As Ella stared into those eyes, a chill ran through her, yet she couldn’t look away, even as her heartbeat thundered in her ears."Oh, moon goddess, those crimson eyes," she thought, mesmerized and paralyzed at once. It was as if a magnetic force held her in place, pulling her in, even as every instinct screamed for her to flee. She didn’t know if that was his true eye color or if this was his vampire form.Her emotions were a chaotic mix of fear and something else, something dangerously close to longing. He was big. No—massive. His muscular frame radiated a restrained strength that made her feel both small and hot, an unfamiliar warmth coiling within her. She could barely understand what was happening or why her own body seemed to betray her with this strange, simmering heat. "What is this? What kind of power does he have?" she wondered.Before she could process the beautiful and lethal creature, his lips pulled back into a growl that sent a fresh surge of goosebumps along her skin.
A soul mate. A fucking soul mate! Valen gripped the edge of the table making deep grooves in the mahogany wood, as he watched Dorian lead the woman away from the study.As soon as she had stepped foot into his territory, he had felt it. A strange scent. A scent of life, of warmth, had seeped through the ice inside him. It was a strange feeling he couldn't comprehend.No. He must be imagining things. After being cold for so long, his mind was craving what he couldn't have. At his age, he might be close to losing his mind.But the feelings kept getting stronger and stronger, the scent irresistible. He had been thankful Dorian hadn't barged in like he sometimes does in times of emergencies. The little minutes he had used to announce his presence with the healer were enough for him to turn his back to the door and regain his composure. It took a lot of self-control to steel his voice and order for them to come in.As soon as she stepped into the room, her presence struck him like a ligh
Ella stood quietly in the doorway, her eyes sweeping over the room Dorian had led her to. It wasn’t grand or extravagant; its simplicity was striking. The walls were bare, painted in muted gray, and the single bed in the corner was dressed in plain white sheets. A modest wooden chair and a small table completed the sparse furnishings.She sighed, stepping inside and running her fingers over the edge of the table. It wasn’t much, but it was clean, far better than the damp, dark cell she'd been confined to at the hideout.Dorian, who stood just outside the door, cleared his throat. “You’ll be staying here for now. Someone will bring your meal shortly.” His tone was curt, almost hurried, as though he wanted to leave as soon as possible. Before she could respond, he turned on his heel and disappeared down the hallway, the sound of his boots fading into the distance.Ella closed the door with a soft click, leaning against it as a long breath escaped her lips. “Well,” she muttered to hersel
“This is more of a curse than a blessing” Valen muttered under his breath. Being mated to your enemy and, worst of all, the very kind you detest was so much to bear.He paced his study restlessly, the weight of it pressing down on him. How could fate be so cruel? To be cursed with a bond like this—it was unthinkable.The sharp sound of his door creaking open interrupted his thoughts. Valen glanced over to see his best friend Lucian staggering in, obviously drunk. He rolled his eyes as he watched him stagger to his desk with this familiar smile of “I just had the best sex of my life” plastered on his face. Valen was already used to it.But just as Lucian got to Valen's desk, he stopped on his track, the smile on his face disappeared immediately, replaced by wide-eyed shock, then an amused smirk.“You are Mated”. Lucian said, his silver-gray eyes glittering with humor.Valen stiffened. “I'm not mated; I just met her.” He growled defensively.Lucian laughed softly. “Don’t lie to me, Vale
As thoughts of Ella filled Valen's head, he wanted to go meet her and let her know that she belongs to him.No. That's madness, if he saw her again, he wasn't sure he could stop himself from claiming her, instead he decided to go out for a run.As he stepped out of his study, her scent hit him like a tidal wave—sweet and intoxicating, wrapping around his senses and refusing to let go. He inhaled deeply, trying to control the surge of desire that followed. His feet moved on their own, following the trail of her scent until it led him to the garden.There she was.The sight of her stopped him in his tracks. The moonlight bathed her in a soft glow, accentuating her graceful form. Her hair shimmered, cascading down her back like a dark waterfall, and her skin seemed to glow under the moon’s light. She looked extremely delicate, almost otherworldly, as if she belonged to the night itself. Her fingers lightly brushed over the petals of the flowers, the gentle motion captivating him. He swal
