My wrists ached, raw and chafed from the unforgiving restraints. Each futile struggle deepened the pain, and I suppressed the urge to cry out, exhaling slowly instead.Within this dimly lit room, time held no meaning. I had drifted in and out of consciousness, the effects of their mysterious injections refusing to release their grip. My own body seemed complicit, conspiring to keep me asleep and shield me from the agony.This particular awakening felt different. My mind was clearer, allowing me to survey my surroundings with a newfound awareness. Squinting through the dimness, I scoured the room for any sign that might offer clues to my location or an escape route. Other than the bed that bound me, a dresser, and a window, there was nothing else in sight. A glimmer of hope flickered as I tugged at my restraints once more, the window promising freedom if I could
"Why would he do that?" I inquired, a sense of dread welling up within me."Because, for him, the bond is already complete. For him, you are his true mate, and he will stop at nothing to have you," Viki explained somberly.I swallowed hard, the reality sinking in. "So, I don't have a choice?""I'm afraid not," Viki replied, her voice heavy with sympathy.This was my moment, my one chance to escape this nightmarish situation. "Alright, then. Let me freshen up, so I can be ready."I sensed Viki's relief. "I'll let them know."My mind was a whirlwind of emotions. I knew I had to plan my escape carefully, for this was my only opportunity. Questions and doubts flooded my thoughts. What if I couldn't break free? What if Ra
We traversed a well-lit corridor adorned with a gallery of Grant family photos that chronicled Ray's life. Baby pictures, first days of school, fishing trips, camping adventures – all the trappings of a happy family were on display. It was eerie to see this facade here, knowing the deep dysfunction that lurked beneath the surface. They certainly excelled at putting on a convincing show.My sympathy for Viki lingered. She had settled to safeguard herself, a choice I refused to make. I hadn't endured a lifetime of hardship just to give in now.Our journey ended at a closed door marking the bathroom. Faint memories of being escorted here, my arms bound, flickered in my mind. They had brought me to this bathroom several times for basic needs, but those memories were obscured by the drug-induced haze. At least now I understood why I wasn't clad in urine-soaked
Ray's voice dripped with anticipation as he spoke, his confident demeanor unwavering. "I had a feeling you'd attempt something of this sort," he remarked. "Taking her clothes, as expected, didn't deter her. Although I must confess, I half-expected you to go all the way and sprint down the corridor in the nude."I tightened my grip on the towel, desperately trying to preserve some semblance of modesty. "You're well aware that I want none of this. Why do you persist? Just release me.""We've had this discussion, Elisa, and your time is running out," Ray replied firmly. "Tonight, I will make you mine. I'd much prefer it if you agreed willingly. There's a chance you might even find some enjoyment in it." He extended his hand toward me, but I turned away, refusing to meet his gaze.I pushed myself up from the floor, clutching the
"Dad, this has to stop," Ray declared firmly. "She's my mate, and I won't allow her to be treated with disrespect." With determination in his eyes, Ray rose from his seat and picked up a blanket from a nearby chair. He approached me, gently draping the blanket over my shoulders.Appreciatively, I wrapped the blanket around myself, trying to quell the warm emotions that Ray's gesture had stirred within me. I was fighting my attraction to him, but I couldn't refuse the comfort of the blanket, especially now that Ace had mentioned the mark. I had to change the subject and keep Ray from learning about it. Escaping was still my priority, even though this opportunity seemed lost. It was time to change my strategy."Could you please take me back to my room?" I pleaded, affecting my most vulnerable tone.Ray helped me stand and reass
Six adult male shifters felt like an excessive presence outside my window. Perhaps it was a compliment, but regardless, I wasn't considering that escape route. Frustrated, I moved away from the window, determined to find another option.I walked to the door and crouched down to peek underneath it. Though the details were hazy, I could discern movement and shadows, indicating guards posted by the door. They weren't taking any chances of letting me slip through. I was left with two choices: surrender to my fate or find a way to fight.The thought of giving up crossed my mind briefly, but the image of Tony's face when he saw me alive pushed me forward. I needed him to know that he hadn't succeeded in getting rid of me. I was determined to escape without succumbing to a mating bond.I emptied the drawers, checked the closet, and even crawled under the bed, but the room offered no potential weapons. Frustrated, I sat on the bed to contemplate my o
The door swung open, and we both pivoted our attention towards it. Ace stood in the doorway, flanked by several other shifters, sending a clear message: I was going nowhere."She's ready for Ray," Billy announced."She knows her place."Ace's face twisted into a murderous expression. "Nobody asked you to meddle.""I overheard," Billy persisted."She's agreed to get a tattoo, something to commemorate her bond, on her hip."Suppressing my unease, I maintained a defiant glare at Ace, though internally, I felt sick at the thought of being with Ray. If Billy was my ticket out of this mess, playing along might be my only hope.Ace's expression softened, and he raised an eyebrow. "Oh?""Do you want to send the tattoo artist tonight?" I asked, surprisingly keeping my tone steady."I was thinking of getting a dark gray wolf, the same color as Ray's."Ace narrowed his eyes. "What brough
We were perched on the second floor, and while I had initially considered it as a potential escape route, it now seemed far less appealing than it had in my initial contemplation. The distant sound of bones cracking caught my attention, and when I glanced back at Billy, I saw him transforming into his wolf form.He growled at me, then leaped through the open window, landing with a clumsy grace that appeared to leave him unscathed. He shifted back into his human form with astonishing speed, making my head spin. Billy and Tony positioned themselves, arms outstretched, ready to catch me as I prepared to take the leap."You've got to be kidding me," I couldn't help but shout."Just jump, Elisa," Tony urged urgently. "Now."Damn it. This was my best shot. I took a deep breath, positioning myself on the window sill, with my legs dangling outside. Then, summoning every ounce of courage, I pushed off, praying that I wouldn't end up with a broken leg
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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