Valen stood on the balcony of his study, staring into the endless night. The crisp air did little to cool the storm brewing within him. The confrontation with Morgana played on a loop in his mind, but it was Ella’s silence after walking away that truly unsettled him.“She walked away…” he murmured to himself, gripping the edge of the railing. Ella, the only person who had ever made him feel alive again, was slipping through his fingers because of the very secrets he fought to bury.The door creaked open, and Valen didn’t need to turn to know who it was.“You look like hell,” Lucian said, his voice laced with sarcasm but tinged with concern.“Not in the mood for jokes,” Valen replied, his tone colder than the night air.Lucian ignored the warning, stepping closer. “You know, when I heard Morgana was back, I thought you’d finally snap and put her in her place. Instead, you let her run her mouth in front of Ella. Brilliant move, really.”Valen’s jaw tightened. “I wasn’t going to argue wi
Ella sat on the edge of her bed, her thoughts racing. The encounter with Morgana earlier had left her unsettled. The woman spoke in riddles, her words carrying a weight Ella couldn’t ignore. And Valen—he hadn’t said a word. He's avoiding her questions, hiding behind a wall she couldn’t break.“What is he keeping from me?” she muttered under her breath.After pacing for what felt like an eternity, she decided she couldn’t let this go. If Valen wouldn’t talk, maybe Scottie, his sister, could. Scottie had always been friendly, even warm. Surely, she’d help.Ella found Scottie in the garden, pruning the roses with care. The younger woman’s vibrant smile lit up the space, but it faltered slightly when she saw Ella approaching.“Ella!” Scottie greeted, her voice cheerful but with a hint of nervousness. “What brings you here?”“I need to talk,” Ella said, her tone serious.Scottie set down the shears, wiping her hands on a cloth. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”Ella hesitated, unsure how t
The dimly lit corridors of the manor echoed with Valen’s steady footsteps. Days had passed since his last talk with Lucian, and though he tried to focus on his duties, Ella had been on his mind constantly. She had been avoiding him, and he couldn’t blame her. He hadn’t been forthcoming with answers, and now her frustration hung heavily between them.The affairs of the clan had kept him busy. The destruction of the Southern Clan had put all the other lords on edge, with alliances wavering and tensions high. Every small decision seemed to demand his attention, and the council meetings were endless. Now, finally, he had a moment of peace. A brief respite. He decided it was time to speak to Ella.Valen knocked gently on Ella’s door. After a moment of hesitation, she opened it. Her expression was guarded, her eyes searching his face for something.“Valen,” she said, her voice cool but polite. “What brings you here?”“We need to talk,” he replied. “May I come in?”Ella hesitated for a momen
Ella’s POVElla leaned against the doorframe of her room, her thoughts scattered. The idea of escaping still flickered in her mind, but something deep within her wouldn’t let her act. She stopped abruptly, her chest tightening as Lila’s voice rang clear in her mind. “Ella, what do you think you’re doing?”Ella straightened, her hand gripping the door. "I’m leaving, Lila. I can’t stay here. This place… Valen… It’s all too much. Everyone has their secrets, and I’m tired of being left in the dark.”“Leaving? And go where?” Lila asked, her tone firm. “Do you even know where you are? Do you know the dangers out there?”"I’ll figure it out," Ella replied, her voice soft but determined.“No, you won’t.” Lila’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Ella, don’t forget what the Moon Goddess said. My recovery depends on him. On Valen.”Ella froze, her heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean?”“Haven’t you noticed? The closer you are to Valen, the stronger I feel. But these past few days, when you’v
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
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
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
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
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