A Reluctant Presence

Billy's punches may have been less frequent than Julian's or Ray's, but he had certainly contributed his share of pain, whether it was by slamming me into walls or knocking books from my hands. In truth, he was just as brutal as the rest of them; I had simply failed to see it initially.

"Stop talking, Elisa. Your mouth is only going to make this worse," Billy cautioned.

"My, my, Billy, your friend Julian seems to be a fan of my mouth," I retorted.

Billy came to a sudden halt. "Seriously, Elisa, just this once, stop pushing back. Maybe if you do, they'll go easy on you."

I stopped and scrutinized him, trying to decipher his expression. What was going through his mind? Fear? Anxiety? Anger? It was a mix of emotions I couldn't quite decipher. How I wished I possessed the wolf's ability to read people right now.

 

Locked Chapter

Continue to read this book on the APP

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Related chapters

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Bound By The Moonlight

  I was abruptly pulled from my thoughts when a firm grip closed around my arm. I jumped, startled, and found Ray's large hand gripping my upper arm. I tugged my arm away, attempting to break free from his grasp. "Let me go.""So you can run off the moment the curse breaks? Not happening," Ray declared, pulling me toward the group. "You're staying right here until everyone has completed their shift. No early departures."I realized there was a good chance that Ray's wolf would compel him to shift as soon as he sensed the others transforming. He was new to this, and while he might resist the moon's pull, he probably wouldn't resist seeing his alpha shift.Jenny raised her hands, and dozens of golden bangles slid down her wrists, creating a melodious sound as they shifted and jingled. The group fell silent, their attention drawn to her. Even I found myself captivated by he

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   A Fearful Revelation

  I stood there, paralyzed by fear, dreading that any wrong move might lead to a snapped neck or a wolf's jaws clamped around a vital artery. Then, Ray's fingers grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his intense gaze. His eyes felt like they were probing my very soul. "You are my mate." It couldn't be true. The fates couldn't possibly be this cruel, pairing me with someone like him. It had to be a sick joke. In our pack, mating bonds were sacred and held deep significance. If a wolf was fortunate enough to form one, it usually came with increased strength and other benefits, possibly even the power to break curses. Ray must have known about that myth; he was likely trying to get in one last dig at me. "That's a messed-up thing to joke about, even for you." "I wish it were a joke," he admitted, his expression serious. "I wasn't certain until recently. As we got closer to the time you should have shifted, my wolf made it abundantly clear that we're meant to be together." My emotions ch

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   A Brutal Encounter

  chapter 11: The Brutal EncounterAs the moon cast its silvery glow upon the rugged terrain, the trio of wolves stood before me. One of them, a formidable dark gray wolf, was the largest among them. He abruptly sprinted away, leaving me alone with the other two."So, he's making you do his dirty work?" I sneered, disdain dripping from my voice."Imagine the tales you'll pass down to your grandchildren. 'Hey, remember the time we killed Uncle Ray's mate?' You two are nothing but pathetic." My words carried a mixture of anger and defiance, culminating in a defiant spit in the direction of the wolf closest to me.In response, the creature emitted a low growl before lunging for my arm, clamping its teeth down with relentless force. Pain surged through me as I screamed, futilely attempting to wrench my arm free.However, my struggles only intensified the torment. Suddenly, the second wolf sank its teeth into my o

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Descent Into Darkness

  As the wolves released their vice-like grip, I found myself unceremoniously sprawled upon the unforgiving ground. My entire being throbbed with unrelenting pain, limbs aflame with searing torment, and my head pulsating in an agonizing rhythm.Blood and sweat had congealed on my skin, forming a repulsive, viscous layer, while the dirt, with cruel intent, invaded the open wounds that now marred my battered frame. The insidious threat of infection loomed ominously over me, a spectral harbinger of doom that would persist long after the immediate ordeal was over.Despite the excruciating pain that coursed through me, I refused to resign myself to death's clutches. I clung to a desperate glimmer of hope, telling myself that my wrist wasn't shattered, my back wasn't torn, and my arms bore no bite marks. It had to be my imagination running wild, right? Admittedly, I still felt as though I were teetering on

