A while ago…Lily POVThe rain pelted against the window; the rhythm was perfect a contrast to the jumbled emotions swirling withing me. My mind was still whirling with confusion and exhaustion. The remnants of my fever still teased at the edges of my consciousness, clouding my thoughts, but it was not enough to dull the discomfort coursing through me.My body ached, not from the fever itself, but from something deeper – something primal. I could sense it pulsing within me, like an unspoken yearning that twisted my insides.My heart raced as Lucas pressed close, his breath warm against my lips, his familiar scent enveloping me. I knew what was coming - his lips seeking mine. My heart quickened but I didn’t feel the excitement I once felt with him. There was a pull of familiarity, yes, but also a sickening heaviness almost irritation.I wanted to move, to avoid the kiss that seemed inevitable, but my body betrayed me. The comfort from kissing him, the memory of our countless embraces h
Lucas POVI crashed to the ground from Lily’s bedroom. I fell so hard that it took me a minute to come back to myself.I lay on the damp grass, dazed and struggling to catch my breath. My back throbbed with pain but I wasn’t even thinking of how I was thrown out of the window; it was the person I had fought with that my mind was.The strength that was used on me couldn’t be that of a mere warrior – that had to be the infamous Alpha Kai – Alpha of the Royal Hunters pack. As my vision cleared, I scanned the area, searching for any sign of Alpha Kai but the yard was empty. Slowly, I hoisted myself into a sitting position, my body protesting with pain.Confusion loomed in my mind as I thought: Why had the Alpha been in Lily’s bedroom? My wolf stirred with unease inside me.“Did you feel Lily?” I asked Tera, my wolf. “Did you feel our mate bond?”“Yes!” Tera responded immediately. “I sensed her wolf, Lucas. Lily has one now, her wolf has finally emerged.”My heart leapt with joy at the inf
A few days later…Lily POVWhen I woke up, it felt like a lifetime had passed.Consciousness returned to me slowly, like waves lapping at the shore of my mind. The room was dim, the curtain drawn to keep out the harsh afternoon light. My body ached from lingering exhaustion that seemed to come from my bones.For a moment, I was disoriented trying to remember what had happened and why I was in bed again when Nala – my wolf’s voice filtered into my mind.“You’re back!” Nala sounded relieved “You went into another coma because of exhaustion,” she added. “You pushed yourself too hard. Your body needed rest and I was helping you heal.”I sighed, sinking back into the pillows, my mind was still foggy but it was slowly clearing. Snippets of everything that happened before the second coma slowly came to me. “My mate…” I began “Is it true? Is the Alpha really our mate?”My wolf was silent for a minute as if it was considering my question. “How do you feel about him? What do you feel about Alp
Kai POVI could sense her hesitation… I could feel it deep within our mate bond.She shook her head. “I don’t know,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “It’s just… too much.”My grip tightened slightly, afraid that she might slip away from me. But then, seeing the exhaustion in her eyes, I softened. Gently, I brought her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckle.“I’m sorry, it’s my fault. I’m pushing too hard. You’ve only just awakened and there’s so much you don’t know yet. I’m just excited… I’m sorry!” I said again.“Maybe!” she gave me a thin smile.“Don’t worry,” I said taking my hands away from her waist, Hud whined within me but I cut off his voice. He had to learn how to be patient. “We take it one day at a time. I’m not asking for everything all at once, Lily. But if you give me a chance, you’ll know we are meant to be together.”“Okay!’ she said softly, a tentative smile forming on her lips. “One day at a time.”“Good! Rest now!” I murmured. “We’ll talk more when you’re ready an
Kai POVI leaned against the windowsill in Lily’s room, my mind clouded by the events of the past few days. My mother’s influence was still potent over my every decision and felt like a shadow that refused to dissipate. I’d left my mother’s office in a state of frustrated anger, but now as the initial surge of irritation faded, the hard truth began to seep him.I couldn’t take Lily back with me, at least not yet. Not while my mother remained against the idea of me finding my fated mate. The thought of it gnawed at me, especially since I couldn’t understand why my mother was so vehemently against it. What was she hiding? And why did it matter so much to her? It didn’t make sense. In our society, true mates – fated mates were revered, and seen as a blessing from the Moon Goddess herself. His mother of all people should understand the significance.Giving my mother’s subtle plans with Briella made it painfully clear that introducing Lily right now would only be disastrous. Not just for
Kai POVSomething was wrong!I felt it even before she voiced it out. As Hud reached out to Lily's wolf, ready to initiate the marking process, I felt resistance. Where there should have been an open channel, a merging of our wolves.It was as if an invisible wall had been erected between us, blocking the connection I so desperately craved. I froze when I heard her plea, hating the way she moved away from me… confusion and frustration washed over me in equal measure.Hud growled in displeasure, feeling the rejection in a way that stung deeper than I’d anticipated.“Please! Let’s stop!” she said, pushing farther from me.I pulled back, confusion and hurt etched across my features. Searching her eyes for answers. “Lily,” I said, trying to hide the pain in my voice. “What’s wrong? Did I… did I do something to upset you? Do you not… want this?”She blinked, her expression filled with a mix of uncertainty, hesitation and guilt. “No, Kai, it’s not… I mean, I don’t…” she trailed off, she bit
