“Doctor South?” Derek echoed, his eyes wide with shock. “You?!”“Yes, I am Doctor South,” Ella said with a small smile, relishing the moment of revelation. She turned to follow Felix inside, leaving Derek and his assistant stunned. They trailed after her, their expressions betraying their disbelief.Inside, Derek's gaze shifted around the room, landing on a portrait of Ella and Alpha Moore. In the image, Moore’s arms were wrapped possessively around Ella as they both smiled contentedly. An uncontrollable surge of jealousy bubbled up inside Derek as he watched Ella take a seat beside Moore, her hand resting on his lap while Moore draped an arm across her shoulders protectively.“I’m Alpha Moore,” Moore spoke first, his voice laced with subtle amusement. “I believe you’ve already met my Luna, Dr. South. Please, have a seat.”Derek, his hands buried in his pockets, stood defiantly as he glared at him, the jealousy bubbling beneath his cool facade. "I’m simply surprised to see that a She-
Derek stood stunned for a second as he watched her walk away.Derek, however, wasn’t about to let her go that easily.He followed her out, his voice rising as he called after her. "I mean it, Ella! Just give us a chance. Please, hear me out!"Ella stopped in her tracks, her hands clenching into fists as she fought to keep her composure. She spun around to face him, her eyes blazing with anger. "A chance?! What happened to the first chance you had? Please stop using your fake affections!" she shouted, her voice trembling with barely contained fury. "Just get to the point!" ”What exactly do you want from me Alpha Derek?”Derek’s jaw clenched as he took a deep breath, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "Fine," he growled, his frustration evident. "My people are suffering, and there’s nothing I can do but ask for your help."A bitter laugh escaped Ella’s lips as she shook her head, her suspicions confirmed. "I knew it," she muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing. "You’re on
After I left Ella's home, I couldn’t bring myself to head back to the Moonstone Pack—not without taking her along. The thought of leaving her behind, married to another man, was unbearable. The memory of how close they were gnawed at me, twisting my gut.Clenching my hands into fists, I growled low in my throat. "No, she’s mine," I muttered, gritting my teeth. "She can’t belong to another."‘It’s your fault,’ Leo snarled in my head, his anger boiling beneath the surface.I sighed, knowing what was coming. "Why didn’t you accept her as our Luna?!" Leo’s voice was thick with rage. "Now you’ve driven her into the arms of another man!"His words stung, the truth piercing deep, and it took everything in me to calm him down. 'We won’t leave without our mate!' Leo insisted, his voice firm with resolve. 'We searched everywhere for her, and the Moon Goddess finally brought us back to her. She’s still ours! We can’t repeat the mistake from five years ago!'And he was right.Five years of regret
Derek paced the hallway of the Northern Pack hospital, his patience wearing thin. He had been waiting for Ella for what seemed like hours as she finished her rounds. The sterile smell of antiseptic hung in the air, and the sound of soft footsteps echoed through the nearly deserted hallway. He hated hospitals—the coldness, the desperation that lingered in the air. But for her, he would wait a lifetime.Finally, the door to one of the patient wards opened, and Ella walked out, looking completely exhausted. Her hair was slightly disheveled, and the dark circles under her eyes only made her look more worn out. She rubbed her neck absentmindedly, clearly lost in thought."It doesn’t help that you check on me every day, Alpha Derek," Ella said, her tone unconcerned as she spotted him waiting.Derek’s lips curved slightly. "You look exhausted," he replied, ignoring her clear annoyance. "Can we discuss things over dinner? I already booked a place, and I’m sure you’ll love it."Ella scoffed, b
Ella walked into Alpha Moore’s office, the familiar scent of leather and aged wood welcoming her. As usual, he sat behind his large mahogany desk, composed and focused on a document in his hands. His face, though calm, had a glimmer of intensity in his eyes as he read. Without thinking, Ella moved toward him, her exhaustion weighing her down. She leaned slightly against the edge of his desk, seeking comfort in his steady presence.“A patient lost his wolf today,” Ella said softly, her voice laced with frustration. “I don't know how I could have helped him. I…”Alpha Moore’s eyes softened as he looked up at her, gently placing his palm over her hand. His touch was warm, grounding her. “We’ll sort that out later, my dear,” he said in a soothing tone cutting her off. “Right now, we have a more urgent matter to deal with.”Ella raised an eyebrow in question her attention shifting as Moore slid a letter across the desk toward her, its edges slightly crumpled from his earlier handling.. She
Alpha Moore had decided to throw a lavish welcome party for Alpha Derek, filling the hall with a sense of grandeur and celebration. The main ballroom of the Northern Pack’s grand hall was meticulously decorated. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a soft, golden glow over the room. Velvet drapes in deep burgundy and royal blue adorned the walls, giving the place a regal yet warm atmosphere. Round tables covered with white linen and gold-trimmed napkins were spread around, each adorned with tall floral centerpieces of roses and lilies. The sweet scent of the flowers mixed with the enticing aroma of gourmet food being served by the staff.Pack members dressed in their finest, mingled with guests from neighboring packs. The men were in sharp suits and tuxedos, while the women glittered in gowns of silk and lace. Soft music played in the background, adding to the elegance of the evening.Alpha Derek, standing tall and commanding, was dressed in a finely tailored black
