forms in my mind. Serena might th
Piper"It's all my fault—""Ryder, this isn't the time to blame yourself—""But it is my fault," Ryder repeats, his voice breaking as he falls to his knees, gripping the doorframe like it’s the only thing keeping him upright. His chest heaves with ragged breaths.I stare at him, speechless. Seeing someone as strong as Ryder—Elijah’s second-in-command, the fearless Beta—reduced to this shattered, terrified man is unnerving. But I know exactly what he’s feeling.Fear. Pure, gut-wrenching fear.Because if it were Elijah missing, I’d be losing my goddamn mind."If only I had stopped the search and returned to the Luna Court immediately after Elijah warned me," Ryder chokes out, shaking his head. "His message came urgently—he told me to go back, to stay close to you both. He knew something wasn’t right. He said it wasn’t safe. I should have listened immediately."A harsh, broken sob escapes him, and it’s painful to watch but we don’t have time for this.I push aside my own emotions and cro
PiperI push open the door to Elijah’s room, a grin stretching across my lips as Zoe’s exasperated groan follows me inside. Butterflies dance in my stomach as I step in, half-expecting to see him lounging on the bed, waiting for me.But the room is empty.I sigh, rolling my eyes. Of course, he’s making me wait.Typical.Still, I’m not surprised. He probably took my warning seriously and wants to avoid drawing suspicion from those nosy court ladies. Smart move. I shrug, deciding to take advantage of the extra time. A quick shower will do wonders—I want to feel fresh, soft, and irresistible when he finally gets here.I head to his bathroom, stripping down and stepping under the hot spray. The second his scent hits me, I smile. His shampoo. I lather it into my hair, letting the familiar smell soak into my skin. By the time I step out, I’m practically buzzing with anticipation.Wrapping a robe around my damp body, I run a hand through my wet hair. My reflection smirks back at me in the mi
Elijah.I cross my arms, leaning against the heavy oak desk. “Your woman, Serena—where did you bring her from?”His grip tightens on the glass, but his voice remains level.“What do you mean? She’s your mother. Show some respect.”I roll my eyes. “My mother is dead. Don’t insult her memory." His jaw clenches, but he doesn’t argue. We’ve had this fight too many times before.“Now, answer my question. Serena isn’t from the pack she claims to be from,” I continue, watching him closely. "Her documents are fake. I want to know where you actually found her."For the first time, my father turns to face me. His dark eyes are sharp, assessing—but there’s no warmth in them. There never is.“You investigated her?” he asks, his voice unreadable.“Yes,” I say, my patience running thin. “And I need to know where you picked her up from so I can continue my investigation.”He exhales heavily, rubbing a hand down his face. “And what exactly did she do to make you so suspicious? Because as far as I kno
Elijah I can’t wipe the stupid grin off my face. Hell, I don’t even want to. Watching Piper step into the Luna Court building, her excitement buzzing through the bond, makes my heart damn near burst. I feel everything she feels—her anticipation, her curiosity, her happiness.My mate.I still can’t believe I got this lucky.And tonight… tonight, I’ll have her again and again. The thought sends a rush of heat through my veins. Hopefully, by now, my seed is already growing inside her, our child—children—on the way. Maybe we’ll even beat Ryder and Zoe’s record.My wolf rumbles in agreement, eager at the idea.But just as I take a step toward the building, a mind link slams into my head like a hammer."Alpha, about what you asked…"I pinch the bridge of my nose, my good mood instantly souring. "Speak, Caleb. I don’t have time for games.""I looked into Luna Serena’s official documents," Caleb begins, his voice serious. "It states she’s from the Night Stone Pack and comes from the Grey Wol
