Celeste’s POV
“What are you doing here?” I asked, confused.
“Are you going to let me in?” he asked.
I swallowed. “I’m… sure…yes.”
Stepping aside, I made way for him. He walked in like he owned the room. I had never expected him to come here.
What the freaking hell did he want?
His eyes scanned every inch of my room, and I became scared.
“Not bad,” he said, nodding.
“Huh?”
“You kept the room clean,” he added.
Was that him mocking me? Or was I just too serious?
“Kaidën,” I called hesitantly. I flinched when his cold gaze snapped to mine. “Um, I mean Alpha Kaidën. What do you want? Did I do something wrong?”
“No,” he answered and looked at me. "I wanted to see you."
This time, I was confused and held my breath.
My eyes widened. Me?
“Breathe, Celeste. I'm not here to kill you,” he continued.
His gaze roamed over me like I was an object under inspection. I suddenly felt too exposed in my thin nightshirt, my skin still bearing the marks of Elena’s earlier assault.
“How badly do you want to leave here?” he asked.
Was that a trick question? Or was he really offering me a way out?
“A lot,” I answered. “The room’s pretty small.”
He smiled at that, an amused, almost condescending smirk. Like I had just said something cute.
“Then you wouldn’t mind moving to the omega’s quarters, would you?” he asked.
“You’d do that?” I asked, surprised.
“Yes,” he said, coming closer to me. "If you're ready to do whatever I say."
“I’ll do anything,” I said, desperately.
“Will you now?” His voice dropped, the amusement in his tone unsettling.
Something about his sudden generosity felt wrong. Kaidën was never this chatty, never this attentive. It made my stomach twist.
“Yes,” I forced out.
He leaned in, his breath brushing my ear. “If you want it so badly, then beg me.”
I stiffened. “What?”
He smirked, pulling back just enough to see my reaction.
I hesitated for half a second, then swallowed my pride. “Please,” I whispered. “Take me out of here. I’ll do anything.”
The omega quarters had actual rooms, not just cramped storage spaces with mattresses on the floor. It would give me privacy, a break from relentless work. And if the others knew Kaïdën had placed me there, maybe they’d stop picking on me. At least publicly.
“Sure,” he answered easily.
Relief washed over me. “Really?” I gasped, grabbing his arm before I could stop myself.
“Thank you so much, Alpha.”
His eyes flickered down to where my fingers clutched his sleeve. I released him immediately, heat rushing to my face.
His expression darkened as his gaze lifted, locking onto mine. I quickly looked away.
He stepped closer, and I took a step back each time he moved. “Do I make you uncomfortable?” he asked calmly.
I quickly shook my head. “N-No.”
He moved again. I instinctively stepped back. He followed.
I kept retreating until my back hit the door.
Kaïdën leaned in, his hands bracing against the doorframe on either side of me. My pulse roared in my ears.
“Are you sure about that?” he murmured.
“Y…yes,” I whispered.
“Then look at me.”
I forced my eyes up, my lashes fluttering as they met his. He smiled.
“There. That’s better,” he mused.
I had nowhere to run. His face was barely inches away from mine, his dark eyes unreadable.
My heart pounded as he leaned even closer.
What is he going to do?
“I’ve helped you,” he murmured. “Now I’ll need something in return.”
My throat tightened. “What’s that?”
His gaze dipped to my lips.
I shivered.
“Uhh…” I stammered.
“Be mine,” he said simply.
I blinked. “Yours?”
Was he asking me out? Did he finally notice me? Don't be fooled by him, Celeste. He's a player.
No. Kaidën never cared for love.
He had omega and beta she-wolves willing to throw themselves at his feet. They practically worshipped him.
Was this a joke? He didn't think I would be like the other she-wolves, did he?
Stupid bastard!
“I want you, Celeste,” he said, his voice like silk over steel. “Be my mistress.”
My stomach dropped.
Mistress.
Not his mate. Not his woman.
His plaything.