Lily POVThe morning sun filtered through the car windows, casting a warm glow on my face as Celeste drove me to school. I sat quietly in the passenger seat, gazing out at the passing scenery, lost in thoughts.The past few days had felt like a lifetime-long movie, to say the least. Ever since Nala – my wolf awakened, everything seemed to have shifted, both around me and within me.“You know!” Celeste said glancing sideways at me. “You look different.”I tensed leaning over to stare at the side mirrors. I didn’t notice anything strange with me. “Different how?” I turned back to her.Celeste smiled, her eyes flickering between me and the road. “Good different, Lily. You look… more mature – grownup, I dare say. Like you’ve grown into yourself overnight and more beautiful. Your wolf suits you so well. Do you know her name yet?”I blushed, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. I wasn’t used to such direct compliments, especially not about my appearance. “Her name is Nala,” I mumbled “And th
Kai POVIt’s been days since I and Lily last spoke and the distance between us was slowly driving me to the brink of madness.Each passing hour away from her felt like an eternity, Hud had refused to speak to me because I had refused to take him to see Lily.I sat at my desk, staring blankly at the paperwork piled in front of me, my mind completely elsewhere. No matter how hard I tried to focus, my thoughts kept drifting back to Lily. How could she stand not seeing or hearing from me for so long? The thought alone twisted like a knife in my gut.It was as if she didn’t care that we were mates. The thoughts infuriated me. I, on the other hand, found it nearly impossible to focus on anything but her. I couldn’t go a single hour without thinking of her, and yet she seemed completely unfazed.A soft knock on the door startled me from my brooding. But before I could respond, the door swung open and Briella – my so-called assistant walked in. Though being my assistant, she was not able to d
Lucas POVI sat in my study, nursing a glass of whisky as a storm brewed in my mind.The revelation that Lily wasn’t Alpha Gregory’s biological daughter had changed everything. It explained so much—the coldness she had endured, the scorn from certain members of the pack, the maltreatment from both her father and her sister. It all made sense now.I clenched my jaw, the glass trembling slightly in my grip.No wonder he had been determined to drive her out of the pack in the middle of the night with nothing but an old rickety car. Alpha Gregory, the man who had raised her, who had pretended to be her father, had been behind it all.My wolf snarled beneath my skin. How many times had Lily cried herself to sleep, believing she wasn’t good enough? How many times she had endured the pack’s whispers, the subtle jabs that she killed her mother and the not-so-subtle exclusion?I set my glass down, leaning back in my chair as a grim determination settled over me. I had failed to protect Lily in
Lily POVI flinched at the words but I held my tongue.“You’re not the mate I would have chosen for my son,” she continued coldly. “But Kai made his choice, and as much as I disagree, I have to respect it.”I swallowed hard, my heart sinking further with every word. I thought the learning sessions with her occasionally meant we were bonding. Guess I was wrong.“Luna Helen, I-”“Don’t,” she raised her hand, stopping me mid-sentence. “I’m not here to scold you. I’m here to warn you.”The air in the car seemed to grow thicker.“But before I do that,” she continued lowering her voice as if she wanted to tell me a secret, “this situation with the she-wolf is different. It’s dangerous. Well, the woman is not dangerous in the way you might think, but dangerous.”My brows knitted in confusion. “Dangerous? How?”Luna Helen’s expression darkened. “You don’t understand the influence someone like her can have over an Alpha. A connection—whether from the past or something more recent – can disrupt
Lily POV“I’m sorry to interrupt,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “But I need to talk to Kai.”Luna Helen pursed her lips, but she gave a stiff nod. “We’re not finished here,” she said to Kai before turning and walking away, her heels clicking against the polished floor. As soon as we were alone, Kai sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. He looked exhausted, shadows under his eyes, and tension etched into every line of his face.“What are you doing here, Lily?” he asked. His tone was not unkind but distant.I stepped closer, my hands clenching into fists at my sides. “I could ask you the same thing. You’ve been avoiding me for days, Kai. If it’s not this hospital, it’s somewhere else. What’s going on, Kai? What about us? Who is she, truly?”His expression hardened and his gaze drifted to the almost lifeless form of the woman lying on the bed, then back at me. Suddenly, he stirred me towards the door, taking one last glance as we closed
