Chapter two
Selene povI was stuck in that gross, wet dungeon. My body hurts bad from the nasty poison inside me. I couldn't feel Ezra, my wolf buddy, anymore. We used to share a tight bond, but now it was gone."Ezra? You there?" I whispered, my voice barely a peep.No answer, just dead silence pressing down on me. I hugged my knees tight, fighting back tears."This wasn't s'posed to happen," I mumbled, voice shaky. "The Moon Lady...she wouldn't ditch me like this, right?"Footsteps echoed down the hall. The cell door creaked open, bright light pouring in."Get up," a rough voice barked. "Alpha wants you."I struggled to my feet, wobbly legs barely holding me up. Two big guards grabbed my arms in a vise grip, dragging me out and down the twisty passages.Memories hit me hard - Nathan's warm hugs, his soft kisses, the sparkle in his eyes when he looked at me. And Mia...my so-called bestie who knew all my secrets. How could I have been so blind?We reached the courtyard, the whole pack gathered there. Hundreds of faces, some curious, some downright mean. I searched for a friendly face, someone kind.Nothing.Nathan stepped forward, stone-cold expression. My heart clenched as his icy stare hit me."Selene Wells," he said, voice booming. "You betrayed the Nightfall Pack. For your crimes, you're banished. No rank, no privileges."His words stabbed me like a knife. The guards were all that kept me standing."No..." I rasped, shaking my head hard. "Nathan, listen! It's all messed up!"He didn't flinch, face frozen like rock."Take her away," he ordered, turning his back.The guards yanked me forward, feet scrabbling in the dirt as I fought them."Nathan!" I cried, voice cracking. "I love you! Don't do this!"But he never looked back. Never heard my screams.Mia blocked my path, a cruel smirk on her face. She leaned in close, whispering in my ear, "He was mine first, Selene. You never had him."Then she was gone as the guards dragged me past the pack's borders, into the thick forest.I stumbled along in a daze, mind spinning from what just happened. One minute, I had Nathan's love and my pack. Next, I'm tossed out like trash, alone in the wild.As the rush faded, a new pain flared up - a sharp, burning agony deep in my gut. I doubled over, stomach clenching as I screamed out.The poison...spreading faster...I lurched onward, each step harder than the last as the torture intensified. Not having Ezra felt like a hole had been ripped in me, a wound that wouldn't heal. I was totally alone, cut off from being a werewolf.Black crept into my vision and the world started spinning. I crashed to my knees, everything tilting crazy around me. A figure approached in the distance, but my senses were so scrambled, I couldn't tell.Please...make it stop...I can't take anymore...Squeezing my eyes shut, I begged the Moon Goddess for the pain to end. As the darkness swallowed me, I could swear I felt a soft touch on my forehead, a gentle caress easing the hurt.Maybe my fate wasn't sealed just yet.Chapter threeLogan’s povI landed the last hit, sending Luke staggering back with a grunt. Sweat dripped down my forehead as I straightened up, rolling my shoulders to ease the muscle tension."Not bad, old pal," I said, flashing him a smirk. "But you're still holding back."Luke chuckled, wiping his arm across his sweaty brow. "You know me too well, Alpha. Didn't wanna embarrass you in front of the pack."I laughed out loud, shaking my head in amusement. Luke's unwavering loyalty and easy jokes never failed to lift my spirits, even after all these years. "Come on, you know you could never beat me, even on your best day."His eyes twinkled with mirth, but he didn't argue. As my beta, Luke knew his place - and accepted it without a fuss.We grabbed towels and water pouches from the training area. Luke took a long gulp before fixing me with a pointed look."You know, Logan, it's been a while since you took a mate. Maybe time to weigh your options?" I tensed up, good mood gone in an i
Chapter four Logan’s pov"Marcus!" I roared, bursting into the healing den. "She's fading, damn it! You have to help her!"The grizzled old healer took one look at her broken form and his eyes widened. He ushered me over to a cot, already barking orders to his assistants."Easy now, Alpha. Let me see the extent of her injuries." "She's been poisoned," I growled through gritted teeth. "Some kind of toxin I've never encountered before."Marcus leaned in close, sniffing delicately at her wounds. His brow creased into a deep frown."Indeed, this reeks of powerful magic - far beyond my skill to treat." He met my gaze, his eyes full of regret. "Unless we can find an antidote, or break whatever hex has been cast...her odds of survival are slim at best.""That's not good enough!" I roared, rounding on the startled healer. "Tell me what I need to do, Marcus. There has to be a way!"Marcus raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Perhaps...if we could enlist the aid of a skilled witch or sh