Elijah's eyes never leave mine, and I nod slowly, feeling the unease crawl up my spine. “Yes… her hair was white and long.” I swallow hard, still shaken, my fingers curling against my arms. “And the most shocking part? I could swear she called my name. Piper. Like she knew me.”His breath catches, and I see the muscles in his jaw tighten. Without hesitation, he steps closer, his large hands enveloping mine in a firm yet gentle grip. “Don’t worry, Piper. I’ll get to the bottom of this." His voice is filled with promises. "I’ll find out who she is and what she wants.”His touch is grounding, but my mind keeps drifting back to that horrifying image. I nod, struggling to shake the memory, but before I can say anything else, Elijah suddenly lifts me into his arms.A gasp escapes me as my hands instinctively clutch his bare chest. My heart pounds—not just from shock but also from the heat of his skin beneath my fingertips, the solid muscle beneath my palm. A flush creep up my neck as I beco
The woman bares her bloody teeth, the remnants of her gruesome meal dripping from her lips. And then—She lunges.A scream claws its way up my throat, but fear chokes it down. My body reacts before my mind can catch up, stumbling backward, feet digging into the dirt as I turn to run—But she’s fast.Too fast.I barely make it two steps before a gust of wind howls behind me. I look over my shoulder—And my stomach drops.She’s flying.Her body hovers above the ground, long white hair whipping in the wind as she glides toward me like a nightmare given form. Before I can react, a force slams into my back, sending me crashing to the earth with bone-rattling impact.Pain explodes through my ribs. A strangled cry rips from my lips as my body jars against the unforgiving ground.She’s on top of me in an instant.Gnarled, claw-like fingers dig into my shoulders, pinning me down with unnatural strength. Her breath reeks of decay as she leans in, her hollow eyes boring into mine. The weight of
Piper’s POV"You little—"Zoe's face turns a furious shade of red, and before I can react, she charges forward, her fist already swinging. Anna yelps, attempting to scurry behind me for protection, but she’s too slow. I do the only logical thing—I shove her forward.The impact is brutal.Zoe’s punch connects with Anna’s mouth so hard that I hear the sickening crack before I see two small, bloody white objects fly across the room and clatter onto the floor. Her teeth.Anna staggers backward, eyes wide with shock and pain, her hand flying to her lips.I bite my lip, trying—really trying—not to laugh.Zoe flexes her knuckles, tilting her head with a smug grin. "Oh, I have been waiting to do that for a long-ass time." She smirks at Anna. Anna groans, bent over, her hands shaking as she fumbles to pick up her fallen teeth. Her face is beet red—part from the pain, part from pure humiliation. Straightening up, she glares daggers at Zoe. Her breath comes in sharp, uneven pants, and I know sh
PiperI push through the crowd of women pouring out of the training hall, my breathing ragged. The only thing on my mind is putting as much distance between myself and Anna as possible.How had I been so blind to Anna’s manipulative behaviour? The obsession in her eyes, the way she spoke of Elijah like he belonged to her... the way she looked at me as if I were nothing more than an obstacle in her way. The fact that I had trusted her, even for a moment, sends a shudder down my spine.Keep your enemies close.I mumble quick apologies as I shove past the other women, not caring if they’re offended. My feet don’t stop until I reach my room. I need to think.My fingers fumble with the doorknob, desperate to shut out the world—to shut her out. But just as I push the door closed, something stops it.My eyes widen, and I glance down to see a foot wedged between the door and the frame.A slow, mocking voice reaches my ears. "Why does it feel like you’re running from me, dear Piper?"I snap my
Elijah's POVMy gaze sweeps over the sea of confused and frustrated faces. The women whisper among themselves, their eyes darting around as they search for answers, desperate to figure out who my mate is—an answer only I know.I can see the disappointment flickering in their expressions, the way their hopeful smiles falter. I don’t blame them. They’ve spent months training, dreaming, and hoping to be chosen, misled by my stepmother’s carefully laid plans—or should I say Serena’s schemes? And now, with just a few words, I’ve shattered their illusions.But I don’t care. My eyes are locked onto one person—Piper.She stands stiffly in the crowd, her shoulders tense as if bracing for a storm. Her brown eyes are wide and wary, lips pressed into a thin line. Ever since I walked in, I haven't been able to take my eyes off her, especially after what we shared—after I marked her. But she refuses to meet my gaze. Even so, I can feel her through our bond—the nervous energy thrumming beneath her