LYRA’S POV
The quietness in the room was broken by my alarm buzzing sound. I let out a moan and slammed it shut. For a few seconds, I considered sliding back under the duvet but the constant movement and footsteps around the house succeeded in pulling my mind awake. “Jeezzz…don't y'all sleep?”. I rolled over my pillow, muffling my mouth with it before letting out my frustration in a muffled scream. Today is my first day of training. For a moment, I stared into the ceiling thinking of how best to make this work. I let out a deep sigh before rolling over the bed, forcing myself up, and making my way to the bathroom. I gripped the sink, staring at myself in the mirror. With pale skin and eye bags, I didn't look like someone cut out for a fight. Come to think of it, I had always imagined mate Bond being all rosy and a happily-ever-after union. Not some Vikings show-off. Pushing the thought aside, I grabbed my towel and entered the shower. I quickly dressed up and made my way to the kitchen. The aroma of already-made breakfast made my stomach rumble. I grabbed a plate, piling it up with food. I knew I needed the energy. I was about to eat when I heard a chorus greeting "Good morning, Your Highness." I froze. A piece of toast halfway to my mouth. My plate was stacked with food, obviously not the most dignifying look in front of the Queen. For a split second, my brain went into panic mode. Should I put some food back? Hide the plate? Too late. Tessa’s sharp eyes already landed on me. "Lyra," she greeted. "Planning to feed the entire pack with that?" A polite smile curved her lips. I somehow wished the ground could have swallowed me at that instant. "Uh… I—the training. I'd need the food." I stammered. Tessa chuckled, her expression softening. "Go ahead, You’ll need it." I nodded, hoping she’d ignore my embarrassing display and move on. Instead, she pulled out a chair and sat beside me "So," she said, "how are you feeling about your first day of training?" Oh my, I instantly lost my appetite. "Nervous, mostly”. Her lips twitched in amusement. " Jake, he won't be easy on you. Try not to take it personally. He just wants results." Before I could respond, her phone buzzed. She looked at the screen and sighed. "Sorry, I have to take this." With a nod, she turned and walked away. I sighed, finally taking a bite of my toast. Hopefully, my training session wouldn’t be nearly as embarrassing as this moment. “You've got twenty minutes to meet me outside!” Jake ordered, standing by the door and pointing at his smartwatch. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away. “Why the whole rush, jeez!” I muttered under my breath. I ate as fast as possible before dashing out to meet Jake who was already halfway down the field. I fastened my pace to meet up. Jake stood in the clearing, his posture rigid, hands behind his back as he watched me approach. “You're late,” he fired at me. I exhaled sharply, still trying to catch my breath. “I…uh.., I was…” my chest heaved. “Excuse won't help you in life” he abruptly cut me off. His tone sent a flicker of irritation through me but I swallowed it. Last night, Jake had been different, softer, almost tender. But now, he was acting like a stranger, distant, Cold. It was as if the warmth he had shown me was just an illusion. “This is my training den,” Jake mentioned. He stopped pacing and turned to face me. It was an open space surrounded by tall trees and thick wood beyond. It felt a bit secluded. “Are you going to stand there admiring the trees or we are going to start up?” Jake’s voice cut through the moment, sharp and impatient. I flinched. “ Yeah, I’m ready,” I said, stepping forward. “Good, let's start with the basics. Now show me your stance “. “Stance? I hesitated before posing into what I felt was a good fighting stance. I had seen some in movies. My legs felt awkward and unsteady. I glanced up at Jake, searching for some sign of approval, but the look he gave me was not encouraging. “Your feet are too close together, You’ll lose your balance the moment someone pushes you. Widen your stance and stop being difficult!” he said. His voice held no empathy. My eyes were already glassy with tears but I bit my lips, trying to hold it back. “Please tell me you know how to do this at least”. He extended his claws. “That I don't know how to transform doesn't mean I'm completely useless, you know”. I extended mine. “Impressive!” So why then do you not know how to transform? I kept mute. “Well..as werewolves, we are two different entities dwelling in a space and both cannot function as one if there is no proper bonding”. He explained. “The moment you treat your wolf as a separate entity, or you let a traumatic experience get the best of you, transformation becomes impossible and slowly your