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,
Valen had been restless all day, pacing his office like a caged animal. Ella consumed his thoughts, her presence weaving through his mind in a way he couldn’t shake. The scent of her lingered everywhere, teasing him, taunting him, reminding him she was just within reach.But he couldn’t go to her. Not yet.He knew she wanted answers, and he wasn’t ready to give them. The truth was messy, dangerous, and he wasn’t sure how she’d react. Would she hate him? Look at him with disgust? The thought alone made his chest tighten.He slammed his fist onto the desk, the sound reverberating through the empty office. Staying away from her wasn’t just hard—it was agony. The temptation to claim her was a constant ache in his soul, growing stronger with every passing moment. But she deserved better than half-truths and secrets.His hand rubbed at his temples as he exhaled sharply. “Pull yourself together,” he muttered under his breath.And then it hit him—an unease that wasn’t his own. Panic. Distress
Morgana leaned back in the high-backed chair, her lips curling into a triumphant smirk. The dim light from the chandelier cast sharp shadows on her face.“It worked,” she said, her voice filled with satisfaction. “Never thought hypnosis would work on her.”Sebastian placed the small vial of blood back on the desk, his expression calm but quietly smug. “I think it was possible with her blood,” he replied, gesturing to the faint remnants of blood inside the glass. “Without that drop, this wouldn’t have worked.”Morgana’s gaze flicked to the vial. She remembered the struggle of acquiring that single drop, a detail she preferred not to dwell on now that the plan had succeeded.“Still,” Sebastian continued, “it was a gamble. Hypnosis usually fails on werewolves, but with a bit of science and the supernatural combined, it worked like a charm.”Morgana laughed lightly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “So the mighty mate of Valen isn't so untouchable. Guess she’s not that powerful after all.
Morgana stormed into her lavish bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her. The ornate mirrors and polished furniture reflected her fuming expression as she paced the room, her heels clicking angrily against the floor. She couldn’t stop thinking about Valen and Ella. The thought of a werewolf stealing Valen away from her made her blood boil.She stopped and stared at herself in the mirror. She was beautiful, powerful, everything Valen could ever want. "How dare she?" Morgana spat, glaring at her reflection in the gilded mirror. "A mere werewolf waltzes in and claims what’s mine under the guise of some predestined mate bond? No. This can’t happen. I won’t allow it."She stopped and placed her hands on the dresser, leaning forward as if trying to convince her reflection of her resolve. Valen had humiliated her, dismissed her as if she were nothing. And it was all because of Ella. Her lips curled into a bitter smile.Morgana began pacing again, her mind racing as she ran her hands throug
The cold wind seeped through the gaps in the windowpane as Ella turned on her bed for the umpteenth time that night. Sleep refused to come, and when it did, it dragged her into the same chilling nightmare she had been having for weeks.The dream began the same way every time. She stood in the middle of a blood-soaked battlefield, chaos erupting around her. Warriors clashed with savage cries, their swords and claws dripping with blood. In the distance, an enormous beast loomed, its figure cloaked in shadow but its glowing red eyes burned like fire.Ella ran, but no matter how fast she moved, the beast followed. Its roar shattered the air, and the ground beneath her feet cracked and split. Just as it lunged at her with razor-sharp claws, she woke up screaming.Tonight was no different.Ella bolted upright in bed, her chest heaving as if she had truly been running. Sweat clung to her skin, soaking through her nightgown. The faint moonlight streaming through the curtains did little to cal
