“What?” Duncan’s voice cut through the air, cold and sharp, his piercing gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver through me. My stomach twisted, but I forced myself to hold steady. I could see the frustration and confusion etched into his expression, but I didn’t care. I was done. Exhausted mentally and emotionally, I couldn’t let my father control me anymore. Rejecting Duncan now was the only way to reclaim a sliver of freedom. Yet his words from before still echoed in my mind, and a tremor of fear crept over me. I knew he would never forgive me for this. “You heard me,” I said, my voice calm despite the storm raging inside. “I won’t marry you. Find someone else or better yet, go back to your lovely Melissa. You two clearly have a long history, and it’s obvious you still have feelings for her.” I tore my gaze away, unable to meet his eyes as he stepped closer, trapping me against the wall. I tried to summon defiance, but my heart raced. His eyes were unyield
DUNCAN I wasn’t used to feeling nervous. As the Wolf King, I had faced battles and challenges that would make most men crumble, but standing at the altar, waiting for April, my hands were sweaty, and my wolf was restless. I rubbed my palms together, trying to stay calm. She wouldn’t leave me standing here... would she? Even though I had a plan to deal with her father, my feelings for April were real. I wanted to protect her, and the only way to do that was to make her mine. Right here, in front of everyone and all the packs. But why wasn’t she here yet? Then I heard whispers near the door. “We have a problem,” one of her attendants said to the nannies. My eyes immediately narrowed. They were her attendants, the ones responsible for ensuring she made it here. Where was she? My mind raced. Did she run away? Did Emmett take her? I scanned the room for him but saw nothing out of place. Melissa wasn’t here, which was a relief. I didn’t need her ruining this day. “What’s wron
APRIL He was gone. I should have known better than to expect anything from Duncan, but the sting of disappointment settled in my chest all the same. It was our wedding, after all, and yet I hadn’t seen him in five days. My father hadn’t called either, deepening the ache of uncertainty. Should I feel relieved he wasn’t around, or resentful? It was just a contract marriage, but a part of me wished Duncan would at least try to treat me like his wife, his mate. “Where is Duncan? Has he come back yet?” I asked the nanny, my voice echoing through the empty house. “Wolf King Duncan—” The door swung open before she could finish. Duncan walked in, his hair disheveled and his face shadowed with exhaustion, or maybe something darker. I stood up, my heart stumbling at the sight of him, ready to demand answers. But he didn’t even glance my way, his focus fixed on the stairs as he strode past me without a word. I shot a look at the nanny, who was watching too closely, her sharp eyes following
Duncan’s grandmother’s sharp eyes were locked on us, her question cutting through the tense silence. “Is this your wife?” She asked. The room felt suffocating, and I couldn’t bring myself to look up at her much less answer. Duncan’s hand slipped into mine, squeezing gently. His touch stunned me as he whispered, “Yes, she is.” The silence in the room after he admitted that I was his wife was long and deafening. “Grandma, don’t make her more nervous than she already is,” Duncan’s voice was softer than I’d ever heard, surprising me even more. “She’s my mate.” “Your mate?” The disbelief in his grandmother’s voice was palpable. Why was she so shocked? “If she’s your mate, then welcome to the family,” she said, standing and surprising me further. I blinked up at Duncan, my heart racing. “Really?” My voice was barely a whisper. My eyes drifted to Melissa’s face and I could see her emotions written all over her face. She was hurt, but she didn't dare to lash out in front of
Duncan Vampires. It always came back to vampires. And this time, it had to be April’s father. Only he could be so vile, so heartless as to capture rogue wolves and send them to vampy. I’d known he was a greedy man, ruthless in his pursuits, but this... this was a depth of depravity even I hadn’t expected. “Make sure the boy survives,” I said to Damon, my tone hard as steel. “Once he’s stable, move him to the safe house. And Damon, be careful. Don’t let Emmett follow you.” I grabbed my suit jacket from the chair, my mind swirling with anger and plans for retribution. But as I opened the door to leave, I froze. April was walking toward me, her delicate frame framed by the dim light of the hallway. Her expression was soft, her concern evident, but right now, her presence was the last thing I needed. “My love, what’s wrong? Where are you going?” she asked, her voice gentle, almost soothing. I stepped forward, trying to sidestep her, but she reached out, her hand grazing mine.