LilyI took Celeste’s advice.My heart pounded as I made my way to the pack hospital. The air was crisp, and the faint scent of pine mingled with the distant sound of chirping birds returning home to their nests for the evening, but none of it eased my nerves.I could hardly sleep last night, going over Kai’s distant behaviour, replaying every word, every moment where he had ignored me, and it was driving me mad.It was not just about the mysterious she-wolf anymore, but about Kai shutting me out completely. I feared the growing distance between us would become insurmountable if I didn’t confront him now.But today, I could confront him.When I reached the hospital, I continued to the VIP floor. The VIP floor was a world of its own. It was quiet, exclusive, and reserved for only members of the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma families. I had been here before, but today felt different.As the elevator stopped and I stepped onto the floor, squaring my shoulders, preparing myself for whatever lay
Lucas POVSince our mating ceremony, I didn’t only gain Vanessa’s trust but also the pack’s respect.The grand hall of the Golden Moon Pack shimmered with opulence, with crystal chandeliers casting soft, golden light across the gathering. Tonight, it was a celebration of the annual Moonlight Gala, the most prestigious event in our social calendar every year.I stood beside Vanessa, my arm loosely draped around her waist. She looked stunning in a deep emerald gown that clung to her curves, her radiant smile drawing attention from everyone in the hall. This would be our first appearance as mates since our ceremony.The gala celebrated the pack’s achievements for the year. Speeches were made, and awards were distributed. Aside from that, this would be a perfect opportunity to begin my plan. I wanted the pack for myself.I was tired of waiting for Alpha Gregory Stone—Vanessa’s father- to die or willingly retire before he handed over the reins of the pack to me entirely. I wanted to be in
Lily POVThat evening, I walked towards the Pack Hospital. Each step felt like walking on hot coal. I wasn't sure what I would find there or what I even wanted to say, but I needed answers.I was sure it was just the maids gossiping, as usual. I was sure it wasn't Kai, but somehow, for the sake of all the doubts running around my head, I needed to clear them.The pack hospital was quiet as I approached. Using the signs, I took the elevator to the VIP floor until I stopped at the door that read 'Alpha'. Steeling myself, I moved closer to the door, wondering if knocking would be a better option or something else.Just as I contemplated, the door swivelled open, and a team of healers and nurses stepped out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar. Thankful for the quick fix, I moved closer and peeked in.Kai was sitting beside the bed of the injured she-wolf. His shoulders were sagged as if the world's weight was on him. He stared intently at her as if his gaze were her oxygen. The sh
Lily POVThe day passed in a blur.I attended all my classes, barely able to concentrate as my thoughts kept drifting back to Kai. I replayed our last few interactions from a week ago, searching for clues or signs I might have missed.But there was none.So, what was the problem?After my last class, I rushed to the pack house, determined to wait for Kai. I won’t let his distance or silence push me away. If he needed time, I would give it to him, but I needed to hear the words from his mouth—I deserve that honesty, at least.I waited all afternoon for him, but he didn’t come home. Suspecting he was held up at the office, I decided to work on my school project.By evening, there was still no sign of him. I busied myself with inconsequential tasks around the house, hoping he’d come home soon.I opened several gift boxes sent to Kai… Some were already a year old. I reheated dinner—I didn’t eat yet; I wanted us to eat together and in my mind; I kept rehearsing everything I would say to hi
Lily POVI paced the length of the living room in the pack house, my mind replaying everything that had happened that day.Kai’s cold dismissal at the hospital had stung more than I wanted to admit. I’d come to his side out of concern, but he’d pushed me away as though I was some stranger.I had left out of anger and the plan was to go back to my dormitory and never bother myself with him again until he reached out, but here; I was still waiting for him. I made some food for him, hoping he would come back any moment soon.But after 9 pm, I was growing worried.It was well past midnight when I heard the front door creak open, announcing his arrival. I froze where I sat on the couch in the living room, my heart racing with fear and anger. Deciding I would approach calmly and reasonably. I had to address what happened today.As he stepped into the living room, I rose to my feet, watching as he paused slightly; his face was pale and weary, dark circles shadowing his features. His shirt w
Kai POVI cradled the lady in my arms, gazing at her. This was definitely the face of the woman I’d been seeing in my visions. The eyes, the nose, the lips, everything about her was familiar.I felt a close affinity with her, even though everything was just so mysterious. But at least, I knew her name—Maya, and that was something.A while later, the ambulance arrived and the Para-healers that had come with it gave her first aid, after which they strapped her onto a stretcher and loaded her behind the van.“She’ll be fine, Alpha,” one of the Para-healers said assuring. “Her vitals are good, although she has loosed a lot of blood, but she’ll be fine. We’ll take her to the pack hospital immediately.”I nodded. “Thank you so much for coming at such short notice.”“No problem, Alpha. I’ll give you feedback on how everything goes from here on.”“You don’t need to do that,” I brushed past him, hoisting myself to the back of the ambulance “Because I’m going with you to the hospital.”The Para