The hall was filled with wolves, pack members, and guests, but none of it mattered. None of it. My focus had been razor-sharp all night. From the moment I entered the party Alpha Moore had thrown in my honor, I knew this was going to be more than just a welcome. This was a test—a game of dominance.I was here for one reason only: her. Ella.From the corner of my eye, I spotted her as soon as she walked in, and it was as though the air had been knocked out of my lungs. My heart slammed against my chest, and for a second, I couldn’t breathe. The world around me blurred, the voices, the music, the clinking of glasses—all of it faded into the background.She entered the hall like a vision, stealing the attention of every male wolf in the room. My chest tightened. I hated the way they looked at her, the way their gazes followed her every step. I had to fight back the possessive growl threatening to spill out.She wore a stunning midnight blue dress that hugged every curve of her body, and
Derek stormed out of Moore's presence because he didn't know what he would do if he stayed another minute. The tension between them had reached a boiling point, and his wolf Leo was dangerously close to taking over. His mind replayed the words that Moore had smugly thrown at him, “*Marked or unmarked, I have tasted every part of her body*.” His chest tightened with rage, the possessiveness clawing at his insides. He needed to find Ella. Now.His eyes scanned the banquet hall, flickering past the guests and decorations, until they finally landed on her. She was standing gracefully, smiling at one of the guests, her aura of elegance and beauty undeniable. "There she is," Leo growled, his voice filled with hunger and impatience. Without hesitating, Derek started toward her, his strong strides cutting through the crowd. His gaze never left her, the sound of his heartbeat hammering in his ears. The anger he felt toward Moore still burned in his chest, mixing with his overwhelming desire
Ella arrived at the location Sandra sent to her. She stared at the clubhouse. It was the same one Valen had brought her, but this was just morning, so the club wasn't bubbling yet, as it does at night. The morning light made the place look less intimidating than it did at night.She looked around and couldn't find Lucian, Valen's friend and the owner of the club. Well, seems he hasn't turned up for the day yet. A few staff members moved about, cleaning the mess left behind from the previous night."Excuse me, miss. Are you looking for someone?” a young man’s voice broke the silence. Ella turned to see a handsome vampire dressed sharply in the club’s staff uniform."Yes please,” she said briskly. “Where can I find the very private suite in wing C?" Ella asked, her tone firm yet polite."Pls come with me." The vampire bowed slightly and gestured for her to follow him.The vampire led her through the quiet corridors to a small, unmarked door. He stopped and gestured towards the small do
Ella sat on the edge of her bed, staring into the mug of coffee she wrapped in her hands. The room was quiet, save for the soft buzz of the heater and the faint rustling of the curtains swaying with the breeze from her slightly opened window. Her sleepless nights were taking their toll. Dark circles shadowed her tired eyes.She sighed deeply, her thoughts muddled with the weight of everything Valen and Derek had said to her. It felt like a heavy storm brewing within, and no matter how hard she tried to steady herself, she couldn’t escape the uncertainties before her.“Now you know the truth, so what next?” Lila's voice broke through her thoughts, gentle but firm.Ella sighed heavily and took a sip of her now lukewarm coffee. "I don’t know," she whispered, her voice low and weary. The night had been long, she hadn't had a good night's sleep. The nightmares aren't helping matters either, it's becoming more frequent lately. She had mostly stayed up all through the night."You can’t keep
Valen sat down, his movements slow and deliberate, as if afraid one wrong step would break the fragile air between them. Across from him, Ella sat rigidly, her eyes rimmed with the evidence of tears she had yet to completely hide. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, clearing her throat.“I’m sorry,” she said softly, her voice still hoarse from crying. She straightened her back, trying to project a calm she didn’t feel. “You can… you can go on.”Valen’s chest tightened. He wasn’t sure where to start, or if he should even start at all. But the weight of unspoken truths was suffocating him. He took a deep breath, his crimson eyes fixed on the table between them.“I had a mate once. Her name was Lydia.”Ella’s brow twitched, but she didn’t interrupt, simply leaning forward slightly, her posture attentive. Valen paused, the words tasting bitter on his tongue. Memories he’d locked away clawed their way to the surface.“She was my everything,” Valen said, his voice tinged with a bitt