wolf dies”. The last statement made Tara whimper inside me. Maybe I was the reason for my problem. Since the night I watched my mum get mauled by that beast. I couldn't get myself to transform for fear of hurting people with my wolf even though I knew Tara wasn't capable of hurting anyone. It was more like a PTSD. “Now, let go of whatever it is, take a deep breath, and connect with her. Allow her to take over you” He said. “Tara, let's do this…we can do this”. I closed my eyes for seconds trying to concentrate. “Come on! You can do this, it doesn't take forever! It's as easy as ABC” Jake interrupted. “Can you just be quiet? You're not helping,” I barked. I closed my eyes again, gnashing my teeth, trying to force every nerve in me to transform but nothing happened. I tried over and over, yet no sign. We’d been at it for what felt like hours. My muscles ached, my palms were raw from gripping hard to the nearby tree, and devastation was beginning to set in. Jake’s complaints and critics were becoming unbearable and annoying. I wonder if he was here to teach or make me feel worse about myself. “Again,” he barked, his voice sharp as I stumbled backward, barely catching myself before I fell. “You’re too slow” I stared at him with frustration. “Maybe you should consider not picking on me” Jake’s eyes flashed, and for a moment, I thought he might snap back at me. But instead, his expression changed. “Jake?” I took a step toward him, my anger forgotten. “What’s wrong?” “Stay back,” he snarled, his voice barely human. His gray eyes began to fade into a darker shade, he kept twisting and turning slamming into trees as he fought to control himself. “Go…run…run! I can’t…” Before I could move a muscle, he let out a loud growl. And then, without warning, he pounced on me. I barely had time to react. With a swipe of his claw, he tore my skin open. Had I not shielded my face, I might have lost an eye. His eyes were wild and feral, and there was no trace of Jake in them. “Jake, it’s me!” my voice trembled. “It’s Lyra!, you're hurting me!” He pulled back immediately, slowly regaining control. “Oh shit! What have I done? I’m sorry Lyra, I'm so sorry,” he whispered, panting heavily. “You need to stay away from me,” His voice laced with guilt as he stumbled away. “Jake! Wait!...” He dashed into the woods.JAKE'S POVI hurried off with what seemed like the speed of light. I didn’t know where I was going at first but I kept running. Away from Lyra, away from the pack, away from myself!..I burst out to the lakeside. There was something about the scenery that gave me a rather calming effect, so it became my spot when I was troubled.I dropped to my knees by the water bank, digging my claws into the sand before letting out a loud growl. “Ahhhhh… why me? Why always me?” I screamed my lungs out. “ Why have you forsaken me, moon goddess? I never brought this upon myself. Haven't you punished me enough?”. “You took my wife! My son! And when I was beginning to build another life, you were back to steal it too.” I punched hard on the ground, tears streaming down my cheeks.I could still remember the smile on Alisha’s face that night. It was a day to our anniversary and we had organized a pre-anniversary dinner- just the two of us. I knelt in front of her, my ears slightly resting on her baby
LYRA'S POVWhat in the good heavens just happened? I hadn’t expected him to lash out like that or did I do anything to trigger his temper? I kept pondering on what just happened as I walked back to the packhouse clenching my wrist lightly, trying to ease the throbbing pain that stung me as a result of Jake's tight grip. The sight of blood smears on my skin made my stomach twist.“He could’ve killed you,” Tara whispered, her voice finally breaking through the racing thoughts in my mind. “That wasn’t just a slip. Something’s wrong with him.” She kept bellowing loudly but I altered no word.I pushed through the side entrance, avoiding the main hall, but the moment I stepped inside, Abigail’s sharp eyes landed on me.“My goodness! Miss Lyra, what happened?” She exclaimed. Her eyes widened as she rushed forward, her hands already reaching for mine.“I’m fine.” My response was sharp and my body tensed as she tried to inspect the wound. Her flinch made me regret my tone, but I couldn’t brin