APRIL I ran. Slamming the door behind me, I leaned against it, my chest heaving as I clutched the doorknob. My heart pounded wildly, but it wasn’t just from running. Duncan… something was happening to him. He was changing, and I’d never seen him like this before. Writhing in agony, sweat slicking his brow, his eyes clouded with something far beyond rage. I had seen his wolf before. Powerful, wild, and dangerous. But this… this wasn’t the same. Something was wrong. Gathering what little courage I had, I slowly opened the door again. Duncan was already in his wolf form. “Oh my god,” I whispered, the words slipping out before I could stop them. My voice wavered as I took in the sight. His wolf lay still, almost lifeless, its massive chest rising and falling weakly. “Duncan? Can you hear me?” I knelt beside him, my hand trembling as I reached out to touch his fur. The moment my fingers brushed his coat, I felt it—the overwhelming wave of sadness and despair that coursed throug
DUNCAN "You didn’t have to match outfits with me," I said, my tone flat as I steered the car toward Melissa’s parents’ house. Melissa leaned back, her lips curving into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "I just felt like it. What’s the big deal? Can’t I wear what I like anymore without you making it an issue? Or..." She turned her head slightly, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "Are you worried about your wife?" Her words hung in the air, but I refused to rise to the bait. Melissa was calculating—always had been. I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of a reaction. When we arrived, I strode up to the door and rang the bell, Melissa trailing closely behind. It opened to reveal Enforcer Michael, a man who exuded strength even in his middle years. His piercing gaze softened when he saw Melissa, his daughter, and then settled on me with a prideful warmth. Michael had fought beside my father in countless battles, earning my respect long before I became Wolf King. If anyone
APRIL "What's going on? Hybrid blood? Vampire King?" I asked as I stared at him, stunned. I had gotten a tray of water for Damon. I thought it was the least I could considering the fact that he had accompanied me and could possibly get into Duncan's trouble. That's when I heard it. Vampires. I had heard it clearly. Isolation curse. My blood. " April, when did you get here?" Duncan asked, standing up, and I knew just what he was asking. How much did you hear? "What's going on, Duncan?" I asked watching as Duncan got up from his seat. "Calm down. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise." He said as he placed his hands on my shoulder and suddenly, I couldn't help but feel calm. There was just something about the way he talked that reassured me. " Damon, you can leave now," Duncan ordered making Damon leave. Once Damon was gone, I was stunned as Duncan walked closer to me wrapping his hand around my waist. His head buried deep in my neck and I tensed. My hea
APRIL Is love supposed to be like this? I never imagined that the reason he had left me was because of Melissa. Again. When I had gone to find him, I was surprised to see him sleeping beside her on her bed. It seemed like I was no one to him still. I decided to leave. The sky suddenly changed, and rain started falling, drenching me. The cold soon enveloped me and I rubbed my two hands together as I walked through the forest. The sound of the chipping birds echoing in the forest made me scared and amused at the same time. Suddenly, I heard someone step on a branch and quickly hid. Running away when we were still in the vampire's territory seemed like a bad idea but I couldn't find my way back. Soon, the sun began to go down making me worried. I had to find somewhere to rest before nightfall or even escape. But where could I go? " April!" A loud voice echoed. "April, where are you?" I heard Duncan's voice, and I immediately turned, trying to head toward where I had heard t
DUNCAN The heavy scent of garlic hit me the moment I returned back to my room. I was covered in blood and my wolf was distressed after leaving April alone by herself. I didn't like the effect she had on my wolf. She was the reason why I could control my wolf despite it being the full moon. She was like his drug, his lifeline. "April?" I called out as I entered the room. "Are you okay?" I asked as I searched around the room and headed to the bathroom. Empty. My eyes widened as a flurry of questions raced through my mind. Had she been taken? Had a vampire sneaked in and abducted her? I closed my eyes, letting my inner wolf surface, howling loudly in the room. Just then, I heard a noise coming from the closet. I approached it, taking a deep breath as I sensed her presence nearby. Was she inside the closet? Leaning forward, I grabbed the handle and opened it. "April. April, are you okay?" I asked as I saw her squatting down with her head down to the floor. She looked visi
APRIL Oh, my holy moon goddess. I had not thought things through when I had insisted on going with Duncan. He was angry with me for borrowing his grandmother's hands but maybe he had a point. Was I dreaming? The Vampire King was so handsome that I couldn't believe he had for a thousand centuries. His hair was black, silky, and beautiful. His eyes, on the other hand, were red, and his skin was pale. He said he wanted me. Duncan's words earlier about my hybrid blood didn't seem like a lie like I had thought. Duncan's hands wrapped around my waist, " April is my mate. I'm sorry but she is out of bounds." I looked up at Duncan and saw his eyes. His wolf had come out to the surface already. Glancing at the curtain, I could see the moon already shining high up in the sky. It was already night. Was that the reason why Duncan had tried his best to delay our arrival? "What a smart move." The Vampire King said as his gaze followed mine to the curtain. "You delayed your arrival