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Desperation's Glimmer

  I had no intention of letting Ray believe he was the victim in this twisted scenario. "First of all, Ray isn't the pack alpha. Second, he doesn't bear the damn mark, or he'd have flaunted it by now.""Nobody else in the pack has the mark, so by birthright, he'll assume the alpha role," Billy argued."You're a real piece of work, you know that?" I retorted, my words dripping with disdain. "You act as if you're trying to help me, but you're just as complicit as them.""You know that's not true," he protested. "I'm nothing like them.""Is that so?" I shot back. "Then why were you absent when I was ten and Ray left me with two black eyes? Where were you when Julian shoved me down the stairs or cracked my ribs? Or that time you stood idly by as Ray held me underwater in the lake until I lost consciousness?"

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Unwanted Bonds

  As I conducted this frantic self-examination, a wave of disbelief washed over me. I had expected the pain from my prior injuries to linger for days, but there was no physical evidence of the torment I'd endured. Shifters were known for their remarkable regenerative abilities, but the speed at which my body had healed astonished me. However, I couldn't afford to dwell on this newfound resilience; I had more pressing questions."How long have I been here?" I inquired, my voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and unease, as I turned to Danielle for answers.Her confirmation that I'd been unconscious for nearly a full day caught me off guard. It seemed like mere hours had passed since I'd been in that cave, struggling for my life.My next question held even greater significance, "How long ago was the full moon?"The answer would determine if I had somehow evaded detection by my old pack, or if I was s

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Under The Starlit Canopy

  "No, you won't," Tony asserted firmly. "It's a three-day walk to the nearest town, and that's for someone who's healthy and has proper supplies.""I'll be fine, but I appreciate your concern," I replied."If you say so," Tony said, his tone nonchalant.I shook my head as I turned away, only to step on something sharp immediately. "Fuck me."I quickly grabbed my injured foot, wincing as I pulled the stick out of my skin. Could I ever go more than twenty-four hours without bleeding?"Like I said, you're not going to make it on your own," Tony remarked."Thank you for the astute observation," I retorted. Limping, I carefully took a step forward, determined not to turn back to the group."Tony, do the right thing," Danielle pleaded."She's practically the poster child for our community," Malcom added."Get back here," Tony sighed.Accepting help from strangers was the last thing I wanted, but I wasn't prepared to go out into the woods alone. I turned and looked at the trio. "You're not go

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Beneath The Moonlit Secrets

  Disappointment colored my thoughts as I blinked my eyes open, taking in the dim surroundings. Tony sat perched on a weathered log, his gaze locked onto the enigmatic depths of the forest. The notion of slumber eluded me as long as he remained alert.Summoning my resolve, I ventured over and cautiously took a seat on the log, maintaining a respectful distance. "I understand you may doubt me, but I want to assure you that I'll leave as soon as I'm capable."With his attention still focused on the darkness ahead, Tony responded, "You won't be prepared for a while. You're stuck with us."The vague response left me irked, and I pressed for clarification. "What exactly do you mean by that?"He finally turned to face me and explained, "You're a shifter who doesn't know how to shift, and you have one of the most formidable packs actively searching for you."Disputing his claim, I asserted, "They're not looking for me. They believe I'm dead."His gaze fixed on me, Tony asked, "Did you sever th

Latest chapter

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Redemption's Embrace, A Happy Ending

