Casey’s POV:The cold, damp air in the cells made me shiver. I had never imagined myself in a place like this, surrounded by stone walls and iron bars. I’m a writer, and these kinds of things I see before me should only exist at the back of my mind where my imagination comes alive.Just everything about this is so… surreal. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to ward off the chill as I peered down the dimly lit corridor.Why did I come here?I ask myself that, but I knew the answer. Curiosity. The kind of curiosity that gnaws at you until you have no choice but to see for yourself. I had to see what kind of person would betray an alpha wolf, as they call him.“Who’s there?” a voice called out, rough and low, reverberating through the stone walls.I froze, and my breath hitches right in my throat.This is definitely not a good idea. Maybe I should turn around, maybe this isn’t worth a shot. Yes, I’ve seen the man and thought I’ve fallen in love with him at first sight, but for Evvi
THREE MONTHS LATERCasey’s POVThree months. It had been three long, grueling months since the war ended. Since Alpha Logan’s pack stood victorious, since the entire army of wild rogues were finally defeated. Evvie’s pack joined Logan’s troops, and they were happy to help. In these three months I was beginning to understand pack ways. I have spent hours and hours in the library studying the history of lycanthrope, their moon goddess Diana, as well as the thing about… mates.It’s also been three months since I first laid eyes on him, Carlos, apparently my so-called mate, in these very cells.I’ve tried to keep my distance, tried to ignore the strange pull I felt toward him. The mate bond, they called it. But how could I, a human, have a mate? And one who was betrayed them, locked away in the dirty cells of Alpha Logan’s prison.I wasn’t even supposed to be here, in this world of wolves and wars, where fate played cruel games with people’s lives. But here I was, standing in front of the
And that’s a wrap! Dear readers, I really hope you somehow loved the ride as much as I loved driving it to certain edges to the very end. I want to thank everyone so much for all the critiques and consistent support especially from Ava Wolf, Cheryl, and all readers who gave this book a shot. You’re all part of the reason why I continue to push through, despite the hurdles and complicated circumstances in life. Thank you…By the way, the last two bonus chapters are the beginning of another story coming up soon, which also means the same characters here would be present in the new work I will be releasing.So stay updated. I would also like you to check out my other books, such as Born to be My Luna, which is the first book I ever created. It’s very important to me, because it was my whole world that brought me out of misery during my darkest times.For the next few months, I will try switching to the YA/Contemporary romance genre next, exploring the story of one female and two males lea
Hello again dear readers! After discussing this with my editor, I have decided to resume Casey's story in this same book. However, there will still be a different project coming up after this is completed, so stay tuned! xoxo, Alora
THE BETA'S REDEMPTION - The Beta and His Human MateBy Alora Sterling(A continuation of Beta Before An Alpha)Carlos:I was Alpha Logan’s Beta before he had tossed me in these filthy cells only meant for the worst offenders or traitors lurking within his pack. Now, I’m one of them. Sad to say, but I don’t regret it. The only thing I regret, is not seeing her face one last time before she took off running from these same cells. Yet, maybe it’s for the best. I am not the perfect mate material. And I never will be. I have responsibilities and commitments I can never turn away from, not even for a mate.At least, this way, I’ll haze zero attachments to anyone in here. Especially not some weak, human girl who would only get in my way.Casey:I usually go by name Casey Montrell. But now, I went back to using my original name, Cassandra Adeliya Montrell. Three years ago, I remember going to a place deep into the woods with one of my best friends, Pixie. I can’t remember where, or why. It’s
CHAPTER TWOCasey's POV"We don't serve that here," I say pressing my lips into a line. My ass is taut behind me as I look around all six of them. They were intimidating-looking, and all six of them seemed to have their eyes stuck on me like a damn glue. Except for the nasty woman, of course."Then how about we go someplace you could be served?" A smirk tugs on his lips.I was about to say something to defend myself when a warm hand presses down on my shoulder."There a problem here, lads?" My manager Danny saunters over, and my face heats."Fuck off." One spits at him. Instead of cowering, Danny takes a step forward, widening and straightening his stance which, I admit, has made him more intimidating. "I think I know just what your problem is," Danny smiles. The kind of smile you don't usually come across with when it comes to Danny. One that makes your blood run cold."What is it, old fart? You gonna tell us?" The man with a buzzcut spits at the side, making Danny turn to him, dead