DUNCAN I couldn’t shake the tension as I approached the meeting room. My grandmother, a staunch supporter of Emmett’s claim to leadership, had called this meeting the moment she realized I’d been missing. I hesitated outside the door, cracked it open slightly, and listened. “Has it been confirmed that the Wolf King is dead?” Emily, the Luna of the Redfur Pack, asked. “We shouldn’t discuss a successor until we know for sure.” My grandmother’s voice was firm as she stood. “The Wolf King hasn’t appeared in ages. According to our laws, if he doesn’t report to the elders, we have the right to remove him. He’s neglected his duties for too long.” Leon spoke up in my defense. “That doesn’t mean he’s dead. Our strength comes from the Moon Goddess and her vessel.” “And what about Duncan?” Emmett’s voice was filled with disdain. “His wolf is unstable. Can he really lead?” Rachel shot back, sharp and direct. “Are you any better? We tried with you, and the Moon Goddess rejected you. Ho
APRIL "What's going on? Hybrid blood? Vampire King?" I asked as I stared at him, stunned. I had gotten a tray of water for Damon. I thought it was the least I could considering the fact that he had accompanied me and could possibly get into Duncan's trouble. That's when I heard it. Vampires. I had heard it clearly. Isolation curse. My blood. " April, when did you get here?" Duncan asked, standing up, and I knew just what he was asking. How much did you hear? "What's going on, Duncan?" I asked watching as Duncan got up from his seat. "Calm down. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise." He said as he placed his hands on my shoulder and suddenly, I couldn't help but feel calm. There was just something about the way he talked that reassured me. " Damon, you can leave now," Duncan ordered making Damon leave. Once Damon was gone, I was stunned as Duncan walked closer to me wrapping his hand around my waist. His head buried deep in my neck and I tensed. My hea
DUNCAN "You didn’t have to match outfits with me," I said, my tone flat as I steered the car toward Melissa’s parents’ house. Melissa leaned back, her lips curving into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "I just felt like it. What’s the big deal? Can’t I wear what I like anymore without you making it an issue? Or..." She turned her head slightly, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "Are you worried about your wife?" Her words hung in the air, but I refused to rise to the bait. Melissa was calculating—always had been. I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of a reaction. When we arrived, I strode up to the door and rang the bell, Melissa trailing closely behind. It opened to reveal Enforcer Michael, a man who exuded strength even in his middle years. His piercing gaze softened when he saw Melissa, his daughter, and then settled on me with a prideful warmth. Michael had fought beside my father in countless battles, earning my respect long before I became Wolf King. If anyone
APRIL I ran. Slamming the door behind me, I leaned against it, my chest heaving as I clutched the doorknob. My heart pounded wildly, but it wasn’t just from running. Duncan… something was happening to him. He was changing, and I’d never seen him like this before. Writhing in agony, sweat slicking his brow, his eyes clouded with something far beyond rage. I had seen his wolf before. Powerful, wild, and dangerous. But this… this wasn’t the same. Something was wrong. Gathering what little courage I had, I slowly opened the door again. Duncan was already in his wolf form. “Oh my god,” I whispered, the words slipping out before I could stop them. My voice wavered as I took in the sight. His wolf lay still, almost lifeless, its massive chest rising and falling weakly. “Duncan? Can you hear me?” I knelt beside him, my hand trembling as I reached out to touch his fur. The moment my fingers brushed his coat, I felt it—the overwhelming wave of sadness and despair that coursed throug
Duncan Vampires. It always came back to vampires. And this time, it had to be April’s father. Only he could be so vile, so heartless as to capture rogue wolves and send them to vampy. I’d known he was a greedy man, ruthless in his pursuits, but this... this was a depth of depravity even I hadn’t expected. “Make sure the boy survives,” I said to Damon, my tone hard as steel. “Once he’s stable, move him to the safe house. And Damon, be careful. Don’t let Emmett follow you.” I grabbed my suit jacket from the chair, my mind swirling with anger and plans for retribution. But as I opened the door to leave, I froze. April was walking toward me, her delicate frame framed by the dim light of the hallway. Her expression was soft, her concern evident, but right now, her presence was the last thing I needed. “My love, what’s wrong? Where are you going?” she asked, her voice gentle, almost soothing. I stepped forward, trying to sidestep her, but she reached out, her hand grazing mine.
Duncan’s grandmother’s sharp eyes were locked on us, her question cutting through the tense silence. “Is this your wife?” She asked. The room felt suffocating, and I couldn’t bring myself to look up at her much less answer. Duncan’s hand slipped into mine, squeezing gently. His touch stunned me as he whispered, “Yes, she is.” The silence in the room after he admitted that I was his wife was long and deafening. “Grandma, don’t make her more nervous than she already is,” Duncan’s voice was softer than I’d ever heard, surprising me even more. “She’s my mate.” “Your mate?” The disbelief in his grandmother’s voice was palpable. Why was she so shocked? “If she’s your mate, then welcome to the family,” she said, standing and surprising me further. I blinked up at Duncan, my heart racing. “Really?” My voice was barely a whisper. My eyes drifted to Melissa’s face and I could see her emotions written all over her face. She was hurt, but she didn't dare to lash out in front of