Ella woke up to a bright sunny morning. She looked at the round clock that hung on the wall across the room and groaned. She had overslept, but it was worth it, this was the most peaceful night she’d had in a long time. Ever since the day she was humiliated, rejected, and scorned, Ella hadn’t experienced such restful sleep until last night. It felt like the long embrace she shared in the garden with Valen had soothed something deep inside her she hadn’t even realized was aching.She couldn’t stop the smile that crept onto her face as she remembered the night before.What an irony.Valen hadn’t rejected her. Though they hadn’t spoken about their mate bond, his actions made it clear he wasn’t planning to reject her either. He seemed just as drawn to her as she was to him. Unlike Derek, Valen hadn’t taken advantage of their bond.A jolt of anger and regret shot through Ella as she remembered her humiliating experience with Derek. She quickly brushes it off as her mind drifts back to Vale
Ella paced the length of her new room, unable to shake the unease she felt after Valen’s sudden departure. Though the morning had started peacefully, his hurried exit left her feeling restless. Deciding not to dwell on her nerves, Ella ventured out. She decided to explore the manor, she opened the heavy oak door and stepped into the corridor.The hallway was grand, with marble floors that gleamed under warm, overhead lights. The air smelled faintly of lavender, and the walls were lined with oil paintings, some depicting serene landscapes and others showing proud, regal figures. A staircase wound down to the lower floors, its banisters crafted from dark mahogany.Ella wandered aimlessly, drawn by the silence and the faint hum of life elsewhere in the manor. She found herself in front of two large double doors that were slightly ajar. Unable to resist her curiosity, she pushed them open and stepped into what she immediately recognized as the library.The room was breathtaking. Shelves s
"It’s a message, Lucas," Sebastian Draven said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. His voice carried an air of triumph, a rare moment of satisfaction breaking through the brooding bitterness that usually cloaked him. "A message to Valen that his reign is crumbling, piece by piece."Sebastian Draven, Valen’s older brother, sat in his luxurious penthouse, the city’s glittering skyline stretching before him. he's handsome with a chiseled face and high cheekbones, a strong, angular jawline, and a thin scar running from his left temple to just above his cheek, a reminder of past conflicts. His ash-gray eyes were cold and calculating, framed by thick, dark brows that gave him a perpetually intense expression. His straight nose and thin lips added to his stern demeanor, while his neatly combed jet-black hair, streaked with faint silver, highlighted his sharp features. With his tall, broad-shouldered frame and commanding presence, Sebastian exuded a mixture of elegance and menace.Lucas,
Sebastian sat in his dimly lit study, his fingers drumming impatiently against the edge of his polished desk. The faint glow of the city outside barely illuminated his features, but the fire burning in his dark eyes could rival the night’s gloom.He had spent years plotting, years trying to undo the injustice that had been dealt to him. It wasn’t enough to simply hate Valen; no, he wanted to destroy him, to see the legacy Valen held so tightly crumble into ash.FlashbackSebastian was just a young boy when the weight of his father’s favoritism first crushed him. Lord Alaric had gathered his sons to discuss an important mission, one that would cement the family’s influence within the vampire world. Sebastian had prepared tirelessly for this opportunity. He memorized every detail, studied every strategy, and practiced endlessly.He could still remember standing tall, his chest puffed with pride, as he awaited his father’s approval. But Alaric’s gaze had passed over him, cold and indiffe
Valen strode into his study with Dorian following closely behind, his expression as sharp and unreadable as ever. Inside, Scottie sat perched on the edge of one of the armchairs, waiting for them. She stood as soon as they entered, her eyes scanning their faces for answers.Scottie's eyes met Valen’s as he entered, but she said nothing. Instead, she glanced over at Dorian, silently urging him to speak.The tension in the room was palpable as the door shut behind them. Valen walked over to his desk, running his fingers along the edge, the silence stretching thin. "What did the council say?" Scottie finally asked, breaking the quiet.“Nothing we didn’t already know,” Valen replied curtly, taking a seat behind his desk. His tone held an edge that silenced any further questioning. He turned his attention to Dorian. “Speak freely. I know you’ve been holding something back.”Dorian hesitated, his shoulders stiffening. He glanced at Scottie before lowering his gaze to the floor, bowing slig
Ella found herself walking through a breathtaking garden, unlike anything she had ever seen. The air was cool and crisp, filled with the faint scent of blooming flowers. Vibrant blossoms of every color stretched across the horizon, their petals glowing softly under a silver light that seemed to emanate from the sky. A narrow river, its waters sparkling as if infused with tiny diamonds, flowed gently through the garden, creating a soothing melody. The moon hung low in the sky, larger and brighter than Ella had ever seen, casting an ethereal glow over everything. The air smelled of jasmine and lavender, a calming scent that filled her lungs with each breath.She paused, taking in the serene beauty. The peace here felt divine, yet something shifted—a shadow moved across the garden. Ella’s gaze lifted, and her breath caught in her throat as she saw a figure emerge from the light.The woman before her was beyond beautiful that Ella couldn't look away, her features flawless and glowing with