I clenched my fists.
“I can give you protection,” he continued. “No one would dare lay a hand on you.”
Jerk. Pervert. Let's see how you like it when I send your ass to hell.
I shoved him back, angrily. He wasn't affected and barely stepped back. But I was happy with the surprised look on his face. He had thought I would give in.
“No, thanks,” I spat. “I’d rather die than be your toy.”
I shuddered, hearing him laugh.
"You believe you have an option, don't you?" he inquired.
"Yes, I do. I am not your property."
He stepped closer and grabbed my wrist. His hold tightened cruelly, like steel.
I tried to pull away by yelling. "You're hurting me, stop!"
"Celeste, you're weak," he sneered. “Don’t forget, you don’t even have a wolf. You should be grateful I consider you good enough to be in my bed!”
His bed?
My breathing increased and I fumed.
Everything he said hurt like hell and I winced as his grip tightened.
“You belong to me,” he said. “Every part of you.”
A shudder ran down my spine.
Kaidën had never been violent toward me before.
I struggled against his hold, but it was useless. His strength easily overpowered mine.
Then, without warning, he flung me onto the mattress after spinning me around.
He dropped to his knees and followed me as I gasped and stumbled back. I hastily felt about, for anything I could use as a weapon.
He watched me and said, "You have to be faster than that."
"Please don't do this, Kaidën," I pleaded.
He took hold of my ankle and dragged me onto the bed.
My wrists were pinched over my head by his hand while his body hovered over me.
“I own you,” he murmured.
I gritted my teeth. “No, you don’t!”
He chuckled. “You’re stubborn. I like that.”
I twisted beneath him, but his grip held firm.
“I’d like to see how long you can hold up,” he mused.
“You’re a sick pervert!” I spat.
His smirk deepened.
His fingers trailed along my jaw, tilting my face up.
“Go to hell,” I snarled.
“You’re already there, sweetheart,” he murmured.
Then…
BZZZT.
His phone vibrated in his pocket.
He exhaled sharply, his patience visibly thinning. Without looking, he yanked the device out and answered it.
“What?” he snapped.
He listened, taking his other hand off me.
Then his expression darkened.
“Alpha Killian is here,” the voice on the other end informed him.
Kaidën’s jaw tightened.
“Now?” he growled.
“Yes, boss,” the voice answered.
His fingers flexed at his sides before he exhaled through his nose, clearly annoyed.
“Fine. I’ll be there,” he bit out.
He hung up, putting the phone back into his pocket.
“Clean yourself up,” he ordered. “You’ll be serving the men at the meeting.”
He turned to the door but hesitated.
“Oh,” he added, smirking slightly. “And make sure you don’t mess up. ”
“One more thing,” he said, turning to me. “Make sure you’re in my bed after the meeting.”
I turned pale, panting softly. He smiled walking closer to me and whispered. “You smell so nice.”
I shook, praying the ground would open and swallow me completely.
He seemed to enjoy me panicking as his smirk widened.
“You won’t be getting out of it next time,” he said casually.
Then he walked out, leaving me frozen.
My body trembled with rage and fear as the door clicked shut behind him.
I had just made the strongest man in the pack angry at me.
