Astrid's POV:Gaping, I stared at my empty hand and then at Kathleen’s back as she walked away with the gown I’d chosen. What in the name of Moon Goddess was she doing? As Luna, I couldn’t, nor would I want to, back down if this was some kind of attempt at a challenge. Was that her play, or was it a harmless joke? I didn’t know what to think. But after a second or two, I found my wits enough to speak. “That’s my gown. I found it. Now, give it back.”“Hey! Calm down, Luna. I was just teasing you,” Kathleen said with a smile as she made her way back to me. She held the gown in an outstretched hand. But when she handed to me, she felt stiff, nervous. Still, she said. “Better now?” She winked. “Be prepared for my pranks. I’m going to get on your nerves for sure.”“I am always prepared for anything,” I said with a smile. The anger that had been on the verge of erupting abated instead. Carolina showed me her gown, and I told her I loved it. Then we shopped for jewelry. I selected two anti
Astrid's POV:I followed Dominic onto the dance floor where we enjoyed our first dance together. It felt so good to be with him in public without having to worry about Isabella or anyone else trying to destroy me or steal my mate. As Dominic deftly guided me, I rested my head on his shoulder and blissfully followed his lead, inhaling his intoxicating scent. A part of me wished we were alone. But then I noticed Alpha Salem out of the corner of my eye. He sat by himself, looking lost and almost devastated, like something tragic had happened. I scanned the room for his sister, thinking Kathleen might be able to cheer him up. However, she was nowhere to be seen. I’d go to him after my dance with Dominic to make sure he was all right.The end of the song approached, and Dominic kissed me softly, releasing me only when the last note drifted into silence. As we left the dance floor, I saw Beta Alexander talking to a servant, gesticulating wildly. My eyes shifted to Carolina, who sat with he
Kathleen's POV:After an hour of wandering in foreboding woods no one in their right mind would ever enter willingly, I checked the map again. ‘This is a bad idea,’ Era, my wolf, said with a snort via mind-link. ‘We don't have enough time. We have to attend Dominic’s party.’‘I know. But I can’t take her pestering me any longer, and I want answers. So we just need to get this over with.’My brother, Alpha Salem, was still with Alpha Dominic, and I wished I was as well. Dominic’s name alone sparked emotions within me no one else’s ever could. But those were emotions I didn’t want to face. I shook my head and did my best to bury those feelings as I continued my search for the witch’s house. It felt like an eternity before I finally found it nestled deep in the forest. Thick overgrown vines and underbrush surrounded it so that nature appeared to be consuming it. A bubbling black cauldron sat in a single open area out front, the only indication someone lived there. The few visible windo
Astrid's POV:Carolina recovered well, and the doctors released her the day after she gave birth. I stood in her chamber holding her beautiful baby girl. Soft coos filled the room and her gentle movements filled my arms. I gazed at the tiny, delicate features in awe and marveled at the warm softness of her skin. Even having seen the same in my boys, I found newborns created an undeniable sense of wonder. A surge of love and protectiveness washed over me. I’d always be there for them and for Lina.She must have seen something in my eyes because she said, “I can't believe I finally have a best friend who’s more than a sister to me. Thank you, Astrid.” Her voice cracked.I smiled. “I think the potion they gave you has softened you.” I’d never seen her so emotional. “Oh, believe me, I’m going to regret this once I am better. But right now, all I want to do is cry and howl,” she said, her eyes glistening and her voice even rougher. The drugs were definitely affecting her. “You need to ge
Astrid's POV:I left for the Stone Moon Pack’s ruins with Mom and Alpha Salem, each of us riding horses. Their hooves echoed through the empty pathway as we made our way to the exit of the palace grounds. The sun beat down, casting shadows across the dusty road, making the path look impossibly long. My mind wandered to my youth as horses plodded along.I recalled sitting alone in the basement of Stone Moon’s palace, hungry and scared. Memory after memory of my traumatic childhood flooded my mind: long hours of hard labor, the constant fear of punishment, and the feeling of being trapped. A myriad of scars on my body were a constant reminder of the abuse I had endured.Alpha Salem pulled his horse up next to mind. “Astrid?” He peered at me. “Are you crying?”I blinked a few times, wiping my wet cheeks. I shook my head. “Got something in my eye.” I blinked a few more times, then fixed my gaze on the path ahead.“I’m sorry it's difficult. But maybe this will be a healing journey for you?