  I rose to my tiptoes, enveloping Billy in an embrace. "You’re going to be an amazing alpha."Returning the hug, he urged, "Be careful, okay?""You too," I replied before stepping back. "I’ll be in touch soon.""I’ll be okay," he assured me."I know you will," I said with certainty."You will too, you know. You were born for this," he smiled warmly. Our bond, forged through trials, felt unbreakable, a connection that would last a lifetime.Billy rejoined his pack, and I walked over to my waiting entourage. "Malcom, would you stay with Billy for a few days? Just so he has someone loyal here.""Of course," Malcom agreed. "Now, go. See your mom. Billy’s got this, but just in case, he’s got me."The drive back to the house felt endless. Conversation attempts failed, leaving us engulfed in a heavy silence. Most of us were too drained or overwhelmed to speak."She’s going to be fine," Tony reassured me, squeezing my hand from the backseat.I glanced at him, grateful that it was just us in th

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Solstice Revelations

  The shifters surged forward, enveloping us in cheers and exuberant shouts. Billy was hoisted onto shoulders and paraded around the field. Amidst this whirlwind of jubilation, I felt a wave of relief, joy, and peace emanating from the gathered shifters.Billy was about to face a challenging task, but if anyone could lead Wolf Bay to its rightful place, it was him.The entire household buzzed with activity as preparations for the Solstice celebration reached their climax. The longest night coinciding with a full moon promised an epic party.As I readied myself to greet the guests, a surge of nerves accompanied my anticipation. Tony grasped my hand reassuringly. "You’re going to be great. Nothing bad is going to happen. This is what you’ve been working so hard for the last year."He was right, and his unwavering support had been invaluable. Together, we had strived to mend pack relations and lay the groundwork for positive change among the shifters.Tonight was pivotal. Our efforts to re

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   A New Alpha, A New Dawn

  Ace’s gasps punctuated the silence, his wide eyes reflecting sheer terror. The punishment I had delivered was the ultimate blow. He thrived on adoration and the capacity to instill fear in others. Stripped of his position of power, he was left with nothing. Executing him would only grant him martyrdom.Murmurs rippled among the gathered shifters as the sentence resonated among the crowd. Gradually, those murmurs evolved into applause.Billy, taking a step forward, approached Ace. I wasn’t privy to their exchange, but Billy sought closure here too. Whispering something to Ace, he withdrew, a smile gracing his lips. Though Ace appeared enraged, he didn’t retaliate.It wasn’t my place to know; Billy, like me, suffered under Wolf Bay's rule. He may have made mistakes but always sought to balance the good amidst adversity. What potential might he have realized without the constant struggle to please Ace for his sister’s sake while trying to do the right thing?"Well, this wasn’t what I exp

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   A Monarch's Justice

  Ace’s punishment warranted a unique approach. Death seemed too lenient, risking his transformation into a martyr. I wasn’t oblivious to the entrenched mindset of males accustomed to unchecked authority; they wouldn't simply yield to a female monarch. Rectifying the injustices demanded extensive effort.For every tale akin to mine, numerous others remained untold. Danielle and Clara had been unjustly divested of their positions bestowed by the Moon Goddess herself. How many others suffered at the hands of feeble men intent on preserving power?Ace would serve as an exemplar. Stripped of strength, divested of authority. I required his survival to serve as a cautionary symbol, illustrating what lay ahead, rather than providing grounds for shifters to rebel against me.His punishment wasn’t solely for his sexism but for exploiting all members of his pack. I needed clarity on that point.My guards halted, creating space between our contingent and the leaders of my former pack. Ace and his

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Thrones and Unspoken Pasts

  The four of us strode through the grand double doors, prompting the council members to rise from their seats arranged along a long wooden table, adorned with a dozen chairs. At one end sat a conspicuously larger chair, set against the backdrop of a crackling fireplace casting a warm glow in the room. The floor boasted dark wood, accentuated by a regal red and gold rug. Above, chandeliers crafted from antlers lent a distinctive touch, deviating from the crystal fixtures I had seen elsewhere in the estate."Thank you for your patience," I addressed them, endeavoring to convey a sense of composure and authority."Of course, your highness," one of the men responded.I made my way to the larger seat and settled into it. The men gathered around the table, one side occupied by my family and the other by the four males constituting my predecessor’s council. It was an unconventional arrangement, but if Harold deemed it necessary to hear their counsel, I was willing to entertain their perspect