Killian’s POVI got out of the car. My men did the same as our cars packed before the Moonstone Howl pack. Taking off my sunshades, I took in the view of the large house, pleased with the architectural design.The smell of smoke and marijuana hit my nose as my men and I walked into the entrance hall. The men stood at once as if they sensed a threat. They moved back and dropped their smoke until an escort came. He was dressed just like my men, in a black suit and tie. “Welcome, Alpha Killian,” he greeted. “Alpha Kaidën is waiting for you. Please follow me.”I followed with my men, letting him lead the way. The other men continued smoking their cigars. The hallway was filled with the movement of our shoes, leading to a larger hallway. Two bodyguards dressed like The escort stiffened as they watched us get closer. “Alpha Kaidën’s guests,” the escort spoke and they took one more look at me. I watched the escort go closer and whisper into their eyes and they froze. “A…alpha Killian,”
Celeste's POVI stood frozen, unable to understand what was going on. “Come,” Killian said. I felt more afraid of him than Kaidën. I swallowed, hesitating before stretching my hand to take his. The moment our hands touched, I felt a spark. I noticed his eyes light up like he felt it too. His long fingers held mine firmly and I shivered. “Do you have anything you would like to take with you?” He asked softly but it felt cold despite his calmness. I looked around, and my eyes rested on Kaidën’s. He looked pissed and could tear me apart in seconds. “Yes, a few of my things,” I answered remembering my father's journal. “Go get them,” Killian instructed and I nodded, and moved my hands but they stayed still. I looked at my hands and Killian finally let go. I ran to my room, packing everything I could find in my small worn-out bag. My eyes caught the journal on the floor and I hastily picked it up and left the room.I returned to Killian and he held my hand and led me out. The men mo
Celeste’s POVThe scent hit me first. It was rich, dark, and suffocatingly masculine. A mix of cedarwood and something deeper, almost sinful. My eyelashes moved and I opened my eyes looking at the large unfamiliar room. Only it wasn't mine. Panic surged before my eyes even though they were open. The bed beneath me was too soft, the sheets too smooth, carrying the unmistakable scent of him. My breath caught as I forced my heavy limbs to move, fingers gripping the silky duvet to steady myself. My body felt weak, but my pulse was a deafening drum in my ears.Where the hell was I? What happened to me?The whole room was painted in ash and cream. I looked up at the large white ceiling.Was I dead? Oh no. I touched myself, pinching my cheeks to be sure I wasn’t dead. “Ouch,” I groaned and rubbed my cheek. I continued scanning the room and noticed the air humidifier and the air conditioner. Where the heck was I? I forced my legs over the side of the bed, my bare feet meeting the cold
Killian’s POVI never thought a simple dinner would test my control as much as this one did.It wasn’t just the food, though the steak was perfectly seared, or the wine. Neither was it the setting, but her. I had sent the maid to get her and it had been thirty minutes and she wasn't down yet. The door to my study opened, and Celeste walked in.Her sky-blue knee-length dress fitted perfectly on her pale skin and clung to her curves. I held the fork, looking at her shocked as my heart began to beat faster. My mind began to wander to places it shouldn't have. The low heels only made her steps more graceful as she approached, her eyes trained straight ahead, avoiding mine for the most part. She had no idea just how much control she was testing at that moment.She was perfect; too perfect, for a moment like this.I had asked for her presence. It was my rule that she would follow, but I still wasn’t prepared for the way my blood roared when she entered. My eyes snapped to her like a mag
Celeste’s POV“Go to your room,” Killian commanded.This time I obeyed, scared to make him more angry. I walked away, climbing the stairs and disaster struck.I heard a sharp snap and my heel broke.I gasped, my balance shifting wildly, my hand barely catching the railing before I could crash onto the steps.Before I could steady myself, strong arms swept me off my feet.My breath hitched as I found myself lifted effortlessly into his arms.“You’re not going anywhe
Celeste's POV:The Next Morning:I couldn't sleep all night and was in that bathroom the minute the sun rose. I let the water run down my skin.It was stupid of me to think I could make it through. The memories of last night flashed back to my mind.His hands moving up my thighs and his bright blue eyes that were always cold.Why was I thinking of him? I must be insane.I shook my head sideways, trying to get the thoughts of him out of my head and turned off the shower.
