Akira’s POVHunter didn’t answer the question.Instead, he pulled her back in for another kiss, his hands roaming over her body as if he couldn’t get enough of her.My chest tightened painfully. What was this? Some kind of twisted show meant to humiliate me even more?When Kestrel finally broke the kiss, she turned her head, her eyes landing on me with a look of disgust that was impossible to miss. She eyed me up and down, her lips curling into a sneer.“So this is the infamous Akira,” she said with disdain, her voice dripping with contempt. “The daughter of that monster, Alpha Lupin. You look exactly like I imagined—a pathetic, broken thing.”Her words were like a punch to the gut. I don’t even know who the hell is this woman and she already hates me.It’s seemed like I’m popular around here, but not in a good way.I bit my lip, holding back whatever was about to spill over.I had always known the right answer for women like her, but somehow, I refused to succumb to her spitefulness.
As I stepped into the dungeon, the place was dark as always with tiny faint lights entering into the room. The chilly air that the room walls bring out nipped my skin and I wished I had a jacket or something that covered my skin.This single handed black even gown I’m wearing is no match for this chillness that comes in this room.Brielle was already fast asleep on the cold, hard ground, her small frame curled up tightly, seeking warmth that wasn’t there.Next to her was Lisa, she was still sitting up, her eyes wide open, staring into the darkness as if lost in thought. When she noticed me, she greeted me in a low tone, her voice barely above a whisper.“You’re back,” Lisa said, her voice soft but with an edge of curiosity. “What happened today? We didn’t see you since morning when you left to clean the hallway and lake the garden. Was the work too tedious? Especially bending on your knees to mop the hallway floor with that tiny towel?”I shrugged, trying to push away the weariness th
Akira’s POVI was back in my parents’ mansion, surrounded by the familiar scent of blooming roses in the garden. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over everything.I was laughing with my mother, feeling light and happy, like nothing could ever go wrong. My mother’s laughter was the sweetest sound, and was as comforting as ever.But suddenly, something shifted.My mother’s joyous expression faded, her face turning pale as if all the color had drained away. Her eyes widened in shock and fear, and then, without warning, she began to collapse.“Mom!” I cried out, rushing to her side as she dropped to the ground.My heart pounded in my chest as I knelt beside her, holding her fragile body in my arms.“Mom, please, talk to me!” I pleaded, shaking her gently, but there was no response. Her eyes were open, but they stared blankly ahead, unseeing.Panic surged through me as I looked down at her, and that’s when I saw it. Blood. There was blood spreading across her stomach, soak
Akira’s POVAs we walked down the hallway, I could feel my nerves tightening.The guard stopped in front of a door I didn’t recognize. This wasn’t Hunter’s library or his study, the places I’d been dragged to countless times before.No, this room was different, and the guard seemed hesitant, as if he was scared to knock. After what felt like an eternity, he finally knocked gently on the door, but there was no response. He tapped again, even softer this time, his hand trembling slightly.I couldn’t take it anymore.Frustrated, I stepped forward and banged heavily on the door, the sound echoing through the quiet hallway. The guard shot me a look of panic, but I didn’t care.“This isn’t the time for your gentle tapping,” I muttered under my breath, irritation lacing my words.Just as I was about to bang on the door again, it suddenly swung open.Hunter stood there; his muscular chest exposed as he tried to slip into a robe. He was cursing under his breath, something about taking the head
Akira’s POVIt had been two long weeks since Brielle had fallen ill. The first three days were filled with a flurry of activity as the doctor Hunter had requested began treating her. But despite his efforts, Brielle’s condition didn’t seem to improve.I spent those days in a constant state of anxiety, watching her struggle to breathe, her small body weakened by the fever that wouldn’t break.Then, out of nowhere, Hunter ordered that Brielle be moved from the dungeon to the servants' quarters.It was a decision that took me by surprise, but one I was grateful for, even if it meant that Lisa and I were left behind in this cold, dark cell.Every day and night since then, I couldn’t stop wondering about Brielle—whether she was responding to the treatment, if she was eating well, if she was being cared for properly.Whenever the servants came to bring food for Lisa and me, I would ask them about Brielle.“Is Brielle okay?” I’d inquire, trying to mask the desperation in my voice. But none o
Hunters’ POVThe evening was cool, and the moon shone brightly in the sky, casting a silver glow over the woods. The air was crisp, and the weather was decent enough for a run—just the way I liked it.This time of day was usually solitary for me, a time when I could exercise and clear my mind. I shifted into my werewolf form and felt the familiar rush of power as my muscles expanded, fur sprouting over my skin.With a low growl, I took off, my paws hitting the forest floor in a steady, powerful rhythm.Running like this, with the wind against my fur and the scent of the earth filling my senses, was the one thing that brought me peace.I’d been doing this since I was ten years old. I still remembered the first time I’d run through these woods. Back then, I was just a scared little boy, unable to protect my mother from my father’s wrath.Alpha Silver, the head of the Silver Moon pack, my father, had been a cruel man.I had watched helplessly as he battered my mother in the living room.
