Elena - POVI sat on the soft bed, clutching my head and squinting my eyes as I looked around the bedroom. Memories flooded in. Was it all just a dream?"Elena, breakfast is ready." I heard Lyra's voice coming from the kitchen. She had returned from her vacation. I smiled at the thought of her. Although she was the housemaid, she was more like a mother figure to me. Trusting people was difficult when I had just begun my successful career. But Lyra had always had good intentions, and she cared for me without ulterior motives. Our relationship had bloomed over time, and we had become like mother and daughter.As I rolled out of bed, my legs' spasms dampened my cheery mood. The signs of my illness were apparent. After the meeting, I need to confirm with Janice when she will make the appointment with Dr. Rudolf. The doorknob turned, and Lyra walked in with the breakfast trolley.Lyra's elegant smile made me return the gesture. The aroma of her delicious cooking made my stomach growl, and
Elena - Pov When I asked Yuri to explain what she meant by "safe and sound," she dismissed my question. I wanted to go home, unwind on my sofa with a glass of wine, and watch N*****x. Silas was away on business, and Yuri didn't want to dine alone. She insisted I join her for dinner, and after being badgered for a while, I gave in and forfeited my planned night with N*****x and wine. Sitting in Yuri's car, I wondered about her relationship with Silas. It didn't seem romantic when I first saw them together, but I was still curious. Their relationship was that of a brother and sister. "What are you thinking so hard about?" Yuri asked as she drove, and I was wearing a sweatshirt that Yuri had given me so that fans wouldn't recognize me when we stopped at traffic lights. "Yuri, you know everything about me, yet I know nothing about you," I said. Yuri gave me a side glance for a few seconds before returning her gaze to the road. "What do you want to know?" She sounded nervous; I might h
Elena - POV"This is Elena Hayes, Letty. You know who she is, and I know you want her autograph," Silas added, grinning at Letty. I was surprised to see him smile at all.When I glanced at Yuri, she had a severe expression and wasn't smiling."Elena, I am your biggest fan and would love to have your autograph," Letty replied, smiling and taking the paper and pen from her to give her my autograph."Silas informed me you signed a deal with him for your next project. I'm looking forward to your new movie," Letty said as her hand grabbed his arm. I glanced at Silas, who didn't look at me but sighed as Letty spilled the beans.Silas letting her in on this secret made me angry since it was supposed to remain hidden until we conducted the press conference in public."Yuri, you don't have to follow me. I can get myself home," I replied without looking around to see Silas and Letty standing nearby. It stabbed my heart, and I couldn't understand why I felt this way since I wasn't dating Silas an
Silas - Pov"Silas, are you okay?" Elena's concerned voice disrupted my thoughts."Not really, but may I come in, if you don't mind?" I am under the influence of our mate's heat, craving her company as much as possible. I silently pray to the moon goddess that she will permit my entry."Uh... alright," she concedes, moving towards the kitchen and wiping her brow. Elena pours a glass of water for each of us before sitting across from me."Damn it, I'd much prefer the enticing arousal of our mate to a glass of water," Ray's licentious comment emerged unexpectedly."I'll turn down the heat," Elena responded, her cheeks coloring. Despite her apparent effort to distance herself from me, my eyes were drawn to her curvy figure, and her scent made it impossible to resist the mate pull.A snarl to my left diverted my attention to the puppy staring at me with a hostile expression."Hey, pervert, stay away from my master," the dog warned. Thanks to Ray, I was able to comprehend his canine dialect
Elena - Pov"What was I thinking last night? I almost kissed Silas." As the visions from the previous night replayed in my memory, I grumbled aloud, chiding myself for my foolishness."Is something wrong?" Lyra inquired, stroking Bruno's fur as he lay contentedly in her lap. "Lately, Elena, you've been keeping me out of the loop. Are you sure you're doing well? The mess made by your ex-fiancé must weigh on you. If you want to talk, I am here for you," Lyra commented. I twirled the fork between my fingers, slowly processing Lyra's words."I... Lyra... I'm not sure what to say, what I feel..." I choked on my words. Reaching for the glass of water, I swallowed the emotional lump in my throat.Lyra immediately jumped from her seat, Bruno following suit. Crouching next to me, Lyra softly touched my hand, staring at me melancholic. Overwhelmed by memories of Jake's betrayal and the illness gnawing at me, I broke down. I confided in her about Jake's departure for another woman and the loneli
Silas - POV I stood in the infirmary as Letty's parents and Yuri's mother waited for the doctor. "Son-in-law," Maya's mother greeted me. "Mother," I replied quietly. She offered a warm smile in response. "Freya, we're supposed to care for our daughter. Don't interact with him," Maya's father, Terrance, said with disdain as he glanced at me. Upon learning about Maya's death, he held me responsible. When the doctor emerged from the emergency room, Terrance asked anxiously, "How is Letty?" "How is my daughter, Yuri?" Gabrielle, Yuri's mother, inquired with evident worry. "They're in critical condition. We're doing our best," the doctor replied, signaling me to join him privately in his cabin. The situation was severe enough to warrant a more detailed discussion. "Will our second daughter also perish?" Freya wailed. As Terrance attempted to comfort her, I reassured her, "Mom, I'll ensure that nothing bad happens to Letty." Her sobs gradually subsided, and Terrance led her away to re