Chapter five Selene pov I peeled my eyes open slowly, blinking against the warm sunlight filtering through the window. Where...where was I? This wasn't the dark forest floor I remembered. The sheets beneath me were crisp and clean, the room airy and bright. I inhaled deeply - the air smelled of dried herbs and a faint wisp of woodsmoke. Definitely not the musty stench of my usual surroundings.Moving cautiously, I pushed myself upright. A twinge of pain lanced through my ribs, but it was distant, dulled. Like whatever nightmare I'd endured was finally fading into a bad dream.Throwing back the covers, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed. The plush fur rug tickled my bare feet as I stood on shaky legs. What was this place? The door stood ajar, a tantalizing glimpse of the world beyond. Throwing caution to the winds, I crept across the room and peered out into the hallway. It was...a house. Not just any house, but one of those sprawling wooden lodges, the type only the most re
Chapter sixLogan’s povI was having a friendly chat with Selene in one of the sitting rooms when my beta Luke came rushing over, his face apologetic."Sorry to interrupt," he said, slightly out of breath. "But Mother demands your presence right away, Logan."I raised an eyebrow. "Any idea what this is about?" Luke shook his head. "No, she didn't say."Turning to Selene, I gave her a regretful look. "I'm sorry, I have to go see what she wants. I'll come right back as soon as I can."Selene smiled softly. "Of course, I understand. We can continue our discussion later."I left her in the sitting room and made my way across the pack grounds to the packhouse where my mother resided. As I approached her quarters, I could hear hushed voices coming from behind the door. Knocking firmly, I entered at her call."Ah, Logan, there you are." Mother's expression was unreadable as she looked up from where she sat with another wolf - Zara from the Council. "Come in, come in."My eyes narrowed sligh
Chapter seven Selene’s povAfter Logan left the sitting room to go see his mother, I sat there feeling a bit confused and unsettled. Part of me still couldn't quite believe what he had said about us potentially being true mates according to the goddess. How could that be possible? Surely there had been some mistake.I got up and wandered into one of the bedrooms, needing space to sort through my jumbled thoughts and emotions. Sinking down onto the edge of the bed, I closed my eyes and tried to calm my racing heart."Ezra?" I called out tentatively. "Are you there? I need your counsel." There was a brief shimmer in the air before my spirit guardian materialized before me. The ethereal she-wolf regarded me kindly with those ancient, knowing eyes."What troubles you, my friend?" Her voice was warm and soothing in my mind.I twisted my hands nervously in my lap. "It's Logan. He...he says the goddess has blessed us as true mates." I shook my head slowly. "But how can that be? After everyt
Chapter eightSelene’s pov Everything was pitch black when I finally came to, my head pounding and mouth dry as cotton. Where was I? The last thing I remembered was that blurred figure bursting into the room and some sickly-sweet smell overwhelming me. I tried to move but quickly realized my hands were bound tightly behind my back. Panic lanced through me as my eyes strained against the inky darkness, searching for any hint of light or an escape route."Ezra?" I called out tentatively, hoping against hope that my spirit wolf guardian could hear me somehow. "Ezra, where are you?"But there was no response, no shimmering form appearing by my side. A sob tried to work its way up my throat as a hollow feeling of isolation consumed me. I was utterly alone here in this void.The sound of a heavy door scraping open somewhere nearby made me flinch. Harsh light flooded the space, stabbing into my sensitive eyes and making me squint. As my vision slowly adjusted, I could make out the rough hew
Chapter eight Nathan’s povThree days after I betrayed Selene, my life fell apart. I could not shift into my wolf form anymore. My wolf Max abandoned me. He did not agree with me mating Mia instead of Selene, my true mate. Max went silent and refused to come out, making me very weak.I regretted believing Mia's lies about Selene cheating and not being able to have a child. I should not have plotted against Selene and banished her from our pack, even though she had poison in her system. The guilt ate away at me. I thought about the beautiful Selene and our love constantly. I remembered her charming smile, her sweet lips, our promises to mate and have children. I thought about our plans for our first time after her Luna ceremony. One cold night, I wandered into the dark forest, hoping to find Selene alive. I came across the clearing where we used to meet. Suddenly, I smelled Selene's scent! I ran towards it and saw a woman running, maybe from vampires. "Let me save you, Selene!" I gr
