DUNCAN I slammed the door behind me, the sharp sound echoing in the silence. I didn’t look back. I couldn’t. If I stayed any longer, I would lose control. And that wasn’t something I could afford right now. As I walked away from the house, the cool morning air hit me like a slap in the face. I welcomed the sting, letting it clear my head. The contract I handed April was supposed to restore order, to bring balance to the chaos she’d dragged into my life. It wasn’t about power. Itwas about balance. But as I gripped the steering wheel, trying to steady myself, I knew the truth. Her scent still lingered on me, maddening and soft, reminding me that she wasn’t just a problem to solve. She was a complication I didn’t need. And yet, I couldn’t ignore the pull. April would never follow the rules I’d set out. And me? I wouldn’t stop until I uncovered every secret her father was hiding. The man who had betrayed everything I stood for. Experimenting on rogue wolves, striking deals with dang
APRIL “Let me go,” I demanded, my voice barely steady as I thrashed against Alpha Emmett’s unyielding grip. His fingers dug into my arms, like steel clamps pinning me in place, leaving no room for escape. I swallowed my rising panic. Screaming wasn’t an option. If anyone from the pack saw us like this, the rumors would spread like wildfire, and the consequences would be unbearable. “Go ahead, scream,” Emmett taunted, his voice dripping with dark amusement. “It won’t matter. Right now, you’re mine.” The cold, possessive tone in his words sent a shiver down my spine. He leaned in, his face so close I could feel the heat of his breath, his lips angling toward mine. My stomach churned as I twisted against him, but his strength overpowered me completely. I had no wolf to call on, no chance of matching his brute force. Still, I refused to give in. As his mouth pressed against mine, I did the only thing I could. I bit down hard on his lower lip. The sharp taste of blood filled my m
Returning to my childhood home felt like stepping into the den of a predator. The memories of my father’s harsh treatment resurfaced like dark shadows, tightening my chest and curling my hands into fists. This place was dangerous. Possibly a trap. I was defenseless here, with no one to rely on. My father could do whatever he pleased, but despite the risks, I couldn’t ignore his summons. Closing my eyes, I whispered a quiet prayer, clinging to a fragile hope. Please, Moon Goddess, protect me. When I opened my eyes again, I inhaled deeply, trying to calm the storm inside me. “April, you’re here,” my father said the moment I stepped through the door, his voice sharp and unnerving. I forced a smile, pretending I wasn’t suffocating under the weight of his presence. My gaze shifted to the Alphas seated near him, their piercing stares sending a shiver down my spine. A wave of disgust rolled through me. My father, old and conniving, surrounded himself with these younger, powerful men
“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 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
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 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
“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
Returning to my childhood home felt like stepping into the den of a predator. The memories of my father’s harsh treatment resurfaced like dark shadows, tightening my chest and curling my hands into fists. This place was dangerous. Possibly a trap. I was defenseless here, with no one to rely on. My father could do whatever he pleased, but despite the risks, I couldn’t ignore his summons. Closing my eyes, I whispered a quiet prayer, clinging to a fragile hope. Please, Moon Goddess, protect me. When I opened my eyes again, I inhaled deeply, trying to calm the storm inside me. “April, you’re here,” my father said the moment I stepped through the door, his voice sharp and unnerving. I forced a smile, pretending I wasn’t suffocating under the weight of his presence. My gaze shifted to the Alphas seated near him, their piercing stares sending a shiver down my spine. A wave of disgust rolled through me. My father, old and conniving, surrounded himself with these younger, powerful men
APRIL “Let me go,” I demanded, my voice barely steady as I thrashed against Alpha Emmett’s unyielding grip. His fingers dug into my arms, like steel clamps pinning me in place, leaving no room for escape. I swallowed my rising panic. Screaming wasn’t an option. If anyone from the pack saw us like this, the rumors would spread like wildfire, and the consequences would be unbearable. “Go ahead, scream,” Emmett taunted, his voice dripping with dark amusement. “It won’t matter. Right now, you’re mine.” The cold, possessive tone in his words sent a shiver down my spine. He leaned in, his face so close I could feel the heat of his breath, his lips angling toward mine. My stomach churned as I twisted against him, but his strength overpowered me completely. I had no wolf to call on, no chance of matching his brute force. Still, I refused to give in. As his mouth pressed against mine, I did the only thing I could. I bit down hard on his lower lip. The sharp taste of blood filled my m
DUNCAN I slammed the door behind me, the sharp sound echoing in the silence. I didn’t look back. I couldn’t. If I stayed any longer, I would lose control. And that wasn’t something I could afford right now. As I walked away from the house, the cool morning air hit me like a slap in the face. I welcomed the sting, letting it clear my head. The contract I handed April was supposed to restore order, to bring balance to the chaos she’d dragged into my life. It wasn’t about power. Itwas about balance. But as I gripped the steering wheel, trying to steady myself, I knew the truth. Her scent still lingered on me, maddening and soft, reminding me that she wasn’t just a problem to solve. She was a complication I didn’t need. And yet, I couldn’t ignore the pull. April would never follow the rules I’d set out. And me? I wouldn’t stop until I uncovered every secret her father was hiding. The man who had betrayed everything I stood for. Experimenting on rogue wolves, striking deals with dang