The soft clink of glass against marble echoed in the dimly lit room. Valen sat on a leather stool in his personal mini-bar, a sleek, modern space tucked away in his manor. The polished counters gleamed under the soft glow of pendant lights, and the shelves were lined with an assortment of bottles.Valen reached for the frosted glass in front of him and took a slow sip of the chilled animal blood he had stored in the fridge. It wasn’t as satisfying as fresh blood, but it was enough to keep his urges in check. His thoughts wandered as he stared at the faint crimson color in the glass.Ella.She was everything he never expected. The mere thought of her brought a flicker of warmth to his otherwise cold demeanor. He clenched the glass tighter, thinking of the obstacles still in their way.His quiet moment was interrupted by the soft click of heels against the marble floor. Valen didn’t need to look up to know who it was. The familiar scent filled the air, a scent he’d always find suffocati
The night sky above Silvercrest's pack lands was eerily quiet, but that silence was about to be shattered. Derek stood at the front of the combined armies, Kael by his side. Warriors from various allied packs, their eyes glowing with determination, formed ranks behind them. Derek’s wolf, Leo, huge and menacing, shifted impatiently beneath his skin, eager for the fight ahead.Derek’s voice broke the silence, calm but firm. “Tonight, we end this. Alpha Kevin thought he could betray us and get away with it. He underestimated our strength and unity.”Kael nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the sea of warriors from various packs. “His pack isn’t ready for us. They have no idea we’re coming. We strike hard and fast before they can organize.”A low rumble of agreement traveled through the ranks.“Take your positions,” Derek commanded through the mind link, his voice reaching every wolf in their army. “Stay sharp. Fight as one. No unnecessary risks.”Kevin’s pack was unprepared. Derek and Kael h
The grand hall of the Alpha Council brimmed with an air of unease. Alpha Derek and Kael stood before the semicircle of Alphas, their expressions hardened. The council’s golden insignia glinted from the walls, an otherwise symbol of unity now overshadowed by the tension gripping the room.“Let’s begin,” Alpha Gideon, the senior member of the council, announced. His voice carried authority, though the faint quiver hinted at his own apprehension. “Alpha Derek, Kael, you’ve requested this session to present evidence against Alpha Kevin. Make it quick; we cannot afford to delay action if what you claim is true.”Derek nodded and gestured toward Kael. “Kael has firsthand knowledge and proof of Kevin’s betrayal. I’ll let him speak.”Kael stepped forward, bowing before the council, his sharp eyes scanning the room. He had expected skepticism, but the weight of their stares still pressed on him. “I’ll get straight to the point. As I earlier said during the last meeting, Kevin has been orchestr
The room was dimly lit, the flickering glow of a single candle casting long shadows on the walls. Sebastian sat on a black leather couch, his shirt discarded and his chest gleaming with a faint sheen of sweat. His hand gripped a small vial filled with a crimson liquid, its contents shimmering in the light.Sandra leaned against the edge of the table, completely naked, her hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders, her curves illuminated by the candlelight. Her eyes darted to the vial in Sebastian’s hand, curiosity and greed burning in her gaze.“What’s that? Is that what I think it is?” Sandra asked, her voice soft but laced with intrigue.Sebastian’s lips curled into a smug grin as he held up the vial, tilting it slightly so the liquid swirled inside. “Yes,” he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. “It’s the healer’s blood.”Sandra took a step closer, her movements slow and calculated, her fingers twitching as though she wanted to grab the vial.“You’ve had it all this time?”
Kael stood outside the Moonstone pack’s war room, staring at the map on the table inside. Derek was leaning over it, running his finger along a line near the northern edge of Kevin’s land.“This spot right here,” Derek said, his voice calm but firm. “It’s his weak link. If Kevin’s hiding something or someone, this is where we’ll find it.”Kael nodded. “He has camps along that border, but they’re not easy to spot. He’s using rogues to keep them hidden, and trust me, they’re good at blending in.”Derek raised an eyebrow. “You sure about this? You’re asking to lead a team right into enemy territory.”Kael didn’t hesitate. “If we don’t act now, Kevin will only get stronger. I’ll lead the strike. I know his territory better than anyone.”Derek studied him for a long moment before nodding. “Fine. Take a small team. No more than six. This isn’t a war—yet. It’s a recon mission. Get in, confirm the camps, and get out.”Kael grinned faintly. “I didn’t know you cared so much.”Derek didn’t smile