Eden’s POV
“You can end the marriage now. I’m back,” Scarlett said. “And unlike her, I have my wolf. A strong one. I’ll give you children, Caleb. Lots of little wolf pups. True heirs. Unless you want her to have your children.”
“As if I would ever let Eden have MY children!” Caleb scoffed. “She’s the daughter of a traitor! I can’t let a traitor’s daughter give birth to my bloodline!”
Scarlett giggled at his cruel words, and I was shocked. He was my husband! How could he be so cruel? He smeared my mom's name, calling her a traitor!
I had to stop them! I didn’t want to hear any more of this. But just as I was about to rush out, I heard their continued conversation.
“So, dear, why did you suddenly leave me?” Caleb coaxed. His voice was so gentle. He never talked to me that way. “It's okay, darling. You can tell me.”
“I was poisoned by wolfsbane. It was awful, pure torture. I wasn’t even conscious! My parents sent me to the Solace Pack since they’re the strongest pack in werewolf medical treatment. I suffered for so long.” I could hear her sobbing all the way through the door. “It was months before I regained consciousness, and when I did, well, I heard that you had married Eden.”
“Who did this to you?” Caleb asked, anger in his voice.
“My maid told me it was Eden. She was jealous of our love and wanted to be Luna, so she poisoned me.”
What? I gasped in shock. I did no such thing. I would NEVER poison someone, let alone my own half-sister.
“I didn't poison you!” I couldn't help but rush in and retorted.
They were both shocked to see me. They exchanged glances as if to say 'how much did she hear?' So, I made it clear.
“I heard everything,” I said, lifting my chin. I thought they would be embarrassed by this, but they looked at me with indignation. I realized then — they were planning to be together and they didn’t even care if I knew about their affair.
“Don't act innocent anymore, Eden,” Scarlett said, reaching for Caleb's hand. “If it weren't for you poisoning me two years ago, I wouldn't have collapsed at the banquet today. Wolfsbane messed up my body, and you stole my love! Today, I'm gonna uncover your scheme and make sure you can't fool Caleb anymore!”
“No! You're the one fool Caleb! I—” I struggled to defend myself, but when I saw Caleb tightly holding Scarlett's shoulders, looking at me with indifference, it felt like my heart was being squeezed by an invisible hand. Tears welled up unexpectedly.
“Your mom was a traitor, and you've got her blood, you're born to trick!” Scarlett seemed pleased with my tears, her smug expression and sharp accusations stabbing at me.
Anger rose in me. How dare she say those things. Before I knew what I was doing, I lunged at Scarlett and slapped her hard across the face.
Scarlett gasped, covering her cheek. Her body swayed slightly, as if she might fall. Caleb quickly caught her waist. So romantic. But it pained me so much. Tears flooded out like a broken dam.
Suddenly, Caleb grabbed me by my throat. His hands were strong and I gasped for air. He forced me to my knees.
“Apologize,” he said. It was the Alpha's command, and I couldn’t defy it.
“I-I’m sorry.” I reluctantly stuttered, unsure of which hurt more, my heart or my neck.
As he released me, I persisted in clearing my mother’s and my name, “My mother isn’t a traitor, and I haven’t lied to you, Caleb. I didn’t poison anyone!”
“Your hitting me in front of Caleb is the best proof. You've been faking it all along,” Scarlett interrupted, snuggling closer to Caleb, coaxing him, “How can such a morally flawed she-wolf become your Luna, Caleb.”
“No! Caleb, we’ve been together for two years, as your Luna—”
“Not anymore,” Caleb said coldly.
What? A bad feeling spread in my heart.
Caleb looked at me disdainfully. His voice carried obvious anger and dissatisfaction, “Scarlett's right. If it weren’t for your family, I’d never marry a wolfless girl like you. Such a malicious she-wolf doesn't deserve to be the Luna of my Pack!”
There's no greater pain than being misunderstood by the one you love. I froze, my mind went blank, feeling ice-cold all over. No, please don’t say that, don’t.
But Caleb had already made up his mind. He towered over me and said:
“I, Caleb, Alpha of the Sequoia Pack, reject you Eden, as my Luna.”
“No! Caleb, please, don’t do this,” I begged him on my knees. He looked down at me, with disgust in his eyes.
“A werewolf without a wolf is a shame to the pack. I’m declaring you exiled!” Caleb added to my punishment, using his usual cold tone towards me.