Casey’s POV“No!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, jolting myself awake on the bed.When I finally take in my surroundings, I blink.“Ugh…” Sitting up, I groan and rub my eyes.My heart pounds in my chest as I try to steady my breathing. I press a hand against my forehead, feeling the sweat on my skin, my hair clinging to my neck.Another nightmare…This time, however, I saw his full face.Aside from his glowing purple eyes he had a dark stubble, defined jaw and hard features that sort of make him look gruff.I know that face now. And those eyes, those impossible, haunting purple eyes… It’s him. The man from the cell. The man who keeps calling me... "Mate."I shake my head, trying to expel the remnants of the nightmare, but it lingers still in the back of my mind like a dark cloud over my head. I reach for my phone on the nightstand, the clock reading 3:23 AM. It’s the third night this week I’ve woken up to the same dream. The same man. The same cell.I toss the covers off and swing
CHAPTER FOURCasey’s POV:I bite my lip, feeling rather interrogated under his scrutinizing gaze.“I… I’ve been dreaming. There’s this man with violet eyes. Every night, Danny. And he calls me that. That I’m his mate.”I watch as his face darkens, and he steps closer. “Casey, you need to be careful. If you’re seeing him in your dreams, it means he’s trying to reach you. That’s no ordinary man you’re dreaming about.”“What do you mean?” I whisper, my heart racing at the warning in his words. “Who is he?”Danny takes a deep breath, his jaw tightening. “I don’t know who exactly, but if his eyes are violet… then he’s not from around here. Not from any pack I know of. And if he’s calling you his mate…” He trails off, looking around as if he’s afraid someone will come in and accidentally hears us.He said he knows packs. What does that mean? He turns to me, and the look on his face tells me he’s debating whether to say more.“What, Danny?” I push, feeling rather frustrated and now, scared.
E P I L O G U E .Casey's POVI fell for it. It's his fault, with those sparkling puppy eyes and cute little stance, I have turned completely vulnerable.But I didn't fall for it because I badly wanted him to apologize but because he looked serious. Like he really wanted to show me something. The reason why he went missing for hours. I tapped my heel, raising an eyebrow at his human state. I look around. There was no one here. Why are we here?“Well? What is it?” I asked, looking at him.He smiled, making me groan. Him and his damn smile makes me both feeling nauseous and weak in the knees.“I want you to meet someone,” he finally said.I furrowed my eyebrows. Meet someone?He pulled my hand, turning me around to face a…“A pile of rocks?” My eyebrow raised higher, staring at him weirdly.He chuckled and shook his head.“This is my dad’s grave. I buried him here.”Shocked, I turn to him with eyes as wide as bowling balls.“You… your dad? Oh Carlos, I’m so sorry.” For the second tim
Casey's POVKnock. Knock.I looked towards the door, my lips pressing into a thin line."Come in!" The door pushed open.As always, Evvie and Pixie walked inside the room. Their eyes widened, bigger than bowling balls, and their jaws dropped, gaping at me.I raised an eyebrow. "What? Is it bad?" I asked, casting a worried look to my dress as I smoothed it down."Are you kidding?" Pixie was the first to speak, as Evvie was still in a trance."You look amazing!" She beamed.I smiled."Absolutely gorgeous." Evvie nodded in agreement, snapping out of her trance.A wide grin spread on my face. "Thank you," I sighed, turning back to the mirror. "Is something wrong?" Pixie steps forward, a worried look on her face.For the nth time, I let out a sigh. "What if...this was a mistake? What if I'm not ready for this? What i--" "You stop that right now, my lady." Pixie marched forward, taking my wrists and gripping them firmly. "You are not going to your wedding with all those ridiculous though
Casey's POVThe Alpha led the way, and I followed closely behind him. Right now, we're back at the dungeons. The cells. How the hell did he get himself locked up back in here? He agreed to do the mission in exchange for freedom. I sighed."Just so you know, I didn't want to do this." The Alpha muttered.I nodded, but didn't speak."I had no choice. He was getting out of control." "But to put him back in that cell?" I snapped. I couldn't close my damn mouth to save my life. The Alpha stopped in his tracks, twirling on his heel to face me. The look in his eyes now is deadly."Listen, girl. This is also out of my control. I can't control him.""Why?"His eyes narrowed at me."You're the alpha." I added.He squinted at me before he sighed. He shook his head. "Not everything is as simple as you think." I tilted my head. I wondered what he meant by that when a guard rushed over to us."Alpha, he's losing it!" The man was panting, his eyes wide."Sedate him." I snapped my eyes to the Al
CHAPTER FORTY-NINECasey's POV"Hey, hey, sshhhh..." I could hear someone shushing me. I try to move. Try to get up. But my body was killing me. "Argh..." I groan, peeling my eyes open. It was Nita, staring at me right in the face.I knit my brows. "What are you doing here? I mean, what am I doing here?""It's okay. You're safe now." What is she talking about? I winced when a searing pain swept right through me as I tried to move. My mind was in a haze. Blinking, I take in my surroundings. I'm in a white room. Everything was white and the air smelt strongy of disinfectant, alcohol, and... blood?Then it snapped. The witch. Sorcerer or whatever. Lucas. Rogues. The kids. My breath hitched in my throat.Carlos. Oh, my god."Carlos!" I vaguely remember seeing his wolf breathing hard on the ground. Blood oozing off his stomach. I remember him taking the hit, when Lucas tried to pierce me with his magical glowing weapon. And then I remember... a whimper. His wolf, whimpering as he laye
