LYRA’S POV"Stay here, baby, and remain quiet. Do not make a sound”. My mother whispered, her voice trembling. “Yes mama”, I replied. My voice, a fragile whisper. She stretched out her pinkie finger and I interlocked mine with hers- that was our secret way of sealing our promises. “Good girl”, she said, forcing a faltering smile. Leaning in, she placed a warm kiss on my forehead which contrasted her cold, shaking hands as she tilted my chin up a little with her finger before sweeping my hair behind my ear. “I love you Lyra”, she said. Her icy blue eyes reflected with a mixture of love and terror. “I love you too mama”. I managed to voice out. My heart thudded heavily and loud in my chest like a clanging bell in a cathedral. I watched through a crack as mum paced protectively, ready to fight. The noise outside intensified. The screams, the vicious snarls and the sound of jaw- snapping smash sent a bolt of terror running down my spine. Suddenly, the door exploded open.A tall mascu
LYRA’S POVWelcome to Howling Hills Central Park! The signage read as Dad pulled into the parking lot.He parked the car and stretched, his grin as broad as ever. "Ready to enjoy your big day, Tinkerbell?"I scoffed at his nickname. "I am 18, Dad. Perhaps it's time for an upgrade?"Never," he answered, patting my hair with a kind smile. “You'd always be my tinkerbell”.As I stepped out of the car, the warm wind brushed over my skin and hair, delivering the pleasant aroma of the blossoming flowers right into my nostrils. The park was brimming with activities. Joggers ran along meandering routes, and street entertainers entertained a small throng with cheerful melodies. As we stepped in, my nostrils were filled with the smell of cotton candy- I had always loved them. The park wasn't a bad idea after all, I thought.“Look who we have here! The birthday girl”. Emily exclaimed. Her blond curls bouncing in her shoulders as she rushed over to hug me. “Happy birthday Lyra”, Greg added befo
JAKE POVThe hum of the V16 engine of my sleek SUV filled the air as Ryan maneuvered through the winding road that cut through howling hills. Damien, my beta, sat beside me, scrolling through his iPad with his typical intensity.“Do you think life has a way of playing tricks on us?” I asked in a half-joking manner peering out the window and adjusting my collar.“You mean like having us drive out here for a meeting that could have been sorted out over a ten-minute phone call?” Damien, my beta, responded with a smirk on his face, his face laced with irritation as he scrolled through his iPad, sorting out the business proposal for the meeting.“The Alpha Council wants face-to-face negotiations. Without this treaty, we risk losing the eastern borders to Draven’s pack. We need this alliance!”. I rolled my shoulders, trying to ease the tension that had been building for weeks.Damien's expression softened though with a wry smile. “ I hope their hospitality includes some good bottles of whis
JAKE'S POVRyan screeched the car to a halt in front of the pack house. I flung open the door and stepped outside, her unconscious body in my arms. Her blood soaked into my shirt, warm and sticky, but I barely noticed. All that mattered to me was the faint, fragile breath I could feel against my chest.Damien dashed out of the car a second later, his face a puzzled, worried expression. “Jake, what are we going to do?”. His face and tone were a mix of concern and confusion.“Find the head guard. Tell him to get Selene here right away,” I ordered. “Let her know the urgency of the situation.” My tone brooked no argument.Damien’s footsteps were a blur behind me as I bolted up the stairs to the pack houseDamien nodded sharply and set out to the security post.Looking down at her pale face with dark, tangled hair framing it made my heart tighten. I balanced her weight on my arm as I climbed the stairs up into the house.The door swung open ahead of me, two junior guards stepping aside as
LYRA'S POV A bright light blinded my vision as I fluttered my eyes open. The sting of it made me wince, forcing my lids shut again. Slowly, I tried a second time, squinting until the room around me came into focus—blurry edges sharpening into unfamiliar shapes.The room was large- a curious blend of elegance and mystery. Paintings lined the wall, the chandelier hung like a frozen waterfall. Its crystals reflect shiny glitters. The room gave the antique setting of a 1960 movie, but this wasn't a movie and it was certainly not my room. My heart pounded as I panicked, Where was I?“You’re awake.”A deep voice startled me, cutting through my thoughts as I turned towards a man opening the door with a broad smile. His striking features were sharp and commanding. He was dressed simply in a blue sweatshirt that did little to hide his broad shoulders; his gray eyes were enchanting all at the same time. As he approached me, my breath hitched.“You’ve been out for three days,” he said calmly,
LYRA’S POVI sat in front of the mirror as Abigail, one of the maids worked on my hair. My heart, racing with thoughts of the evening ahead. Jake had earlier informed me I’d be formally introduced to the pack council. As if it was not overwhelming enough, he added I’d be meeting his mother. Just yesterday, I lost everything dear to me and almost my life. And now, I’m about to be introduced as Luna - well, a rather useless one. I can't even shift into my wolf. Of what use would I be? Oh goodness!I exhaled..“Do you like this hairstyle ma’am?” Abigail asked. Her words literally drew my wandering thoughts back to the present. She had chosen a stunning Chignon hairdo with finely woven braids with loose ripple curls framing my face.“It’s gorgeous”, I said half heartedly, trying to sound calm. I watched her fasten a diamond encrusted necklace around my neck. Jake had gotten it for me earlier today alongside my dress for the evening. He sure does have an eye for fashion to compliment br