My heart shattered completely. Tears blurred my vision, and I could hardly see anything.
“Please, no,” I begged.
“Warriors!” he roared impatiently.
In an instant, several burly barged in, ignoring my struggles and cries as they dragged me out of the pack hospital. Just as Scarlett and Caleb were about to vanish from my sight, I saw they kissed.
“No!—” I desperately grabbed onto the warriors’ sleeves as they dragged me towards the pack border, trying to escape the impending fate. But they callously tossed me beyond the pack's boundaries.
“Shut up,” one of the warriors snapped at me, their fierce gaze making me flinch.
“You’re expelled, Eden, by the Alpha’s command. Never step foot inside our pack’s boundary again, or we’ll kill you on sight,” the leader of the warriors declared coldly, his words dripping with threat.
I watched them march away, wiping the dirt off my face. Then I stood up, on shaky legs. It was nighttime and the forest was dark. I no longer had the pack’s protection. I was a helpless rogue, vulnerable to anything and anyone.
I cautiously stepped into the forest, wary of every shadow and sound. This was rogue territory, a realm where darkness and violence reigned supreme. As a fragile soul without the protection of a pack, every moment here felt perilous.
The moon cast its silvery glow through the tangled branches above, illuminating my path as I leaned against a sturdy tree. A chill wind swept through the air, sending shivers down my spine and prickling my skin with fear. This, undoubtedly, was the darkest day of my existence — abandoned by my husband, betrayed by my half-sister, and cast out by my pack.
Tears welled up in my eyes, but I dared not let them fall. To display vulnerability in this unforgiving forest of crisis was to invite danger. Mom... How different would my life be if you were still with me? Would I still have the strength to clear your name from shame?
“Just survive the night,” I told myself.
A branch snapped and I held my breath. I know many rogues roamed this forest, and they wouldn’t hesitate to kidnap me…or worse.
Suddenly, a howl broke through my thoughts. It ripped through the air.
It was the most terrifying, wildest, loudest howl I had ever heard in my life.
It was a wolf’s howl. Scared, I quickly looked around.
That’s when I saw it. Two eyes, shining in the night. Wolf eyes.
And they were locked on me.
Eden’s POVThe wolf approached me slowly. As I saw him clearly, my whole body trembled. He was bigger than any wolf I’d ever seen: stronger, with muscles that bulged under his thick, black, shiny fur that blended in with the darkness of the night. Everything inside me screamed ‘run’! I tried to, but the wolf followed. He was agile and swift, and his shiny fur gave him an air of regality as it fluttered in the wind. With lightning speed, he lunged at me. I didn't dare look back again, but I could sense his presence; he was right behind me, gaining ground. I dodged under branches, my heart pounding.But then suddenly, thud— The wolf pinned me to the ground with only its right paw. My cheek pressed against the earth, and I panted heavily. Was this the end? Despair washed over me.He rolled me over and pressed my arms over my head. He stared at me with an intense gaze. I could feel his heart pounding against his chest.“Open your eyes,” he commanded, his voice majestic.Trembling, I o
Eden’s POVIn the dark forest, danger never ceased. It attracted the very worst of the worst, cruel rogues with no morals. I needed to get out of this forest, to find somewhere safe. But even as careful as I was, the rogues lurked everywhere. I soon came face to face with two rogues.“See?” one of them said, clucking his tongue. “Told you she was pretty.” They both lifted their noses into the air. “I’m the Luna of the Sequoia Pack,” I said, trying to steady my trembling legs and intimidate them. “If you lay a finger on me, the Sequoia Pack will come down hard on you.”“You? Hahaha...” the other burst into laughter. “You don’t even have a wolf.”They knew I didn't have a wolf! Of course they did. I was foolish to believe otherwise. Any werewolf could feel it.“What kind of Alpha would want a Luna without a wolf? Pathetic,” one chimed in, joining the laughter. “If the Alpha of the Sequoia Pack found out you were damaging his reputation, he’d waste no time killing you.”Kill me?His wo