Astrid’s POVI held the letter firmly, my heart racing as I responded to the voice, each word sounding higher and slower than the last.“Moon Goddess?” I asked, scanning my surroundings for a sign of her presence.Suddenly, an elderly woman emerged from behind the door, her frail form contrasting sharply with the weight of her message.“Astrid, I don’t have enough time,” she gasped, her words punctuated by labored breaths. “The packs are in danger, and your children’s lives are at stake. What’s coming is a war more brutal than anything you’ve ever witnessed. The dead enemies are emerging, forging alliances with newfound friends who stand against you. Everything is not as smooth as you thought it was.” Her chest barely moved as she spoke, and her eyes, once filled with life, were now vacant. Could she truly be the Moon Goddess?But regardless of her identity, her words sent a shiver down my spine. The packs were in danger, again?“I must inform Alpha Dominic about this. He won’t allow
Alpha Dominic’s POV“How is he going as a new father?” I looked up from the file in my hands, and Beta Alexander paused his reading of the pack report.“It’s incredible! These little rascals are my heart and soul. I can’t fathom letting them go for training!” Beta Alexander exclaimed dramatically, letting out an exaggerated sigh.“Don’t worry; you’ll do just fine. Remember, they’re destined to inherit the Royal positions.”We talked more about random things and the next training program for Royal Guards, which would be conducted again in two days. However, my mind kept drifting back to Astrid. She was running quite late, and she should have arrived by now.‘We could go and check on her,’ Carden suggested, clearly growing restless.‘I know I can, but that would only make her think I don’t trust her. Why is it so difficult to let my mate go out alone?’I was missing her desperately; she had only been with her mom and Alpha Salem for a few hours.Speaking of Alpha Salem, something seemed o
Astrid’s POVPunishment room? Had I angered Alpha so much? My stupid attitude had brought out the worst in me. I was somehow frightened by the look in his eyes. It was as if the villainous side of him had resurfaced.‘He seems so angry, almost unrecognizable,’I whispered under my breath.‘Yes, because he expected you to tell him about your visit,’Malessia snorted.That’s when it clicked for me.As I stood in the center of the meeting room, my thoughts raced like a speeding train. I had been so focused on starting the training, so determined to regain my powers, that I had lost sight of everything else – including Alpha Dominic.He had been patient with me, supportive even. But I knew he was starting to feel neglected. And I couldn’t blame him. I had been so wrapped up in my own world that I had forgotten the people who mattered most to me. I didn’t even talk to Mom on my way back to the pack. I should have hugged him and tried to comfort him as soon as I found him waiting for me. Inst
Aeryn's POV:I had been running for half an hour by now and yet the woods seemed never ending. Leaving Dante in that critical condition and his life at danger had been the most difficult decision of my life. I would never let anything happen to him even if it meant for me to die in his place. He was wronged as a child and an adult by everyone around him. He deserved happiness and now when he wanted to ask for forgiveness from father and Kai was with those traitors, I knew they would be ready to accept Dante as my mate. With more determination and motivation, I didn't stop even when my legs started to hurt. But I promised myself that nothing could stop me before I reached pack. It was just another twenty minutes until I would be crossing the pack borders. A series of angry howls roared behind me and I froze in my steps scared of the truth that the rogues had gotten to me first before I could go to the pack. I turned behind to see the leader Rogue running after me with an army of aro
Dante's POV:Azriel had felt her presence in the woods as shown as she had stepped her feet in there. I could also feel her pain and I had hurriedly gone to search her only to find her in chains. Even though, I should have hated her for accepting Kai as her mate, I didn't like how she was crying from the pain and Alpha Grayson and was hitting her. "Keep your mouth shut! He isn't your mate anymore. We need know that you are going to fu*k Kai sooner than later. " Alpha Grayson spat angrily. I felt my fists clenching at his words, "What are you exactly doing here, Aeryn? Is it a trap? "She shook her head, " No, Dante. I will never betray you. I want to tell you that this war is not needed because we can stop it. I love you and I am never going to be with another man. "Her words sent a soothing feeling to my heart. I was happy that she chose to be here with me and had the guts to run away from her parents and come here among so much dangers. "Do you think you can go against your pare
Aeryn's POV :I was still shaking from anger after my parents and brothers left me in my room again. I had to fight against the injustice of them making me have another mate. Dante wasn't aware of his father's reality and his mother's suicide reason. If he would know, then I was sure he wouldn't be initiating a war against anyone. As a mate, I had to take the first step. I quietly made my way out of my room and ran to the corridor leading to Dante's chamber. It was extremely quiet there and I couldn't find anyone. Confusion dawned me and I went to the training ground to find him but he wasn't there either. The palace looked in a hurry, almost running guards everywhere around me. The environment didn't feel right. The air didn't seem comfortable. "What are you doing here? " I heard Alpha Kai behind me. I didn't like him around me for some reason because even though he knew that I had a made he was ready to be with me without any shame. "Nothing. Just looking for... " I hesitated.