Celeste's POVAnger flared in my chest, but I held it down and I nodded calmly. “Yes. I understand.”He moved past me toward the doors. “Clara will show you around.”A woman appeared beside me. I hadn’t even heard her coming. She was a different maid, a few years older than I was.She was small, soft-looking, with dark skin and curly brown hair. Her expression was warm, unlike the rest of the people here.I followed Clara out of the office, my shoulders tense as we walked down the hall.She smiled gently. “You shouldn't let
Celeste's POVI felt a wet clothes clump on my body. What was I thinking?"You glowed last night." I heard a low voice inside my head.I was in darkness and could not move my body."How is that even possible?" The deep voice continued. I knew this voice.I tried to shift, and my body ached. Something was wrong. I could still feel the wet cloth move on my shoulder once more.What's happening? Stop.I opened my eyes, blinking, and they settled on his."Killian," I whispered.My eyes slowly adapted to the light as I winced. "Why are you here?" I asked."You fainted last night." He spoke softly. He was sitting at the foot of my bed, his arms around my head.His eyes, not leaving mine. My throat felt dry, and I swallowed to make it wet."W…what?" I stuttered. "What are you?" he whispered."Huh?" I breathed softly, looking around and back at him. "Your birthmark," he said, shifting his eyes to my shoulder.I drew my arm across my chest. My cheeks turned a bright red. "Flipping heck." "
Selene’s POV: Celeste was slipping.I watched her from the mirror every day, fighting against the seed of doubt I had put in her mind. It made me furious to see she still had the spirit to refuse me. I needed her to be done with Killian as fast as possible. Only a great heartbreak could fully awaken her power, and since she was under my spell. I would have access to her powers and be rewarded with immortality.She was almost there. I just needed to add more flame. Something to make her act out and lose Killian's trust. Each time she defied my instructions, I increased the spell’s effect. Twice, she fell off the bed, and I felt my blood boil when Killian came to check up on her just when I started. I made her attack him in her sleep, and he pinned her down till the next morning. She was pathetic, as I expected. On the seventh day, I had completely invaded her mind and made her stay longer doing what I asked. I kept creating and heightening her father's death at the hands of Killi
Celeste’s POVThe darkness lay out before me, waiting still. They reeked of gunpowder and of gas, of memories of where I was and what sort of world this was that I was a captive in. Killian vanished into the dark alley. I had been observing him for days, building up his actions, waiting to get the timing perfect to reveal him for who he actually was.A murderer. The man who killed my father.The image burned my mind, pushing me on as I crept noiselessly down the manor corridors. I easily moved past the room leading to the doorway. The lower I descended, the more I felt smothered. I kept following him, and almost gave up when he walked into another hallway. I remained behind, resting against the courtyard wall as Killian stood beneath the faint illumination of the overhead light bulbs. He was not alone. There were other men around him, and they were standing too close. His tone was low, and each sentence softly commandingly declared. "The delivery will be made at dawn. Any hindra
Killian’s POVCeleste's body trembled in my arms, her breath turned irregular, her chest became cold. The moment I saved her back from falling, something within me twisted. It was the sick, disgusting awareness that I had nearly lost her.I had saved her from committing suicide, but that was not what unsettled me. When I pulled her away from the hug gradually, I noticed her eyes. They glowed…green.No normal wolf had eyes like that, and even if she weren't a normal wolf. I had first seen her eyes when her birthmark had glowed and they were blue.She floated in and out of consciousness from the second I drew her away from the edge of the stairs."Celeste," I whispered, shaking her lightly. But She gave no response.Her lashes fluttered, and her lips opened, but she was held by whatever nightmare pulled at her below.My jaw tightened as I dragged her back in. As her body tensed in my arms, a harsh whisper fell from her lips."Please…don't…kill him."Kill who?I was scared for her. She'd