Eden’s POVMy cell door swung open. “Put this on,” Kate hissed at me. “It’s time for auction, you filthy bitch.”I’ve been locked up in this cell for a few days now. Kate threw me in here. She said since I don’t have a wolf, and I’m not even an omega, the Lycan King wouldn’t want me. So they didn’t take me to the square. They’ve given me barely any food and water, but at least my bruises have healed, more or less.I fingered the beautiful silk gown. I put on the dress and she came back. She brushed my hair and put make-up on me.“Now smile nicely,” she instructed me. I shot her a satirical smile. “NICER!” she yelled. “They want to see pretty girls. And pretty girls SMILE.” I flashed her a fake smile. My ribs were still sore from the beating. I didn’t want that to happen again. At least if someone bought me, I could get out of this cell.I was then led to a large stage. The audience was full of men, mostly Alphas I assumed. I was instructed to stand in line and wait my turn. I watched
Eden’s POV“Lycans?” The auction house broke out into exclamations. “Is it true? Are they Lycans?” Everyone whispered, wide-eyed at the thought. Anxiety and confusion rippled through the room.But then, the man at the table calmly took off his coat. Everyone watched as he hung it on the back of his chair, revealing a crisp white shirt and navy suit vest. He strode to the stage, letting loose a powerful Lycan aura. His air of nobility was palpable. His aura emanated from him and spread out through the room, passing over everyone, one at a time, and as it did, each person felt like they had been hit by an invisible force. Then his aura settled over them, like a heavy blanket. They were powerless under the suffocating pressure of the Lycan’s aura.I watched him, transfixed, as his aura hit me. It was like a lightning bolt straight to my heart. My heart raced and I began to breathe quickly. I couldn’t take my eyes off him, even though I knew that making eye contact and staring at him lik
Zane’s POV“Tear this place down,” I turned to my Beta, instructed. “And then burn it. Leave nothing of this auction house save for ashes.”The girl in my arms shrank back in response to my command, she clutched at my shirt.‘Easy now, Cookie,’ I thought to myself. ‘You’re safe now. You’re mine.’I took in her scent. Bread cookies. It was her. I had finally found her. ‘All will be well now, Slade. We found her.’Instantly, Slade, my wolf, calmed down. My mind flashed back to the first time we met.I was 21 years old, in wolf form, when I was ambushed by rogues. They caught me completely off-guard. They seriously injured me, slashing my legs and my stomach. I was so badly hurt that I couldn’t return to human form. I managed to escape, but just barely. I was forced to hide out in the forest, doing my best to camouflage my black wolf form with the dead of night.She found me one day while I was sleeping in a small brush clearing. Full of curiosity, she climbed over the bushes. She was yo
Eden’s POVI was the talk of the town, or so I heard. Rumors of the Lycan King bringing back a ‘rogue girl’ spread rapidly through all the packs. I had been here a few days, but everywhere I went, the omegas whispered. The news even spread out into rogue territory. Everyone was guessing who I was. What was my true identity? Why had he chosen me? I was asked to meet some of the omega maids in the bathroom. Apparently, they wanted to help me wash. I didn’t really want their help, though. They were a little on the rough side. But I was told I had no choice. But before I went into the bathroom, I overheard the omega maids talking. They were whispering about all the gossip spreading through the packs.“I heard the King fell in love with her at first sight, so he brought her back here. That’s what an omega from Red Stone pack told me she heard,” one maid whispered.“Nonsense. Why would he fall in love with a rogue? And an ugly, wolfless one at that?” another maid scoffed. “That’s
Zane’s POV She approached the lavish table, clearly nervous. I was already there, waiting. I motioned for her to sit, across from him. Her hands were shaky. I fixed my eyes on hers and watched as she took her seat. She was quite graceful and looked lovely in a long silk dress. I nodded my approval. “It’s okay. You can relax. I won’t bite,” I said, trying to put her at ease with a joke. “I…I didn’t think you would,” she answered in a serious tone. Clearly, she had missed the joke. So I changed the subject. “Do you enjoy salmon?” I asked. I looked down at my plate. Salmon in a white wine sauce. One of my personal favorites. Decadent and delicious. She nodded. “Then bon appetit,” I said. I took a big bite, motioning for her to do the same. She smiled appreciatively. Good, she likes salmon, I thought to myself. Then I decided to address the question on my mind. “Don’t you have a wolf?” I asked. The question must have caught her by