Elena - POVI felt optimistic that filming would soon commence. Our movie, the story of an Alpha Wolf and his forbidden mate, held great promise. These kinds of films invariably excited audiences; it would surely be box office hit.Janice walked in, scrutinizing my demeanor. Her lips twitched into a small smile. "Ms. Hayes, here is your black coffee," she said as she placed an invitation card and a luxuriously wrapped hamper on my desk."Who sent this?" I asked."It's an invitation to the gala. The hamper is from Drake Walker," she explained. The gift basket contained a bottle of vintage wine, some rare chocolates, and a handwritten note."Although it's still early, I just had to share my excitement at being chosen and given the honor of working with you." I couldn't help but grin at his corny phrases."Ms. Hayes, who will you attend the gala with?" Janice asked cautiously."I'm going alone." I sighed, taking a sip of my coffee to stifle my frustration."Ms. Hayes, the doctor is return
Elena - POVThe car stopped after fifteen minutes of driving; I knew we had to still be in New York City. The door swung open, and a hand clamped onto my arm, guiding me to step out."Lyra, are you okay?" I asked. I could see nothing with the blindfold over my eyes, yet my mouth was not gagged."I'm fine," Lyra whispered from beside me, her proximity relieving me. My backside hit the hard surface of a chair as they bound my wrists and ankles."Do you want money? I can give you the money. Just name your price and let us go free. I swear I won't notify the police," I attempted to reason with my captors, who showed no indication of interest in my proposal."Please let us go," I pleaded."You need to pipe down, lady. It won't end well if you keep talking," a man's grating voice warned. His ominous words sent a shiver down my spine."What do you want from us? I'm certain you're not after a ransom," Lyra ventured in a defiant tone.A whack echoed in the room, followed by a low moan from Lyra
Yuri’s POVDrake’s face hovered just inches from mine, his breath hot against my skin. His dark purple eyes, tinged with gold, held a teasing glint, daring me to move first. Before I could say a word, his lips crashed into mine, stealing my breath. The kiss was gentle, yet filled with hunger, with love—a kiss that set my body ablaze.And then, he pulled away.“What makes you—” I started, but he silenced me with a finger to my lips.“It’s our first time,” he murmured, voice low and deep. “I don’t want it to happen in some random witch’s hospital bed.”Before I could even process his words, a surge of magic enveloped us. In the blink of an eye, the scent of healing herbs and medicinal stones vanished, replaced by the luxurious warmth of our bedroom. My back hit the soft mattress, and I barely had time to take in my surroundings before his hands were on me.“Where—”“Our home.” His voice was thick with promise.His gaze darkened as his fingers slipped under my hospital gown, teasing up m
Yuri’s POVThe explosion’s force sent me flying backward, my breath ragged as the dust began to settle. My vision swam, my body aching from the battle, but my eyes found the scene ahead—Jared stood there, a chain wrapped tight around his neck, his body slack. Blood dripped from his mouth, his lifeless eyes frozen in surprise. And then there was Drake—partially shifted, his wings trembling, his horns chipped, his body barely holding together. He still gripped the chain that had ended Jared’s life, but he looked seconds away from collapsing."Drake." My voice came out in a rush as I ran toward him, but just as his grip slipped from the chain, his form shifted back—human, fragile, falling fast.No.I pushed past my exhaustion, my magic flaring as I caught him just before he hit the ground. His weight was heavy against me, and his half-lidded eyes flickered open."Don’t push yourself," he whispered, his voice strained. "I’ll shift." His words were a lie—he was too weak to even lift a fing
Yuri’s POVI couldn’t move. I couldn’t even breathe. His grip tightened around my throat, choking the life out of me as he drained my power. I struggled, trying to break free, desperate to stop him, but it was useless. The soldiers who had rushed to my aid had fallen instantly—killed by nothing more than a glance from him. He absorbed their power effortlessly, leaving their lifeless bodies in his wake.My vision blurred. My eyes dulled to gray, speckled with black dots. My body felt weak—drained—as Jared pulled my power into himself. I couldn’t even scream. I couldn’t even cry out in pain.Is this how I die?A voice echoed in my mind."Promise me you won’t die on me."Drake’s words. The ones he had spoken only hours before.I don’t think I can keep that promise… I’m sorry, Drake. Our mate bond—Suddenly, a voice cut through the fog in my head."You’re not dying on my watch."Drake’s mind-link. Faint but firm.The crushing grip on my throat vanished, and I gasped, sucking in greedy lun