LYRA'S POV I scrambled to my feet, my heart was beating so fast that I was gasping and exhaling long breaths almost simultaneously. Leaned against the wall waiting for the unsettling murmurs in the kitchen to slowly die down. Moments later, it was replaced by clattering of utensils and footsteps shortly before the switch was turned off. This was a cue I had to leave immediately before anyone saw me.I quickly made my way back to my room with my thoughts racing with what I just heard. He murdered his mate? That couldn't be possible or could it? .I badged into my room, quickly shutting the door behind me. My palms were sweating and my hands trembling. Could it be true? I wondered. But then, what do I truly know about him? He was an alpha, a leader forged in ruthlessness. Secrets were bound to exist.The meeting with the council members had already left me shaken, and now this? It was a lot to process. I laid on the bed, sleep refusing to come until darkness overwhelmed me. *****I wo
JAKE’S POVThe incident at last full Blood Moon haunted me everyday. The memory persisted in my mind like a festering wound that would not go away, regardless of how much time had passed.I remembered the heat of it, the way my blood boiled as my wolf, Lucio, struggled for control. The Blood Moon's tug was more powerful than anything I had ever experienced. My entire body shook, my muscles tensing up and my claws sticking out against my will. I had tried to resist it. But it was more powerful.And Alisha paid the price.She had looked at me with such love, even in her final moments. Her dark eyes, wide with fear but unwavering in trust."Jake, it’s me," she had whispered, hands cradling her stomach, protecting our unborn child.But I hadn’t heard her. Not truly. The beast inside me had drowned out everything—her voice, her scent, her pain.Her body laid lifeless beneath me. My claws buried in her chest. The howl of agony that ripped from my throat when reality snapped back.I had kill
LEO’S POVI followed behind as Zephyr led the way to the temple. Our footsteps echoed softly through the tunnel as we moved with caution, careful not to draw attention.Lyra’s body hung limply over the guard’s shoulder. Her hands swayed from left to right as we walked down. My heart somehow bled at the sight of her in that state but, who cares? The voices in my head screamed for power.I turned my gaze to Aemond, who had been walking beside me in silence, his shoulders were square and unbothered, seemingly enthusiastic about the whole drama. As we drew closer, I felt my stomach twist. I bit hard on my teeth, tightening the muscles around my jaw. My fists remained clenched at my sides, so hard my knuckles turned pale.I had made my decision. Every moment I reminded myself: this was for the pack. For my legacy. I would never give away everything I fought so hard to gain on the altar of family ties. We finally arrived at the temple. The torches ignited along the corridor, trembling lik
JAKE’S POV“How on earth is that possible? Blood Moon Pack?” my stomach churned with anger. “How were they able to sneak in and out of Shadowclaw, kidnap Lyra, and walk away freely and no one noticed?” I thundered, my chest rose and fell as I fumed.“I wish I had an answer to that, Alpha Jake,” Dmon replied evenly. “I was out on a business trip when the incident occurred. There couldn’t have been a way I would have known or suspected any malicious act was brewing under our nose,” Damon explained in a curt tone.I wasn’t ready to listen to what Damon had to say. My senses were clouded, my blood boiling. How could Lyra be scooped up by a neighboring Pack like some trash can? “I want to know the chief guard in charge on that day! This is the height of incompetence and I would not condone such a level of carelessness,” I barked.I turned sharply, my gaze fixed on Damon. “I need a message sent to Alpha Leo, declaring war! If he wants to play the dirty game of politics then I’m all out for
JAKE’S POVThe lightning sent a bolt of charges across the sky followed by the roaring and loud drumming of the thunder as heavy rainfall splattered on the roof down to the floor. The streets were deserted, and only a few could be spotted running back to their homes. I stood on the balcony with a cup of hot coffee and milk covered with thick woolen robes and socks gazing far into the road.It’s been a week since I ordered surveillance to be mounted on Caspian Reed, yet till now, no tangible information has been collected about him- he was indeed a ghost, or possibly a chameleon, perfectly camouflaging and good at covering his tracks. I had hoped he could lead my men to find out who this Lyra was, but so far, it only led to dead ends.“It’s a cold night, Your Grace. Wouldn’t it be rather comfortable and more relaxing being in each other's arms other than standing out here alone, staring into the dead, cold night?” Ella asked, sneaking up on me from behind with a soft seductive tone. S
