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 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
APRIL Life wasn't just bad for me, it was fucked up. “ Where is she? Where is that abomination?” My father called out barging into my room without notice. From a young age, I sensed something amiss in my father's eyes. Despite being his only child, his love felt like an unreachable star, always just out of grasp. I knew it was because I was not the son he had longed for. A boy to carry on our bloodline, to make him proud within the pack. In our pack, daughters like me were often seen as weak, mere afterthoughts, and I was no exception. I carried the burden of his disappointment, a constant reminder that I fell short of his dreams. The truth stung. I was just a girl in a world that valued boys. I merely caught myself reaching for a piece of clothing to cover my lower body because I was naked. I had just gotten out of the shower and I barely had time to dress up when I heard my father's voice. His gaze changed the moment he saw my body. “ You're now a real woman. Beautiful.” My fat
I stood on the stage feeling exposed, ridiculed and ashamed. Dressed in a daring blue gown that hugged my figure, the off-shoulder neckline revealing just enough to hold attention, I felt the heavy, revolting stares of the Alphas as they trailed over me. Their eyes lingered, dark with something sickening, and my stomach twisted in protest. I wanted nothing more than to turn away or throw up. But then I caught my father's silent, piercing look, a warning in his eyes that froze me in place. I knew that if I let him down now, there would be hell to pay. “ Look at them. They look delectable. Very sexy.” One of the Alphas said laughing as he walked up to us. He reached out for one of the other girls and squeezed her breast making the other Alphas laugh in response as they saw the girl's surprised expression. I could tell she was young and naive despite her beautiful body and it made me sick that my father would do this to his own people. To girls from our pack. He was the Alpha and
The Wolf King sat beside me, his presence imposing, his gaze sharp and unwavering, like a blade cutting through the silence in his home. I could feel his eyes on me, hard as stone, and it sent a chill down my spine, stirring a quiet panic within. Then, without a word, he reached behind him. My pulse quickened, my mind racing with whispers of the wild rumors I’d heard. I closed my eyes and silently took a deep breath. I needed to keep my head no matter what. He rose and moved to the table, his movements precise, commanding. When he returned, he held out a paper, his voice clipped and cold. "Sign this," Duncan said, his tone brooking no argument.My hand trembled as I reached for the paper. I couldn’t read. My father never let me learn. As a girl, he’d deemed it pointless for me to have any skills beyond keeping a home. The thought of him finding out made my skin crawl. If the Wolf King knew… Would he cast me out? I could already imagine the fury my father would be in if he had to retu
Duncan, the mighty Wolf King had a fiancee. I don't know why I never thought of the possibility but I was heartbroken and jealous the moment I had seen them kiss last night. As I stepped out of the bathroom, I glanced at my limited wardrobe, realizing how little I had to choose from. With a resigned shrug, I got dressed and made my way downstairs to tidy up the house. The morning light was just beginning to peek through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. My father's strict training had instilled in me the discipline to wake early, often enforced by his cold, ruthless wake-up calls that soaked my bed in ice water. The last thing I wanted was trouble with Duncan or his fiancee. “Good morning,” I said respectfully as she descended the staircase, her elegant robe flowing around her like a gentle wave. “I’ve already tidied up the place. What would you like for breakfast? I can make just about anything.” I offered, a genuine smile on my lips as she walked into the kitchen.“ W
The sharp ache in my neck was the first thing I felt as consciousness pulled me from the depths. Every beat of my heart seemed to pulse directly into the wound, a constant, throbbing reminder of what Duncan had done. I forced my eyes open, blinking against the faint light streaming through the curtains. I was still on the floor, curled up at the foot of the staircase, my skin slick with cold sweat. Memories of last night crashed over me, one after another. The full moon, the looming shadows outside, Duncan’s tortured form, and then… his bite. My hand flew to my neck, fingers grazing the faint indentations left by his fangs. It was barely a mark, yet it burned with an unfamiliar heat that felt as though it had seeped into my very blood. I pulled myself up, leaning against the wall to steady my legs. My emotions were a tangled mess of anger, confusion, and something else I couldn’t quite name. Did he even realize what marking me meant? Or had his wolf completely taken over? “Wait.” A
Disbelief hit me like a cold wave as I stared at Duncan. Melissa, his fiancée, was outside kissing his cousin, Alpha Emmett on the day of their engagement, no less. And Duncan? He seemed to know about it the whole time. But as his eyes shifted to the pair, his expression changed. It wasn’t the face of someone who already knew. It was shock, pure and real. Duncan let go of my hand without a word and walked straight toward them. Melissa and Emmett, still caught up in their moment, didn’t even notice him coming. I stood frozen, feeling empty as I watched him walk away. “Melissa? How could you do this to me?” Duncan’s voice cut through the air, laced with disbelief as he stared at her. Melissa jerked back in shock, shoving Emmett away, but Emmett didn’t budge. Instead, he smirked, holding her close, clearly enjoying the chaos he had caused. “Duncan, it’s not what it looks like,” Melissa stammered, her voice shaky as she stared at Duncan. “Not what it looks like?” Duncan’s tone s
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
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