LYRA'S POVI held my breath, wincing as one of my maids stumbled, nearly sending my box crashing to the ground. “Please be careful with that,” I called out. I knew what it felt like being an Omega in a pack as big as this- fragile and vulnerable. Just that the moon goddess decided to shine her light in my path by mating me with an Alpha causing me to escape that fate.“I'm sorry Ma'am,” she said, adjusting how she held it.I practically was in dire need of an opportunity to get away from the frenzy of the past few weeks. A day or two of fresh air and freedom sounded like bliss.I had earlier discussed with Lisa who mentioned she had a cousin in Eldrida who could be our perfect tour guide.A vehicle pulled in while I was double-checking my belongings in the trunk. I turned to see Lisa. She stepped out with a wide grin on her face. She wore a glittering black sequin dress with slim, single straps. Her brown curls cascaded over her shoulder.“ There she is..!“I said, walking towards her
LYRA'S POVTWO NIGHTS LATER The room was buzzing with energy as we prepared for the club. It was out last night in Eldrida and we were ready to maximize every bit of the night. Janet had been an amazing host and I was sure going to miss her. “ I can't believe our holiday is almost over”. Lisa said, gesturing like a crybaby as she walked over to pick up a call on her phone. I chuckled. “At least you get to go back to a lovely family”.Lisa sat on the bed giggling into her phone. She was speaking to Damon. A pang of jealousy pricked my chest but I pushed it aside. The truth remains that Jake hadn't reached out to me since I left and I couldn't help but wonder if he still cared about me.I was fastening my shirt in front of the mirror when Janet walked in and suddenly burst into laughter.“What in heaven's sake are you wearing? Janet said, staring at me from head to toe. "Don't tell me this is what you plan to wear for the night”I frowned, looking down at my outfit. It was a long den
LYRA’S POVThe rays of the morning sun peered through the window as Janet drove us to the bus station. The weekend had been a crazy blend of adventure. From having fun to being trailed by freaks. As much as I'd miss Eldrida, I wanted to get back home.Shadowclaw wasn’t just a place anymore—it was home. Even if Jake had been distant lately, there was still a part of me that hoped he missed me.“I can’t believe the weekend is over already,” Lisa said, breaking the silence. She leaned her head against the window, a small smile playing on her lips. “It feels like we just got here.”“I know,” I replied, glancing at her. “But it’s nice to be going back home. I miss the pack. I miss… well, everything.” We all chuckled as we drove to the bus station.The passenger had just begun boarding when we arrived at the bus station. “This is where we say goodbye," Janet said. "Let's do this again,” Janet said, reaching out for an embrace.“Sure!” I responded with a warm smile on my face before moving
JAKE’S POV“Sadly, we’ve lost a total of ten people already, and the majority of them are elderly,” Selene said in a subdued tone. Her shoulders dropped with her lips pressing against each other.I nodded, unable to utter a word. The weight of this misfortune pressed against my chest like a millstone.Damon and I took a walk out of the infirmary and stood at the entrance of the pack house, my arms crossed over my chest, still bothered by the implication of this situation. “How long would it take for Alpha Bradley to get here,” I asked, almost running out of patience.“Soon, Alpha. I informed him of the urgency of the situation. I’m sure he'd be here in no time” Damon assured. “There they are,” Damon exclaimed with a sigh of relief.I watched as Alpha Bradley’s convoy filed in, coming to a halt in front of the pack house. One of his men reached out to open the door, as he stepped out, flanked by over twenty other men. Bradley was tall, with broad shoulders and a scar on the right sid
JAKE'S POV Three days had gone by since the assault, and its burden still weighed heavily on Shadowclaw. The atmosphere still reeked of anxiety and fear. The last time something like this occurred was years before I was born. My father told me stories of it when I was much younger.The door of the chamber flung open, snapping me back to reality as the members walked in, taking their seats. Their expressions were blank. My Beta, Damon sat to my right, his typical composed demeanor overshadowed by a furrowed brow and a tight jaw. Bradley, who stayed behind to assist with the aftermath of the attack, was also present.All attention fell on me as I cleared my throat to speak. I could feel the weight of their expectations, their fears, their hopes were on me.“Three days ago,” I began, my voice steady but low, “The pack was attacked.” This information was greeted with sighs and shaking of heads. “ We lost quite a number of people to the heinous attack, a few were injured and are currentl