Alpha Dante's POV :F*ck! F*ck this pack! Aeryn was with Kai, he was holding her hand, he was walking her around, he had been all over her and Dominic was happy with the stupid arrangement. I was sure there was something going on between Kai and Dominic. He had suddenly appointed him as the border controller for his pack and also was given high status in the training for young wolves. "Maybe he wants Aeryn to be with Kai. " Azriel hissed. I smashed the vase into pieces and crushed it with my boots. No way in hell was going to let any man take her from me. She was my mate, carrying my Mark and had promised me a child. And even after that, I was going to keep her with me. She wasn't related to Dominic and Astrid's crimes. They had even lost her when she was babu, indicating they never cared for their only daughter and instead adopted a dumb human girl to take her place. They were power hungry and could go to any limits to secure their pack and throne. Even if it meant, making Aeryn
Aeryn's POV :I ran back to my room and locked the door behind me so that I didn't have to talk to anyone including my parents. I was Furious and sad to know that my own parents had decided to give me off to another man as if I was an object. They were blinded by power and rank of Alpha Kai. I should have known that being a princess meant to keep the family ties high by marrying into another powerful Clan. I was the most worthless girl in the whole Kingdom as compared to even the normal females in the Pack because of the reason that I didn't have my wolf yet. I heard a knock on the door and knew that it was mom but I was not going to talk to her until and unless she was ready to listen to me. But to my shock, I heard the lock turning in the door and both of my parents walked in with a key in their hands. Mom must have been crying because I could see her eyes were puffy and even my father was sad. They sat beside me on the bed and I turned my head to look away from them. Still, I fe
Aeryn's POV :I felt disheartened by the sight of my mate who was not trying to understand my condition and was in the wrong this whole time. Only if I could tell him about how much he was missing by being angry towards me and my family then we would have been together by now and fighting everyone else. I was going to be loyal to my blood even though I knew that the bond was supposed to be stronger than anything else. I forgot that Alpha Kai had been waiting for me after he left and he might have noticed the weird exchange we both had. "Coffee? " He offered as we sat together. I didn't want to be sitting there in the public with a fake smile plastered on my face but I couldn't just run away from everything because I was not feeling well. My dad was gone too after he checked that I was safe with Alpha Kai. if my parents at trusted this man then I was not at any risk from him. "Are you okay? You don't look comfortable enough. " He asked. I sipped my coffee, " It's nothing serious.
Aeryn's POV :I wanted to talk to him about his special treatment in the class but the teacher looked at me angrily, her eyes telling me to get away from the Alpha. I knew that she would never say something to the Alpha but she could only use her scary eyes on me. "Alpha Kai has been included in the team of the Alphas to keep the borders secure and the enemies away from the Pack house. " Mrs. Harrison told us and I realised I was sitting with one of the best warriors in the entire packs. He nodded his head, " I am still your student and would like to train more young wolves so that they can join the team. " Mrs. Harrison was overjoyed and enthusiastically opened one of the thickest books I had ever seen. She flipped through pages after a while pages and finally settled on one of the main chapters. She fixed her glasses and licked her lips before starting the lesson. "In a small town nestled among the hills, there was a visionary human teacher named Mrs. Johnson. " She said, " She
Aeryn's POV :I woke up at 5 AM precisely and took a shower. After getting dressed in a simple crop top and Jean I decided to put my hair in a high ponytail. By the time I was ready to go, it was already 7 AM and Emerald was waiting for me outside my room. She had brought the map of all the packs with her and we found a quiet corner in the school Garden so that she could tell me more about the ranking. The school Gates were still closed and we had around 40 minutes before the time the classes would start. "The North Packs are all under Alpha Dominic and these one marked in red are also ruled by him but they are having some sort of revolution because most of the Alphas want slavery to be legal. And Alpha Dominic is against the cruelty. " She said, running her finger along the lines on the map. I nodded, " But I don't think anyone will support them because in no one wants this type of ill practice in the packs in these modern Times. " Emerald scoffed, " You have no idea about the Ri
Aeryn's POV: "What were you thinking, Aeryn? " My mom shouted at me. I kept my head low and my face burned with embarrassment as her blaming eyes looked right through my soul. It was better that she hadn't told anyone else about it. "I am sorry. I shouldn't have done that. " I muttered. She rubbed her forehead, " I mean what if someone had seen you. This would have created a havoc in the pack. Most of them don't even know you have a mate. " " But mom, I have a mate and you know that. How can I pretend that he doesn't exist? " She sighed and hugged me, " I know and I am sorry for being so rude and harsh with you. But, honey you need to understand that he is not a friend of our pack. That guy wants to ruin you just like his father... " She stopped from completing her statement and something changed in her eyes. She grew angry towards Dante more and shook her head to ignore whatever thoughts were crossing her mind at this moment. " What do you mean, mom? Can you tell me about the