Chapter nineZara’s povTears streamed down my face as I hurried away from Logan's room. How dare he accuse me of such a horrible thing! Kidnapping his mate Selene? I didn't even know who this Selene was.My heart raced with a mixture of anger, hurt, and determination. If Logan thought he could just dismiss me so easily, he had another thing coming. I would make him regret treating me this way.With quick strides, I headed straight for the Luna's quarters. If anyone could set Logan straight, it was his own mother. I needed her on my side."Luna! Luna!" I called out frantically as I reached her rooms, pounding on the door.The Luna emerged, her expression one of alarm and concern. "Zara? What's wrong, child?"I put on my most distraught face, forcing out dramatic sobs. "It's Logan...he...he sent for me..."Taking shuddering breaths, I let the tears flow freely. The Luna ushered me into the sitting room, her eyes wide with worry."There, there, calm yourself," she soothed, guiding me to
Sophie's Trial Before the Elders.“Do you know why you have been summoned here? Traitor?” Nathan asked. Raging on while the elders of the council exchanged looks, Sophie, on the other hand, didn't budge a bit; she didn't mind; as a matter of fact, to her, they were all fools, eating out of her hand.This was exactly where she wanted to be; this was the entire plan she had in mind. as knew Matt was forever, but apart from the crazy love obsession that Matt had over her, there was also a slight issue that raised a hell lot of problems.It was the blind love and stupendous loyalty he had for Logan ; of course she knew eventually he was going to eat her out. Besides, what was she ever going to gain from including Matt in her plan from the beginning?.She could have taken the babies by herself, for all she knew; however, she wanted them distracted. Turned against one another."Yes, your highness, I am here to stand trial, as the customs of the pack are the only chance I get to prove my i
“I will be a better man." selene , I said I'm sorry.” He pleaded, straining his voice, Hw pulled closer to her, but she ignored him. He said not even a single word, panic and pain coursing through his vein, swallowing hard. He had rolled his eyes before sinking into the chair.She had been this way all day, apart from the constant cries of the babies. Nothing else had been said between them both.“I'll be out for some air," Nathan added reluctantly. More pain coursed through his veins, yet he could not help himself. The more he tried to think of it, The more sorrow had plagued her mind, it was one thing for the constant arguments; it was another when she had shut him out.He ! I certainly knew she would keep up with her icy attitude towards him for just about long enough, and the mere thought of it made him really weary, thinking down into things like that wasn't what he needed.He rested against the balcony; he hacked the wall while he drew out a cigarette and lit on the end; the e
“Matt?” Sophie called out; her heart skipped beats as soon as she cast her gaze against that of Logan's and nathan 's; it was Matt who had betrayed her and screwed her over.“I'll ask Sophie, Where are my children? '' Nathan asked, glaring widely, anger wallowing within him.Of course, he was told by the wall that it was what he needed to do. In a bit, all he had to do was speak, rage on, and lash out! Whatever, he knew he wasn't going to repeat himself, and he was certain the words were clear enough.“I'm sorry… I'm really sorry.” She mustered beneath her breath, pain and anger eating away at her.Logan didn't like the fact that Nathan was doing too much; it was his babies, his kids, and so far as pleased everyone knew the pups didn't belong to Nathan and that selene had been pregnant when she came to join their pack.Yet he wasn't prepared to face his wrath at a moment like this, nor wasn't seen calling him names and passing on blame to him.“They are right, right here.” Sop
!“Selene ?” Logan called out her name, almost as though he had seen a ghost. His heart hammered in his chest. He had a lot to say to her, a whole lot to explain, but he knew at the moment he dared not voice out a single thing.“I'm sorry, we should have done this a long time ago.” Logan Wolf added in, feeling the pain he had felt, and it ate away at both of them, barely holding up to them.“What part of don't step out if your room did not get yours?” Nathan asked, becoming angry himself. He balled his fast signs and approached selene s' horse.“Don't get out of my room. Or keep her locker DUP like some rabid dog?” selene asked my response while staring deep down into nathan 's orbs. She felt no empathy, love, pain, or regret of any kind as she spoke with him. It was safe to say that every form of butterflies she'd had in her belly before, the ones he'd given her, entirely made me sick down to the core. He could barely understand it.“What do you mean? It's making no sense right n