Caleb’s POV“You stupid girl! Be more careful! My suit has to be perfect,” I barked at my omega maid. This was an important meeting! One of the most important meetings of my life! And my damned omega was ironing my suit like she didn’t have a care in the world. “That’s cashmere, you idiot! I swear, if you burn another one of my suits!”“Yes, yes,” she nodded. “No wrinkles. No burns. I promise.” I took a deep breath to regain my composure. I watched her closely while she ironed. The last thing I needed was a wrinkled poorly ironed suit. Not today! Not for this meeting! She finished and handed me the suit. “Now get out,” I snapped at her. A few moments later, I admired myself in the mirror. Yes, I was most handsome indeed. I looked like my powerful self, well-dressed and perfectly groomed. This was exactly the look I was going for. So I grabbed the wedding invitation and headed out the door to meet with the Lycan King.We were related, the Lycan King and I. My great-great-grandmoth
Eden’s POVEighteen today. How the time flies by! It seems like only yesterday I was lying on the bed, crying in agony as wave after wave of labor crashed over me. She was a difficult birth, Jupiter. But I made it through, of course.Who could have known the woman she would grow into?She is standing in front of the full-length mirror, admiring herself in her new gown. She’s glorious. Soft, pink cheeks and glacier blue eyes, just like Zara’s. She is the best of witches and the best of wolves – a unique hybrid that brings out both in this fluid, magical way.“Aunty Brinsle and Aunty Astrid?” she asked, looking at my reflection standing behind her. “Are they ready?”“Yes, love,” I tell her. “They are both waiting.” There’s a gentle knock on the door, and as if on cue, Brinsle and Astrid enter.“Oh Jupes,” Brinsle says, rushing to her side. “Look at you. All grown up.” Tears well in her eyes and she turns away.“I told you, no tears today,” Jupiter scolds Brinsle. But then she smiles sof
Zane’s POVSometimes, I don’t know who I love more, Eden or Jupiter. What a I saying? I love them equally.I was shocked, of course, the night our baby was born. I couldn’t believe it when Eden said the name, Jupiter. It all came together in that moment. Calista told me that visions always come true. Lucinda has the vision of a young girl born with both wolf and witch, a girl that would rule over both.Lucinda assumed it would be her daughter.She was wrong.It was ours.Eden has witch blood and wolf blood. Jupiter was born with both. She is our daughter and she will one day unite the wolves and the witches. For now, though, she’s just a bright-eyed, mischievous little five year old girl.And she is our world.Brinsle counsels Jupiter on the ways of witches. Sometimes, she takes Jupiter to different covens. The covens welcome her, this little daughter of ours. Astrid is in charge of Jupiter’s wolf training. And of course, Astrid is Jupiter’s god-mother. I know she is in good hands wit
Eden’s POVThe wedding was small but lovely. Zane gave Brinsle away and he was so honored to do so. It was a traditional human wedding, and Brinsle was lovely in her white dress. Adrian was handsome in his traditional human tuxedo. They chose a human wedding because they couldn’t have a werewolf one since Brinsle wasn’t a werewolf and they couldn’t have a witch wedding since Adrian wasn’t a witch. So they chose a human wedding instead.After the ceremony, we all mingled and sipped champagne while the children ran around playing tag on the grassy knoll. I was so happy for Adrian as I watched him great his guests, as was Zane. We both had a soft spot for Adrian and Brinsle. They were family as far as we were concerned.But it hadn’t always been easy. It had been a slow love between Brinsle and Adrian. They were both a bit broken and they both had serious trust issues. Brinsle had a magic that was too powerful for her and a history of lashing out. She had some pretty dark secrets in her
Eden’s POV“Lucia, how many times I have told you – get off the warrior training grounds!”I giggled. Lucia had a basket in her arms. It was lunch for Storm. I was sure of it. Lucia was notorious for this. She’d just scuttle right out onto the field, a basket full of food for Storm, and completely disrupt his warriors.“But it’s lunch time,” she said, cocking her head to the side.Storm was clearly embarrassed as she shook his head. His warriors smiled slyly. They were used to it. Lucia was a doting wife. She brought Storm lunch every day without fail.I was visiting for our monthly dinner date. Once a month, I made the trek out to see Lucia at her pack, the Santonio Pack. It was a bit of a hike, since her pack boundary was up in the hills. We’d chosen the location because of the view. After spending all those years on the island at the estate, Lucia swore she never wanted to see water ever again. So her pack was built up on the mountain on a flat plateau, surrounded only by tree tops