JAKE'S POVThe foul smell of blood on the wet floor hung in the air with dim light casting eerie shadows on the wall in the dungeon. I stood in the center, my arms crossed, staring down at the suspect seated in front of me. His arms were tied behind him, his face bruised. Despite the series of punches from Damon, He remained unyielding. His jaw tightened.“You're wasting your time,” He spat, taking in short, labored breaths with a smirk on his face. His teeth bloodied. “You do realize you’re dead either way,” I said, stepping closer. “But you get to choose how painful your end will be.”He sat forward, looking straight into my eyes. “You can do your worst,” he said, laughing at me with his bloodied teeth.Damon let out a loud growl in frustration, landing another hit on him. This time, on his jaw. He fell backward, coughing but still refused to speak.“Who sent you?” Damon barked, pulling him and punching him over and over in a particular spot.Frustration began to creep through my s
LYRA’S POV“Pregnant?” I asked, walking back to the bed with shock over my face.“No, I’m not! Why would you think that?” I retorted.I’ve already been through enough, getting pregnant by someone who has practically rejected me will be the last straw that would break the camel’s back. A rejected pregnant Luna? Hell no! That would be a disaster. I don't think I'd be able to stand such a level of jest and shame. I heaved a sigh trying to shake off the thought from my mind.“I wouldn’t be totally wrong asking,” Lisa said, with her brows slightly raised. “As much as there are no physical signs chances yet, we cannot rule out the possibility. Not like Alpha Jake is impotent, plus the day you got out of coma,...”“Yes! The day I got out of coma,” I said, rolling my eyes. I remember throwing up but that should be the side effect of the medications I had gotten.” I retorted, cutting her assumptions off. “Me and Jake were not always in each other's bed except for one time; the day he came to
LYRA’S POV"Lyra, please come on, we've got to go now," Lisa pleaded as she crossed her arm into mine pulling me away from the choking tension.I stood there frozen, and I didn't realize she was pulling me to walk away. My heart at that instant was drowning with emotions. The moment Jake refused to deny Ella’s claim, something inside me cracked—something I wasn’t sure could ever be repaired.I got a hold of myself and decided to listen to Lisa. I walked blindly, letting Lisa lead me while I wished I'd somehow open my eyes to realize it was just a nightmare.Sadly, it wasn't. My mind kept playing back everything that had just taken place, from Jake’s cold response and expressions to Ella’s sneers.I was so lost in my thoughts that I barely noticed when Lisa stopped walking. I looked up to see Tessa standing in front of me. As much as I tried to be calm, none of them was left out in my wrath. From Jake to his mother, down to the council members. They all knew about this.“Lyra…” she sta
LYRA’S POV"Do you know who she is?" I whispered to Lisa still maintaining a firm stance while she walked in, in a chaotic manner. I briefly turned to Tessa, who looked like she expected it but not so soon. I took a few steps forward, meeting up with her halfway into the house. “I don’t know if you have issues with hearing, but I just asked a question a few seconds ago?” My voice came out sharp. “I am going to ask you one more time, what are you doing in my house or do you have the wrong address?” I asked again.She threw her chestnut-colored hair behind her shoulder with a smirk on her face while scanning me with her emerald-colored eyes as if checking if I was worth a response from her or not. She was tall and slim, and her curves were obviously not hidden. She carried herself effortlessly in a way that suggested she was used to luxury. Her shiny designer dress and the glittering accessories made a statement but I care less about those.She arched her perfectly carved brow. "Oh, I
LYRA’S POV“Oh, Thank goodness you’re here!” I overheard Tessa talking to Lisa from behind my door. It’s been three days now since my encounter with Jake and I haven’t stepped out to feel the sunlight. I wasn’t ready to have the eyes of the pack members on me and obviously the crazy gossips that would be flying around. Just yesterday, I overheard some maids talking about me from the laundry cot which was just behind my window. I was clothed in shame. How can I stand the faces of everyone who had thought so highly of me. But on the brighter side, I’m still Luna. I can’t let Jake’s flimsy attitude get the better of me. I should have gotten used to it by now.“Please open the door, Lyra!” Lisa pleaded, followed by her incessant knocks on the door.“Please go away, Lisa. I don’t want to talk to anyone. You all should let me be, Please.” I echoed back to her, sliding down to the hard floor with my back leaning against the door.“Just let me in, please. I promise not to talk. I just want