LYRA'S POV"Get her!!"Leo's loud voice cut through like thunder, sharp and commanding, distorting the peace of the moment. Something about him was entirely different. I didn’t have the time to decipher what was going on as my body reacted before my brain could catch up. My legs immediately wheeled into motion driving me straight into the forest path.I ran so fast like my life depended on it. Dry branches stung my face and arms like a long whip, piercing my skin through my clothes as I raced through the thick forest. My lungs ached as I sprinted, pushing through the obstacles. The pounding of my heart and the quick loud gasps of air deafened my ears. They were louder than the snarls of guards chasing after me from behind. The guards were close. Too close. I looked over my shoulder, observing how close they were when my foot caught on a root. My hands flew up to brace myself, but it was too late. I stumbled, rolling over into a nearby ditch, till I got stopped by a huge root. I gro
LEO’S POVI stood in front of the mirror checking out my abs after an intense two-hour session of cardio and muscle toning exercises. Beads of sweat ran down my temples, dripping from my chin and from my neck lining the contours of my abs and disappearing into the waistline of my thick pants. I wiped at it absently with the back of my hand, only for more ripples to form from my pores. I pulled down my singlet which stuck to my body, soaked with sweat from the intense session I just finished. My muscles ached, throbbing from the weight lifts, yet I embraced the discomfort. The pain and weariness served as reminders I was still in control—of my body and choices.I reached for the towel on the side table and dragged it across my face and neck, then snatched up the bottle of energy drink, gulping it down in three swallows. The citrus sting hit the back of my throat and I exhaled, wiping my mouth with my forearm.That’s when the door creaked open.“Your Grace.” Aemond’s voice sliced thr
JAKE'S POVI was going through the business plans, flipping through pages and marking important notes when Caspian’s phone buzzed in my hand. My gaze instinctively fell on the name displayed above the document I was checking out.“Lyra?”The name on his screen shot through me like a lightning bolt, making my entire body jolt. I held tighter on the phone, my heart pounding in my chest as I stared at the name glowing on the screen like some twisted joke.I batted my eyelid once, twice and the third time hoping my senses were playing tricks on me but It didn’t go away. Every fibre in me pulled hard inside me urging me to minimize and find out who this Lyra is.The name has haunted my every breath, every waking hour since the day she vanished. I had searched every possible realm, spoken to the Moon Seers, even interrogated rogues in the dungeons—and yet nothing. And here it was, her name… lighting up another man’s phone.What are the odds she was who I was looking for? What if it’s a diff
CASPIAN'S POVPeople often assume the worst monsters are beasts with claws and teeth while the sweetest of souls come bearing flowers with wide smiles on their faces. But, they’re wrong.Monsters wear tailored suits. They speak gently. They smile as they chain you, Just like I do.My name is Durello Caspian popularly known as Caspian Reed; a bastard son of Reed Durello, former CEO of Reed mining firm. Former, right? Well, I killed him and his son to assume the position of CEO of Reed’s mining firm.Left to fend for myself at a very young age after the death of my mother, I grew up in the pits of Draymoor, where boys were taught to survive, not dream, till I met my savior, a popular Mafia billionaire Carlito Santo-Maria.Carlito owned the largest human trafficking shipment in Draymoor. At sixteen, I had already trafficked my first girl across the border, smuggled inside a wine barrel. By eighteen, I was managing shipments of humans like livestock. They say time changes everything but
JAKE'S POV The oak desk trembled under the weight of my clenched fists. Papers—maps, reports, meaningless pages of failed updates—scattered onto the floor as I slammed them away. The silence in the room was heavy, but not nearly as heavy as the storm brewing inside me. Damon stood at a distance, tense, his jaw set like stone."How the hell did you lose her? She was right there, all you had to do was, walk in and find her!" I spat, my voice sharp and cracking with frustration.Damon didn’t flinch. He rarely did. But I saw the flicker of regret in his eyes. "Jake," he started, his voice low and calm. “We have combed through the entire city, but we can't seem to find her.”“Do not give me that crap, Damon!” I blurted out in frustration, veins bulging my forehead and neck. "What do you mean you can't find her?” I asked. “Rio is not that much of a big city! Check every damn street, every village, estate, and whatever there is!” my tone laced with frustration as I yelled.“But Alpha, I alr
AEMOND'S POV“Finally, it is gradually coming through! You think of me as a fool! A sheep destined to be led all through life. I have worked my ass off, my sweat, my blood, yet you keep taking credit for all! No acknowledgement! Wait till I take everything from you and have you stripped on the street,” I spat venom at Leo in my head, still maintaining a submissive look. I nodded with my gaze fixed on him, with a forced smile, while I tightened my fist away from his view.“I am happy you're beginning to see reasons with me, your Grace. I'd reach out immediately to Zephyr. I am certain he would be able to give me more insight about the pendant,” my voice rang with so much excitement as I stood up to exit the bar.My phone buzzed in my pocket, I reached out to see it was Ella. I took a sharp glance at Leo. Luckily his face was buried in his phone. Clicking on the message icon, I realized it was Ella.I AM YET TO GET AN UPDATE ON THAT BITCH. WHY IS SHE STILL BREATHING? JAKE ALMOST BUMPED