Hunter’s POVI froze, disbelief washing over me. It couldn’t be.But there she was, lying on the ground beneath me, her clothes slightly torn. Her breathing was ragged, her eyes wide with fear and pain.I dropped my claw. I turned to my human form. stepping back in shock. What the hell had I done?I stared down at her, my mind racing to make sense of what had just happened.Why was she out here? Why was she running? The questions bombarded me, but none of them mattered now.My chest tightened as I watched her struggle to breathe, her face contorted in pain.Then, she passed out.As I sat in my study, my mind churned with a storm of emotions, none of them was good. Akira lay unconscious on the couch, her chest rising and falling with each breath. I’d checked her pulse the moment I brought her in, and it was steady, but that didn’t do much to ease the anger boiling inside me.I was angry at her for trying to escape—again.I was angry at myself for almost hitting her, a woman, something
Akira’s POVWhen I quietly pushed open the door to our room that early morning, I saw the surprise flash across Lisa’s face. She probably thought I’d be long gone by now, far away from this mansion and the hellish grip of Hunter.Yesterday morning, when I told her I was planning to escape again, I could tell she wasn’t comfortable with the idea. But I assured her that I would leave alone by using my werewolf abilities to speed my escape and when I get help, I will come back for them. She didn’t even have to say much then; the worry in her eyes was enough to know what’s om her mind.“Akira,” Lisa whispered as I stepped into the room, her voice thick with concern. “What happened? You were supposed to be gone by now.”I sighed, closing the door behind me as I leaned back against it. “I got caught,” I said flatly, not wanting to relive the humiliation of being tackled by Hunter in the woods.Lisa’s eyes widened. “Caught? By who? Hunter?”I nodded, feeling the anger bubbling up inside me a
August’s POVI couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched. The café seemed calm on the surface, but my instincts told me otherwise.My eyes darted around the room, scanning every face and corner. It was a high-end spot, a place that catered to people like Jackson— humans and werewolves alike who preferred the illusion of safety and exclusivity; places where people of elites gather to boast of how rich they become and how much they had in store.Jackson had assured me this place was secure, that no one could get in without an invitation or a premium membership card. But I wasn’t buying it.Nothing was completely safe. Especially not for someone like me; a man most wanted by a man like Hunter.I adjusted the hoodie over my head, pulling it lower to shadow my face. My heart raced, each beat echoing in my ears as I walked through the café with my head down, avoiding eye contact with anyone. As much as I hated it, paranoia had become my constant companion in the past few weeks, es
Seth’s POVAfter the failed mission with August, I found myself sitting alone in my room, the heft of disappointment pressing heavily on my chest.The idea of involving Adolf, my most trusted informant, gnawed at the back of my mind. For weeks, I had resisted the urge. Hunter would never approve of me sharing sensitive pack issues with an outsider, even someone as skilled and loyal as Adolf.He always said that leaking such matters could make us vulnerable to our enemies, rival packs who would jump at the chance to exploit our weaknesses.However, I was desperate.Too much was at stake, and with August already involving his own informant, I figured Adolf’s involvement wouldn’t hurt. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself. If I wanted results, I needed the best, and Adolf was unmatched in his work.Convincing Adolf to take on this type of job hadn’t been easy. He wasn’t cheap, and I had to pay him double his usual fee to ensure he wouldn’t breathe a word of this to anyone.Still,
Seth’s POVThe sound of my fist pounding against August’s door echoed through the quiet morning. My heart was racing, anticipation coursing through me. This was it— after weeks of chasing shadows, we finally had a lead.The spy who had been working with Jackson was going to be revealed.I had barely caught my breath since receiving August’s early morning call. As soon as he said he had information about the spy meeting Jackson in a hidden location, I had jumped out of bed, thrown on my clothes, and rushed here without a second thought.I couldn’t wait not even thinking of eating my usual large breakfast. I needed to hear it directly from him.I knocked again, harder this time. My urgency must have been clear because, after a few moments, the door creaked open. August stood there, still looking half-asleep, his hair tousled and his eyes heavy.“Seth?” he asked, surprise flashing across his face.I didn’t bother with pleasantries.Pushing past him, I stepped into his living room. “Are y