“Let’s go out for a walk,” Valen suggested, his voice gentle yet firm after making sure Ella had calmed down.“I guess that’s what I need now,” Ella replied, her voice still slightly shaky but eager for a distraction.Valen smiled faintly, relieved she agreed. “I’d love to experience your speed,” Ella added, looking up at him with curiosity.If only she knew the effect her smile had on him, especially those expressive eyes. Valen swallowed hard, trying to hold on to the last bit of control he had.“Alright,” he said with a grin. “Though I’d have loved to race with you in your wolf form.”At the mention of her wolf, Ella’s smile faded, and she looked downcast. Valen cursed himself silently. He had been told she lost her wolf before coming here—how foolish of him to bring it up now.“I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I shouldn’t have mentioned that.”“No, it’s okay,” Ella replied softly. “I’m sure you must have heard I lost my wolf before being brought here.”Her voice was steady, but Vale
“Ella,” he began, his voice strained, but she silenced him with a finger to his lips.“It’s okay, Valen,” she whispered, her eyes locking with his.His resolve wavered. She was so close, her scent intoxicating, her lips so inviting. Every instinct in him screamed to close the distance, to claim her.But Valen clenched his fists, forcing himself to step back. Not here. “We should go,” he said, his voice thick with restraint.Ella nodded, her cheeks flushed. She didn’t trust herself to speak, not with the way her heart was racing and her body was reacting.As they left the club, Ella couldn’t help but glance back. The experience had been thrilling, intoxicating, and a little overwhelming. But more than anything, it had brought her closer to Valen, and she couldn’t deny the bond growing between them.***As they reached the towering gates of Valen’s manor, the sight waiting for them made Ella’s steps falter. A striking woman stood in the courtyard, her long dark hair cascading over her s
Derek walked into the pack's infirmary, the faint scent of disinfectants lingering in the air. The quiet hum of activity greeted him—nurses moving about and doctors tending to the wounded. His gaze swept across the room until it landed on Alpha Moore.Moore sat propped up on a bed, his large frame noticeably stronger than the last time Derek saw him. The deep lines of exhaustion were beginning to fade, though his face still carried the effects of the plague. His wolf had fought hard, coupled with Ella's calming effect, but the lingering poison slowed his recovery.“You’re looking better,” Derek said, stepping closer.Moore looked up, his lips curving into a faint smile. “Better, but not quite my usual self,” he replied, his voice deep but calm. “Thanks to my wolf, though, I’m still here.”Derek nodded, crossing his arms. “The Doctors say you’re stable enough to leave, but I’m taking you to my home. You’ll need to rest somewhere safe while you regain your strength.”Moore raised a brow
Derek paced his office, the echo of Clara’s ultimatum ringing in his ears. “Your title or your mate.” Her words lingered like a storm cloud, casting doubt over every decision he had made. He raked his fingers through his hair, trying to shake off the frustration gnawing at him. But there was no escaping it—Clara’s demand had thrown him into a whirlwind he wasn’t prepared to handle.Still, his duty as an Alpha came first. He needed answers, and Kevin was at the center of it all. He couldn’t afford to let emotions cloud his judgment, not with the safety of his pack at stake.He made his way to the war room, where his beta Alex and Gamma Rafael were already waiting. The tension in the air was palpable as Derek entered, his Alpha presence commanding their immediate attention."Alex," Derek said, his voice low and firm. "Have you found anything on Kevin?"Alex exchanged a glance with Rafael before replying. "Not much yet, but there’s something strange. His pack’s movements are unusually qu
As Derek walked into his Alpha chambers, his footsteps faltered, and he froze at the sight before him.Sitting on a high stool near the wine cabinet, a glass in her hand, was Clara—his Luna. The warm glow of the chamber’s lanterns reflected off her auburn hair, and her emerald-green eyes locked onto him with an unreadable expression.Noticing his presence, Clara turned gracefully, her gaze unwavering. “I’ve been expecting you,” she said, her voice smooth but edged with something cold. She took a delicate sip from her glass, savoring the wine. “What took you so long?”Derek blinked, caught off guard. He hadn’t seen Clara in months, and her sudden appearance was the last thing he’d expected.“What are you doing here?” he asked, still shocked.Clara tilted her head slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Is that supposed to be a question?” she replied. “Or is it that you don’t want your Luna back?”Her tone wasn’t accusatory, but it wasn’t warm either. It was indifferent, cutting.