LYRA'S POVA grave of silence spread through the chambers, very thick and suffocating. I knew if I yelled from now till centuries later, it would only take the command from Alpha Jake to make them leave the chambers. How can the heart of man be so wicked, I kept wondering with my heart pounding hard in my chest. I could feel the heat of my anger escaping through my nostrils as I waited for an unfortunate person who would dare speak to me so I could lace them with my venom.The council members moved uncomfortably in their seats, staring at each other without a word. I had stood behind the door listening to them argue before walking in, though it came as faint whispers, I couldn't make out the reason for the argument. Gamma Rhea’s lips parted in shock, while Elder Gregor, who had been the loudest in his opposition earlier, seemed momentarily at a loss for words.Jake’s voice sliced through the tension breaking the silence. “Leave us.” He ordered. His tone was low yet firm as he sat ba
JAKE'S POVMy words hung heavy in the chamber and hearts of everyone seated around the neatly polished conference table. The murmurs and gasps still simmered within. I could feel the disappointed looks and the disbelief etched into their expressions as they tried to suck in my words. Even my most loyal advisors seemed shaken, Damon especially. He still hadn’t lifted his head.I sat patiently waiting for them all to kick against my decision because I knew it was inevitable in this situation. But, what they didn’t understand was, I wasn’t doing this out of cruelty. I'm doing this to keep Lyra safe. I am very sure they do not know what it feels like to have blood in your hands and I'm not willing to go down that lane.I bit down on my inner lip, trying to get myself ready to hear several angry tongues lash out at me."I think you are joking, Your Grace, because you can't be serious," Elder Gregor finally spoke, his voice laced with disbelief. He was the oldest member of the council, his
JAKE'S POV“Do you want to question my authority?” I barked at the maid standing in front of me. My chest heaving as I spat at her.“No..No sir!” the maid responded, her voice trembling as she bowed before me.“I thought as much. Now get out of my sight before I throw your miserable self to the dogs to feed on!” I hissed.“Ye.. yes sir!” She responded before running off from my presence. My heart fell into my stomach immediately when she left my presence. This is obviously the toughest decision I have ever made as an Alpha. Hurting someone I care about without flinching. Not intentionally, but it was necessary to save them. “I hope Lyra gets to understand this hard choice later on,” I muttered to myself.“Jake!” I heard my mum yell my name while storming into the house. Whenever I hear her call me by my name in that manner, I know I'm about to have my head on a plate, but I care less right now. With time they will all understand why I have to do this.“Yes, mum?” I responded casua
LYRA’S POV“I don't know exactly what is wrong with Jake,” I yelled. “One moment he's nice, the next, he treats me like a piece of furniture decorating the house,” I busted out in anger.“You have every right to feel this way, Lyra. But what can I possibly say? I'm facing the same problem with my husband. He has been distant from me and that is so unlike him.” Lisa said. I don't know if those words were meant to comfort me, but they did nothing to calm my mind. If this was how other mates suffer in their union, maybe the moon goddess would have considered making me a loner, other than pairing me with a nut head. I paced up and down the room, sneering in anger.“I overheard my husband talking about a new pack ruled by a vicious Alpha, Leo and he is threatening to take over our territory. I think they are engrossed with handling the threat,” she suggested in a low tone.I flinched at the mention of that name. “Leo?” I asked. My tone was laced with a bit of curiosity.My brother, Leo,
LYRA'S POV "Who are you?" I voiced out, in search of who was talking. "You should know better than hiding behind those trees, you coward! Show yourself!" I barked."The moment is drawing near Lyra..it's time!" I heard the voice whisper into my ear again. This time around, I felt chills forming on my skin and my eyes pushing out of its sockets in fear. I could hear my heart banging in my chest until someone held my arm from behind. My heart immediately sank into my stomach.“Oh my God!” I muttered under my breath, slowly turning around to see who it was. A woman with an eerie figure stood behind me. I couldn't make her face but her eyes glowed from the dark veil across her face.“Who.. who are you?” I stuttered, my body trembling. I waited for a response but got none. I tried to summon courage this time around, “Who are..” I was cut off forcefully.She pulled out my hand with a speed I never expected, making a straight cut on it. “What do you think you're doing?” I asked, groaning a