Eden’s POVI cursed Zane. I cursed sex. I cursed every one in that room and the sun and the moon and anything and everything I could think of. I had known pain in my life, really bad physical pain, but nothing had prepared me for the pain that ripped through my insides every time I had a contraction.We were back in my room. The doctor and several maids were by my side, as well as Astrid and Zane. Those were the only two people I wanted in the room with me. I gritted my teeth and did my best to breathe while contraction after contraction ripped through me. Zane wiped my forehead with cold clothes. Astrid held my hand, even though I was pretty sure I’d broken her fingers with my tight grip.I was only vaguely aware of the time, but I knew it was night.“It’s a long labour,” the doctor said. “I’m sorry, but that’s just the way it goes sometimes.”Outside my window, the guests waited with baited breath. It hadn’t taken long for word to spread right after the crowning that the queen was i
Eden’s POVI knew we invited a lot of people, but I didn’t really know how many until I saw them all sprawled out there in the garden. Thousands of people, for as far as I could see. Little children waved excitedly as I passed. Little girls giggled and whispered to their mothers:“She’s the most beautiful queen I’ve ever seen.”We walked slowly, through the crowds. I took my time, nodding and smiling as I went along. Everyone smiled back.Once or twice, a strange cramp ran through my stomach and I gripped Astrid’s hand. She looked at me, a worried expression on her face.“Eden, tell me the next time you feel a cramp, okay?” she asked.“Sure,” I said.The walk to the stage took a long time. I was so humbled that this many people had come to see my coronation. Some of them had travelled a very long way. I saw the pile of presents Astrid had commented on. Holy crap was right; it was massive!My eyes swelled. Such generosity from my people.“Oh,” I said, suddenly stopping. It was a cramp
Eden’s POVThe sun burst through the window and I bolted out of bed. I was so happy I could sing. It was here, it was finally here! Coronation day!The baby kicked, really hard. I pressed my hand on my stomach.“No no no,” I said. “You be a good girl and stay in there just one more day.” Then I went straight to the washroom to shower.Zane and I had stayed in separate rooms last night. The girls had stayed in my room with me: Astrid, Brinsle, Murietta, Lucia, and Chloe. We’d played silly games and talked late into the night. It had been a perfect evening, with the exception of a few major cramps. It was probably just too much food I told myself. We had, after all, stuffed our faces all night long.The women were still fast asleep when I got out of the shower. I jumped onto the bed and said in a sing-song voice:“Get up! It’s coronation day!”They all groaned. Astrid rolled over sleepily, tossing her arm over her head. “Not yet,” she said.Brinsle sat up immediately, as did Chloe. I’d
Eden’s POVMy mind reeled. A hundred thoughts ripped through my head. My heart and my stomach hurt.There was a baby?A baby with that…witch?But how? Why? This didn’t make any sense. I looked to Brinsle. If anyone would know, besides Zane, it was her. The look on her face said it all – apologetic.There WAS a baby.“Just listen,” Zane said.“You didn’t tell me?” I asked, embarrassed and angry. “You and…her? She’s carrying your baby?”“Eden, please. Just…come with me. Let’s talk.”But I didn’t want to talk. I wanted to run. I wanted to jump back into the lake and swim away again, like I had all those months ago.Had he been unfaithful to me? With a witch?He rushed towards me then and reached for my hand. But I shrugged him off.“I don’t understand,” I said.“So let me explain,” he told me.“Eden?” It was Brinsle. She was suddenly beside me. I felt like the world was spinning. I felt like I was going to be sick. “Just…just hear him out. Okay. It’s not what you think. I promise.”Her e
Eden’s POV“Excuse me?” I asked.The woman stopped in front of us. I was furious. Who the hell did she think she was? This was a private affair! This was an intimate, royal burial for MY mother. What was she talking about?“I’m guessing my invitation got lost in the mail?” the woman asked sardonically. “Zane, Brighton, Alpha so and so, nice to see you all again. Although I wish it were on happier terms.”I let Zane tense beside me. How did she know Brighton? And Zane? And was that my grandfather she was referring to.“What are you doing here?” Zane said, his voice low.“What do you mean?” she asked. “Of course I’m here. You’re burying my sister.”“This is a wolf’s burial. On wolf territory. You’re not welcome here, Lucinda,” Zane hissed.Lucinda?I knew that name. She was the head of the coven, the Falcon Crest Coven. She was the woman who had kept Zane and all the others prisoners. The woman who had personally provided Skylar with the potion for his warriors.What WAS she doing here?