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Choices

  Breakfast with my friends felt familiar and safe. Danielle, Malcolm, and Billy had mostly waited to eat until we arrived. The guards stood outside the room, and at my instance, the staff was willing to leave the food and let us serve ourselves.To my friends’ credit, they all steered the topic of conversation toward random things that were unrelated to our current situation. It was as if they knew I needed a little break before I had to figure out how to do the job I’d committed to when I took down the old king.We ate till we were all stuffed and laughed at Malcolm’s stories about trying to learn how to fix a car and accidentally setting it on fire. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I pictured Mario’s face. “I bet he never let you near his car again.”“Only if I’m trying to fix it. Driving I’m fine with. It’s when you give me tools that it causes an issue.”“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said.“Your highness,” a male voice said.I turned and saw one of my guards. Malaki, I think.He was

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Revelation And Revolutions II

  The group departed, leaving me surrounded by friends, guards, and a handful of staff. Turning my focus back to them, I reaffirmed, "For real, though. I keep my promises."An older woman with white hair nodded to her companions, affirming, "Told you Claire was telling the truth." She glanced at me. "If there's nothing more for us, we'll get back to work."I nodded in acknowledgment. "Find me if you need anything."With a smile, she guided the group away from me. As the extra people dispersed, I surveyed those who remained. The guards stood their ground, making this as private as it could get. My impatience surged—I needed answers. "Where's my mom? How's she doing?"Harold hesitated. "I'm not sure.""What do you mean? Weren't you with her last night?" I pressed."I was. She was in bad shape. Didn't even recognize me," he admitted, shaking his head.My chest tightened. "Where is she now?""Star's been with her all night," Malcom chimed in. "She prioritized helping your mom before the res

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Reflections of a New Queen

  The other guards introduced themselves, a touch of ease evident in their demeanor. Spending ample time together, it felt comforting to begin to acquaint ourselves."James, Malaki, Ruben, and Cole," I acknowledged each, prompting smiles and nods in response."Shall we check in on the others?" I suggested."After you, Elisa," James replied.Summoning courage, I led the way. The ballroom burst with music, vibrant lights, and spirited revelry. Blue-uniformed shifters circulated trays of food while bartenders manned stations amid a dancing crowd.Amidst the party's vibrancy, I felt the fight's aftermath. Stiffness and soreness seeped in, reminders of the battle with my uncle.Making rounds among the guests, I sought a respite. James directed us to a guest suite, a refuge from the festivities.Stepping into the room, opulence surrounded me. A fireplace, plush furnishings, and lavish décor overwhelmed my senses. Wounded and exhausted, I yearned for solace.Stripping off my soiled clothes, I

• Alpha Son's Fated But Rejected Mate(A Cursed Luna)   Embracing A New Reign

  His body tensed, signaling his intent, yet his position was flawed. Almost missed it, but my human side caught the subtle adjustment—he was about to feign an attack, aiming to turn my own game against me. I swiftly moved, anticipating his altered angle, and narrowly evaded his strike. Passing control to my wolf, she veered around, slashing her claws deep into his side as we darted past.His howls echoed, but my wolf pressed on, delivering another fierce blow to his face. The king, dazed and unprepared for our speed, struggled to match our agility. Each time he adjusted, we were there, ready to strike again with teeth or claws.Aware of our limitation in strength, we adopted a relentless and swift strategy, refraining from a power play or flashy moves. The king's wolf retaliated, pinning us a few times, yet we wriggled free, persistently attacking.Exhaustion began to slow us down, and the king, though limping, persisted. Unexpectedly, he charged, knocking my wolf down. The impact diso