August’s POV I scanned the garden for what felt like the hundredth time, frustration bubbling under my skin. She wasn’t here. “Where the hell is she?” I muttered under my breath. Akira was usually easy to find. Most days, I would spot her either tending to the garden or visiting the memorial grounds. But today, she seemed to have disappeared. I had been searching for her for nearly forty-five minutes, and I wasn’t leaving until I found her. I needed to see her, to talk to her. A thought crossed my mind, one that made my stomach churn. Was she avoiding me? Did she see me as a traitor now? I rubbed the back of my neck, the heaviness of uncertainty pressing down on me. Ever since that evening with Jackson, I’d been plagued with questions. Did she see me with Jackson? Did she see my face before I ran off in the wood? If Akira had seen me meeting with Jackson, surely, she would have told Hunter. Wouldn’t she? Unless… unless she chose not to because she still considered me a fr
Akira’s POVI entered my room and let the door shut quietly behind me. My legs felt like they couldn’t carry me anymore, and I sank to the ground, sliding into the corner of the room. I drew my knees up to my chest and let the tears flow freely.The sadness in my heart felt unbearable. How long will this continue? How long will they keep hating me? How long will this taunting words continue? I murmured to myself.I knew the answer, and it made the pain even worse. Afterall I had caused this. I couldn’t pretend otherwise. Every harsh word, every cold stare, every whispered insult— I had earned them.I closed my eyes, wishing I could turn back time. If I could just undo that one decision... If I could erase the day I ran away from Hunter’s pack and sought refuge with Jackson, everything would be different.I shook my head, my tears falling harder. Back then, I thought I was escaping a monster. And to think now that I thought Hunter was cruel, heartless, and dangerous. I was really fooli
Kestrel’s POVI hurried back to the kitchen as fast as I could. My failed attempt to pry information from Akira still stung, but I wasn’t giving up yet. That servant, the one who had boldly insulted her, was my next target.Surely, she wouldn’t be as difficult as Akira.When I stepped into the kitchen, I was met with silence. The loud commotion from earlier had completely dissipated. A few servants were busy with their tasks—chopping vegetables, stirring pots, and kneading dough—but there was no sign of the one I had come for.I stood there, scanning the room, unsure of what to do next. Should I ask the other servants about the incident? Would they even tell me anything useful?Before I could decide and almost made up my mind to ask the other female servant, the kitchen’s storage room door creaked open, and she stepped out.I smiled to myself. Perfect.The servant looked different now. Her shoulders slumped, and her face carried an air of sadness. It was strange. She had been so fierc
Kestrel’s POVI watched Akira disappear down the hallway, out of the kitchen and the small estate and heading to the main estate. Her steps hurried, almost as though she was trying to escape the harshness of the words hurled at her in the kitchen.My mind swirled with questions about what I had just witnessed. Seeing her humiliated like that, seeing her near the brink of tears— it was oddly satisfying. I couldn’t deny it.A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. She deserved it, every bit of it.Still, an idea crept into my head, one I couldn’t ignore.What if I went to her now, pretending to care? It would be a perfect opportunity to dig deeper, to find out what was really going on. The mighty Akira brought low was a rare sight, and I wasn’t about to waste it.Without bothering to grab the snack I had originally gone to the kitchen for, I quickly followed her down the hall.“Akira,” I called out, my voice laced with a false sweetness.She didn’t stop. She didn’t even turn around inst
Kestrel’s POV Standing at the desk in sitting room of Hunter home, I tossed the paperwork I had been pretending to work on across the table. My head pounded from staring at the meaningless columns of numbers, my eyes darting repeatedly toward the clock. No matter how hard I tried to focus, my mind always circled back to Hunter— and Akira. I stretched my arms above my head, rolling my shoulders. My muscles were tense, a clear reflection of my frustration. Pretending to support their ridiculous union had been more exhausting than I had anticipated. Coming here to apology weeks ago had been my only way back into the pack’s fold, but every word I’d spoken had burned my tongue. Apologize to that Akira? A mere upstart who had stolen everything from me? I sighed remembering how they had acted when I walked in on them apologizing for the very thing I hated; their union. No matter how it may still sound, Hunter was mine. Or at least, he should have been. Why shouldn’t we be together? W
August’s POVTaking a deep breath, I forced a neutral expression onto my face and opened the door. “Seth,” I said, feigning surprise. “Didn’t expect to see you here. What brings you by?”He didn’t answer immediately, his sharp eyes scanning me from head to toe. “Can I come in?” he finally asked, his tone unreadable.I hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping aside to let him in. “Sure. Make yourself at home,” I said, trying to keep my voice casual.Seth walked in, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey, his tall frame casting a shadow across my dimly lit living room. My heart raced, pounding in my chest like a trapped bird, but I forced myself to stay calm. I plastered a neutral expression on my face, hoping it would mask the sheer panic bubbling beneath the surface.Inside, my mind was racing. What was he doing here? Had Akira told him what she saw? Did he suspect me? Did he know? Had Akira seen more than I thought?He didn’t sit down, he ju