Celeste’s POVI felt warm and safe. Killian’s steady breathing kept me at peace. His arm held me closer to him. I could stay like this forever. I felt it, the sudden movement of something creepy pressing against my chest. My mouth opened slightly as I tried to breathe in, and a gust of air moved in my nose and mouth. “Wake up,” the voice whispered. It wasn't mine and I couldn't ignore it. “Wake up,” it commanded. Its voice was stronger and I shivered. My eyelids opened, even when I felt sleepy. I got off the bed and slowly turned my gaze to Killian. He stirred in his sleep, turning a little bit to his right. I felt a silent war waged inside me. What was wrong with me? I couldn't control my body. “Killian is a liar.” The voice in my head spoke. It was confident and demanding. I listened to every one of its words and agreed with every one of them. “For myself,” I repeated calmly and glared at Killian with a murderous intent. Staring at him, the room changed into a different
Selene’s POV“Cumhacht mo chroí…” I chanted. “daingnigh mo lámha,...”The wind started and dropped. I was losing concentration. “Ugh,” I groaned. “What the hell?” I took a deep breath and started all over. “Cumhacht mo chroí, daingnigh mo lámha,Ceangail mo neart, stiúir mo bhrí.Le fuil agus anam, fan i gceart,Is mise an draoi, i gcothromaíocht sí.”Reciting the spell for control while I was losing control of my anger didn't do anything. I gave up and stood from the floor. “Hell, this is stupid!” I yelled and sat on my bed, fuming. My eyes went to the flickering candlelight on the bedside table. The flames mocked me. It had been days since Killian dared to ban me from training Celeste, and the rage inside me burned hotter than I remembered.Squeezing the sheets on the bed, my nail tore at the fabric. How dare he? How dare he stand between me and her? I hated his protectiveness. How was I supposed to mold her if I was locked out? Lord Malthus would not be pleased if he knew. I
Joan’s POVThe first bullet shot went past my ear, and I dodged. It embedded itself into the metal crate beside me. Then another came, hitting one of my men directly in the chest, causing his body to jerk before he hit the floor. “Sam! I'm going to kill you!” I yelled. All hell broke loose. A deafening barrage of gunfire filled the warehouse without any signs of stopping. “Not if I kill you first,” Sam responded and half his men transformed into werewolves. My men followed, and each group attacked, digging their claws and teeth into the otherSam and his men continued shooting, and I hid behind the stack of metal crates to reload my gun. I had fallen for his trap. “Keep them cornered! Don't let them regroup!” Lucas commanded his team. I gnawed. If only I could get my hands on him. I looked out from my hiding place and fired three shots quickly. Lucas barely dodged the first two, and the third bullet struck his shoulder, making him stagger backward. His eyes fell on mine and I
Sam’s POVJoan’s mouth was still partially open, her face frozen in surprise as I walked away from her. I allowed a smirk to hitch at the corner of my mouth and strode out of the office without another word. It was a fun reaction, but it paled in comparison to what came next.All I could hear in the corridor was the echo of my boots against the polished floor. Joan had ruled long enough. Her hesitation made her weak. And in this world, weakness was a killer’s sentence.I finally made it to my room and closed the door. Locking it was merely a formality, as one would ever dare enter without knocking. When I dragged my bed aside, I revealed what few people had known existed. A steel hatch set into the floor. I crouched, prying it open. The cool air blew up from below, bear
Joan’s POVThe floor-to-ceiling windows opened to a forest beyond, and the cold wind slapped my cheeks as I stared at all that surrounded me. A faint light above the rain-slick streets below.From this height, everything looked small and worthless. My men flittered about like ants, carrying some covered lids of wooden boxes. When they walked into the building with some iron boxes, I smiled.“The orders have come,” I mumbled, returning to my chair. Then, without delay, I poured myself a glass of whiskey.I sipped and felt the burn that it gave my throat.I swirled the whiskey around my glass, examining how the bright light caught the amber liquid. Opposite me, two of my men stood
Celeste’s POVThat need pulsed between us, the air taut with it. Killian stepped forward, his predatory gaze locking onto mine and my breath hitched. That raw intensity in his eyes made me shiver with heat curling deep in my belly.“You’re the most stubborn, reckless woman I’ve ever known,” he muttered, the words with a low growl.His eyes danced down to my lips, and he gripped my chin between his fingers, tilting my face up to align parallel with his.“Killian…I,” I stuttered.“Shh,” he said softly and brought his hands to my neck. The gasp flew from my mouth as his f