Yuri—POVDrake’s power flared like an untamed beast. His voice was nearly unrecognizable, a guttural snarl tearing through the battlefield."You dare do this to the woman who once cared for you? You don’t deserve Yuri, you selfish bastard!" His eyes burned with fury."And you had the audacity to curse her?"Jared stood his ground, his body tense. "I did everything to make Yuri mine," he said coldly.I spat, my voice laced with venom. "You don’t give a damn about me. All you’ve ever wanted is my power."A smirk curled on his lips. "You’re not as naive as before."I scoffed. "And yet, you think you can fool me with your pathetic, fake concern? I see right through you."Before he could respond, Drake lunged, a blur of fury. His claws slashed through the air, colliding with Jared’s chest. The impactsent Jared flying, his body crashing into the dirt."Enough talk. We fight." Drake’s voice was guttural, his form half-shifted into something monstrous.A roar erupted through the battlefield
Drake—POVThe night was quiet, the kind of eerie stillness that made my wolf restless. I stood watch with my team, the crackling fire casting shadows across our tense faces. Yuri was resting in the tent, and Mac had just joined me, taking a slow sip from his flask."Your wolf is back, huh?" he mused, offering me the drink.I took it, nodding. "Yeah. Feels like I’m myself again, thanks to that fight with that asshole Eric."Mac smirked, taking another swig. "So… you’re not gonna ask?"I arched a brow. "Ask what?""Yuri’s not my mate. Emery is," he clarified, his voice steady. "The moment my wolf surfaced during your fight with Zane, I knew."I shrugged. "Figured."Mac scoffed. "No wonder you look so damn smug."I rolled my eyes. "How’s Emery?"His smirk faded, replaced by a shadow of concern. "Not great. The toll of fighting, being under that bitch’s spell… it’s wearing onher." His jaw clenched."Make her go back to the Pack," I said firmly.Mac let out a dry laugh. "As if she’d liste
Yuri – POVI stood panting, my breath ragged as blood dripped from my arms onto the snow. Across from me, Lucian glared, his body battered and broken. I had done a good number on him. I smirked, letting the satisfaction simmer beneath my rage.“You look tired, Lucian,” I hissed, my voice laced with venom.His furious gaze burned into me.“You’ll scream and beg for mercy,” he sneered, his tone thick with arrogance. “Just like your father begged me to spare his children.”A violent tremor ran through me. My blood boiled.Lucian chuckled darkly, savoring my reaction. “Do you know what I did first? I killed your sister while your father watched. He screamed until his voice was raw.” His grin widened. “Then I took your brother. He was helpless, weak—just a half-blood dragon with no powers. He couldn’t save her. What a waste.”I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms.“And your father?” He tilted his head mockingly. “He called your name, praying for your safety before I—”“Ahh!”My
Yuri’s POVDrake partially shifted, his dragon wings unfurling just enough to reveal the striking mix of gold and black feathers—a sight so mesmerizing it was almost distracting. His deep voice cut through the tension.“Guys, stay back. This is personal.” His sharp side-glance told me to stay put. I hated being ordered around, but I knew better than to step between him and his revenge. Mac studied the broken window view, his eyes scanning for any sign of Hybrid soldiers.“We need to stay on guard—”Before he could finish, a deafening thud shattered the moment. Zane lunged, his fist crashing toward Drake—but he missed, hitting the ground instead. The sheer force sent shockwaves through the air, shattering the wooden home and knocking us backward. The wind howled, nearly lifting me off my feet.Drake’s golden eyes locked onto mine, and for a brief second, I saw something that made my stomach clench—worry. Time seemed to slow as Zane’s fist shot forward, aiming straight for Drake’s chest
Yuri’s POVTension crackled in the air like static electricity as we huddled in the ruined old home, waiting. Emery lay unconscious beside us, her breath shallow. Silence pressed down, thick and suffocating. Any second now, the rest of the team will arrive. Any second now, the enemy might strike.“If the Hybrids' higher-ups know we’re here…” Mac finally broke the silence, his voice edged with unease. “It means they’ll attack soon.”“No shit, Sherlock,” Drake muttered, arms crossed, frustration radiating off him.I exhaled sharply. “No clue what to do next,” I admitted in a whisper.Both Drake and Mac turned to me at the same time, their gazes sharp.“Your power… it feels different,” they said in unison.I nodded. “I got my wolf power back,” I murmured.A soldier stepped forward, nodding in admiration. “With Yuri’s power, we managed to get inside without being traced.” He said.“I see.” Drake’s voice darkened. “You dare to call my mate by her name?”I clenched my jaw. “I told them to c
Drake - POVBlood dripped from my hands as I stood among the lifeless bodies of the dungeon guards. The air was thick with the stench of iron and death.“Good job,” Mac muttered, yanking a hood off one of the guards who had just come in for the shift change. Without hesitation, we stripped them of their uniforms, disguising ourselves in the dark fabric to blend in.As we stepped outside, a blanket of snow covered the vast forest ahead. In the distance, a town loomed, its lights flickering through the cold haze. Then, I caught it—a scent. Faint but unmistakable. Hybrids. My muscles tensed.Mac slowed his pace.“What?” I asked, my voice low.“I’m thinking—” He hesitated.I exhaled sharply. “Will you just spit it out already?”“Don’t you find it strange that the guards watching us were weak?” Mac’s tone was edged with suspicion. “Either the Hybrid Alpha thinks we’re no threat… or this is a trap.”I scoffed. “Well, no shit. When you put it that way, it’s pretty obvious. Either we walked i