Ella glanced back at the two men before turning toward her room. Her expression was calm, but her gaze carried a quiet authority that couldn’t be ignored. “I’ll be waiting,” she said, her voice even but firm, her eyes meeting theirs in turn. Her words left no room for argument. They couldn’t avoid this, and they both knew it.As her figure disappeared down the hall, Derek and Valen exchanged uneasy glances. The weight of the past—and what was about to be revealed—hung heavily between them. Both knew there was no escaping this moment, but neither wanted to go first.Finally, Derek let out a breath and straightened his posture. “I’ll go first,” he said, his tone resolute. There was no hesitation in his steps as he walked toward Ella’s room. He didn’t care about whatever misunderstanding existed between her and Valen. All he wanted was for Ella to understand his actions and, if possible, forgive him.This time, Valen didn’t argue or try to stop him. He stood in silence, watching Derek’s
Lila's paws pressed against the soft earth as she approached the manor, the glow of her silver fur shimmering in the moonlight. Her wolf form moved with quiet elegance, but her sharp eyes caught the figures standing at the entrance. Derek and Valen.They were standing side by side, their intense gazes fixed on her as though they’d been waiting all night.She let out a low chuckle, amused by the sight of her two mates standing together—awkward yet commanding. Well, isn’t this a welcoming committee.“This is funny,” she muttered inwardly.Lila, responded, her tone playful. “Funny, indeed. Two grown men waiting like lost pups. Should I shift?”Ella scoffed. “And stand naked in front of them? Not happening.”Lila’s laughter echoed, teasing and full of mischief. “They’ve both seen your nakedness before, haven’t they?”“That was different, and you know it,” Ella hissed. “Don’t even try it, Lila.”“Fine, fine.” Lila paused for a moment before adding slyly, “You wanted a conversation, though
“Ella, you need to stop them from always wanting to tear each other apart,” Lila’s voice echoed in Ella’s mind, steady yet tinged with concern.Ella paced the length of her room, her fists clenched. “And how exactly do you suggest I do that, Lila? They’re both so… so stubborn!” Her voice cracked with frustration, and her wolf sighed. “They’re adults, Lila, not children.” Ella continued, her tone carrying the irritation she’d been holding in.“Did you see what almost happened at the field earlier” Lila asked“I think Derek should head back to avoid all this.” Ella responded non-challantly.“I understand you’re still angry with Derek—after all the betrayal and pain he had caused us, it's justified. But don’t forget that Valen isn’t innocent either. There are still secrets he’s keeping from us, and though he’s also our mate, I don’t think he fully trusts us,” Lila replied, her tone firm but soothing.Ella stopped, her chest tightening. She didn’t want to admit it, but Lila was right. Sec
Morgana paced the room, her heels clicking against the cold marble floor. Her face was pale, her mind racing as she thought about the failure of their plan to frame Ella. If Valen were to discover what they’d done, the consequences would be disastrous.She clenched her fists, her frustration boiling over. “Sandra! I knew that working with a werewolf was definitely a wrong idea”She takes out her phone dialing a number as she walks out.***The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the quiet woods where Morgana waited impatiently. Her sharp eyes darted toward the road, her red lips pressed into a thin line. She loathed dealing with Sandra, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Ella’s escape from the frame-up had turned the tide against them, and now Valen was investigating. If she didn’t act fast, everything would unravel.Morgana paced restlessly, her long cloak billowing in the cold breeze. She had arranged the meeting in secret, away from prying ey
Derek approached Ella cautiously, his expression guarded but determined. He studied her face as she stood amidst the crowd that had begun to disperse. The tension between them was palpable, but Derek could no longer ignore the turmoil swirling in his chest.“Ella, it seems you're not welcomed here, and someone is trying so hard to prove that point,” Derek began, his voice low and controlled.Ella looked at him, her lips curling into a bitter smile. “Derek, I appreciate your concern, but I can handle myself. This isn't the first time I'm facing threats. I’ve faced betrayal, humiliation, rejection… so what more could I possibly be afraid of?”Her words cut through him like a dagger. Guilt surged within Derek as he recognized her statement wasn’t just about the others—it was about him too. And it holds a clear meaning; She wasn’t just unsafe here; she wasn’t safe with him either. He sighed, his voice softening.“Ella, I understand you're still mad at me, but please… I need a chance to ma
Ella’s eyes widened as they locked onto something glinting a short distance away. Her pulse quickened, and hope flared in her chest. Finally, she thought. She cautiously approached the object, her heart pounding with anticipation. If this was what she thought it was, it could prove someone else was here—someone other than her might be responsible for the vampire’s murder.But as she drew closer, her hopeful smile faltered. The object lying on the ground wasn’t just any trinket. It was a pendant—her pendant.Her breath caught as she picked it up, her fingers trembling. The intricate design was unmistakable, and the tiny gemstones around the locket in the center and the initials S.C at the back of the locket were burned into her memory. She had worn this as a child, a small token of comfort during her turbulent years. Her stepmother had taken it away when she was older, claiming it was sold. But here it was, lying at a crime scene. How? Why?“Are you going to transform or not, Ella?” Mo