As Derek approached the door, the tension in his body was palpable. His mind raced with plans to rescue Ella, his heart heavy with guilt and determination. Just as his hand reached for the handle, Alpha Moore’s voice broke the silence, stopping him in his tracks.“Derek,” Moore called out, his tone low but firm. “Wait”Derek turned slowly, meeting Alpha Moore's piercing gaze. “What is it?”Moore hesitated, his brows knitting together as though weighing his words carefully. “There’s something you need to know before you leave,” he said, his voice laced with urgency. Something I should’ve said earlier.Derek stepped back into the room, his eyes narrowing. “Go on.”Moore exhaled heavily, leaning forward in his chair, his expression grave. The lines on his face deepened, revealing the weight of whatever burden he was about to share. “I think you should investigate Alpha Kevin,” he began, his voice steady but grim. “Keep a close watch on him.”Derek’s jaw tightened at the mention of Kevin
Derek guided Alpha Moore into the Moonstone Pack’s infirmary, his steps heavy with worry and guilt. Moore had been weakened from his ordeal, his face pale and drawn, but his eyes burned with barely restrained fury. Derek could feel the tension radiating from him as he used his mindlink to summon Alex, his beta, to call for the pack doctor.“Get him treated immediately,” Derek ordered Alex before turning his attention back to Moore. “You’ll be fine soon.”Moore gave a curt nod, but his silence was ominous. Derek wasn’t naive enough to think Alpha Moore would stay quiet for long.The doctor arrived swiftly, tending to Moore’s injuries with practiced efficiency. Derek stayed nearby, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, watching as Moore slowly regained some color.When the doctor finished and left the room, Moore finally spoke, his voice sharp and cutting. “Derek, where’s Ella?”The question hung in the air like a blade. Derek stiffened, his jaw tightening as he moved to sit a
The heavy air of Alpha Kevin’s pack lands reeked of decay. Derek strode past the worn gates, his presence commanding attention. Guards stiffened, and murmurs of his arrival rippled through the pack. “Take me to your Alpha,” Derek growled, his tone brooking no argument. The guards hesitated before one scurried ahead to announce him. Derek didn’t wait for permission. Pushing the door open, he entered the pack house uninvited. Inside, Alpha Kevin lounged in his study, feet propped on the desk, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His casual demeanor ignited Derek’s anger. This wasn’t the aura of a leader facing a crisis but that of a man indifferent to his pack’s suffering. “Kevin,” Derek’s voice was low and threatening, “you and I need to talk.” Kevin glanced up lazily, his lips curling into a smirk. “Derek. To what do I owe this... intrusion?” Derek’s patience was already wearing thin. “Where is Alpha Moore?” Kevin leaned back, taking a deliberate sip from his glass. “Safe, las
Sebastian entered Valen’s manor, his footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floors, the grand halls and opulent decor reflecting his brother’s commanding presence. It had been years since he last stepped foot here, and though the place still held its grandeur, he noticed a few subtle changes. The harsh, cold decor he remembered had softened. Fresh flowers stood in vases along the hallways, and the air seemed... warmer, as if the place had come alive somehow.He smirked to himself. Valen must be trying so hard to impress his new mate. His curiosity piqued even further about Valen’s mysterious mate.As he moved through the manor, his sharp eyes scanned every corner, taking in every detail. The faint scent of a werewolf reached him—a mix of earthiness and something uniquely feminine. Unlike the unpleasant scents of other werewolves he’d encountered, this one was surprisingly pleasant. Certainly better than Sandra, he mused.Sebastian followed the scent, his steps deliberate yet quiet
Sebastian pushed the heavy doors of his chambers open, his dark eyes immediately drawn to the figure draped across his bed. Sandra lay sprawled there, her long legs crossed lazily, the thin black robe she wore barely clinging to her frame. The silk fabric did nothing to hide the curves beneath, instead teasing him with every dip and slope. Her hair was a cascade of wild waves against the pillows, and her lips were curved into a knowing smile. “You’re late,” she said, her voice low and sultry as she propped herself up on one elbow. The movement caused the robe to slip off her shoulder, baring even more skin. “I was starting to think you weren’t coming.” Sebastian leaned against the doorframe, his sharp eyes taking her in. “I wasn’t aware I was on a schedule,” he replied coolly, though the corner of his lips lifted slightly. “But it seems you’ve made yourself comfortable.” Sandra chuckled, stretching out like a cat in the sun. “I always do.” He didn’t bother responding. Instead, he s
The grand hall buzzed with tension as the council of elders and clan lords assembled. The room was bathed in dim candlelight, the ancient walls echoing the voices of vampires who had gathered here for centuries to discuss matters of power, loyalty, and survival. At the head of the long table, Valen sat with an air of authority, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered vampires. Lords from distant clans, the elders of his own court, and members of his bloodline—all were present. The atmosphere was tense, the scent of blood faint but ever-present.Dorian stood to Valen’s right, his expression stoic as he addressed the room. “A rogue vampire has crossed our borders, attacked a human, and violated our laws. This cannot be ignored.” Patrols have been strengthened, and investigations into how it entered our borders are ongoing.”Murmurs spread across the room, some elders nodding in agreement, others exchanging skeptical glances.Lord Kellan, an elder with a booming voice, broke the silenc