“Do not make me repeat myself; I want those doors opened now!” Selene yelled at the top of her voice, and the maids shook their heads in response. Passing each other questioning glances and gazes, uncertain of how to handle the entire situation, cold sweat broke off from Selene's temples. She wasn't certain what to do or how to handle the entire situation.For the fact that she had woken rather late and weak but couldn't find her babies, two things settled into her mind, but then Matt passed by saying he had taken them to the shaman for preparation of rites. She had zero problems with that, apart from when the issue began. And yells, and then Matt has not returned.She felt it must have been something else, but it became rather unsettling again, seeing guards stand by her doorstep, bolting the door closed. And when she asked the maids, they claimed she was meant to be in confinement, nothing else; that certainly rang a bell—a crazy one at that."Oh, please... I'll make you regret this
“Your highness!” Matt yelled at the top of his voice while he hastened his steps into the room. Nathan tilted his head slowly before adding more colleges to his shirt. Nathan glanced at himself in the ! mirror, feeling somewhat more accomplished. He was a father, so he had to start dressing responsibly.He was a father now.The mere thought of it made him smile baselessly while taking a long and lasting look at his reflection in the mirror, admiring every little piece of exposed skin that he had. He always argues himself not to be a narcist, but when it got down to terms of his body, he did really well at that. He always had a thing or two to say about how perfect his body was and how drop-dead gorgeous he looked.“Your highness, it's urgent.” Matt repeated it again, scared to the brim while his heart raced in his chest, yet still, he knew for a fact that breaking down would make things worse. “Your highness!” he called out again, raging inwardly while sweat trickled off his templ
PREPARING FOR THEIR NAMING CEREMONY “Bring out the best wines we have! The best cattle; have them prepared; let the people in as I call for celebration; my wife has given birth to two boys; we have two young alphas and heirs to the throne." Nathan yelled at the top of his voice, happiness seeping into him while he made the announcement, loud yells as I lunated a follow-follow while very rammed their hands together.Each one pauses the gist of the news to another. Smiles upon their faces at the happiness of the alpha, good news was needed in the pack, and it had to come as a double blessing.Everyone hailed the Lord for all that had happened, as happiness shook them totally, meekness and joy, they all chanted and yelled. Smiling ear to ear.That was all that had been needed—the very thing that was expected.Yet amidst the happy crowd, Sophie had a very ugly frown on her face.“My love," Matt had called out to her, running his hands over her shoulder and down to her exit.She closed th
LEXUS POV.Soft, gentle knocks were placed on her door repeatedly. I got no response on the first few knocks, and later on, I panicked a bit and pushed the door, but it had been bolted from inside, which meant she was still in.“Zara , it's me!.” I spoke up. I heard footsteps approaching the door while she pushed it open, revealing her fluffy eyes and black circles beneath them. Her face seemed rough, as did her hair. She looked a little sleepy, almost like I had woken her from her sleep.“Why did it take you so long to get to the door? Besides, why are you looking like this?” I asked, breaking off but having the end slurred out long enough that she understood what it was that I had meant.“I'm so sorry, but I don't feel too well; you seem a little... Confused, if I might say, besides, what's the deal with you? I'm not making complaints, but I'm sure Logan doesn't want to see you around me, and if he doesn't get what he wants, he makes everyone else into the bad guy.,” she retorted,
“That color suits you, love.” Nathan teases while selene spins around hastily, a smile curving up on her lips as she listens to Nathan 's words.“You aren't meant to be here, Nathan ; it's nothing but bad luck to see the bride before she is married off to you.” selene added in, sounding quite chirpy with a smile on her face, and Nathan rolled his eyes at the person who never cared much about diabolical rumors.“All I wanted to do was take a sneak peek at my bride and also be sure she's on board with the entire thing. selene If you feel like this'd be way too much for you to handle, I'm very sorry, but we can stop this. I don't want you overthinking or working yourself up because of my decision. All you need to do is say the word. I promise I'll call it off in a heartbeat.” Nathan reassures Hee, who had been up listening to two, however it was that Nathan would not help but push a smile against his lips.What exactly was the entire deal about? She knew herself to be one person