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHTBrother...I didn't hear it wrong, did I? Yet, when his gaze flicked to me I saw the striking resemblance between them. There is no mistaking it.He's the little brother Carlos told me about. But I thought he said he died. Clearly, that was not the case at all.He's here, alive. And it's either he happens to be here or he is one of the rogues. And by the looks of it, he is one of them.Carlos stared at him all the time, and his hands were shaking. I could hear his heartbeat racing. The way he swallowed when he saw him for the first time. Some of the trackers behind me growled, but Carlos held up his hand in warning. Not to take action. That he had this under control.'Get the children to safety. I will deal with this.' He sent the message through the group link. All of us just froze.'Now!' The warning in his voice has become a real threat. It had everyone jolting up to go to move the children to safety. I, however, stayed in my spot unmoving.Something's not righ
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN Carlos’ POV Is it him? Is it really him? I can’t believe it. Even Vato became dead silent. Is it really our little brother? But that’s impossible. He died, years ago. I saw it happen with my own eyes. I stare gobsmacked at the man. His eyes were coral blue, something he’d gotten from our mother. His hair, jet black slicked back just like mine. He even has that same birthmark I remember him having as a child. I tried moving my lips, but they’re frozen as ice. “Lucas?” He smiled at Casey, but something about his expression felt different. Then he whips his gaze to me. Suddenly, he drops it. His eyes darkened, and I felt my blood run cold. TWENTY YEARS AGO… Blood. The air around me is filled with blood. Most belonging to my Dad, who had dropped dead on the ground before me. “Hmm,” I hear a rumbling sound. As I turn my head slowly, I realize I needed to look up to clash eyes with the figure I saw kill my Dad. My eyes raised, and my breath hit
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX Casey’s POVA strong roar ripped from my chest. It was Kaleesa. Pure rage surged through my veins, consuming every rational thought I had. The world blurred, the trees, the warehouse, everything fading as my vision tunneled in on the rogue.I launched forward, claws out, fangs bared. I could hear Carlos yelling my name behind me, but it was drowned out by the blood pounding in my ears. His warning had come too late. Rage had taken over, and I had no plans to stop.I barely felt the ground beneath me as I sprinted toward the rogue who’d kicked the child. He never even saw me coming. My claws tore through his back before he could react, a satisfying crunch of bone under my hands. He crumpled to the floor, and the child scrambled away, eyes wide with terror. The scent of blood filled my nostrils, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted more.Another rogue lunged at me from the side. I spun, grabbing him mid-air, slamming him into the ground with enough force to crack the concre
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVECasey’s POVLast night was horrific. I didn’t sleep at all. I don’t know what has gotten into me last night, but I now know I have gone too far.When Carlos stepped back, shoving me away in the process, shame washed over me like a bucket of ice cold water.He looked at me as if I had grown two heads, all because I tried to kiss him, which I now know was a mistake. I thought he wanted to. It turns out I thought wrong.I went too far, and he was not having it. He didn’t want me. He made that crystal clear from the very beginning, but still, I insisted. I have never felt so embarrassed in my entire life.It’s the third time he rejected me. The third time.How could I have been so stupid?I should have accepted his rejection, if I only knew it would be this painful the third time.Tears rolled down my cheeks as I turned around and ran off. I could hear him calling after me, but I never looked back.Danny tried to get it out of me a thousand times this morning. Each time
CHAPTER FORTY-FOURCasey’s POV“What?” the question falls out of my lips before I could even stop it.Carlos’ eyes remain trained on me, neither of us willing to look away.He lets out a soft chuckle that makes my heart melt. “To be honest, I really don’t know either,”He leans back, shifting all his weight onto his hands as he plants them on the cold ground.Then he turns his head and looks at me in the eye with those damned, beautiful violet eyes. “There’s something about you, something I didn’t want to acknowledge.”My brow raised at him, “And what is that?”He smiled. That goddamn dazzling, devious smile that has me gawking at him in awe.“Sorry, but it’s my little secret, since, I gave you my only one,” he said, and winked at me.Heat immediately rushed to my face, and I feel my chest flush, making me want to cover myself tighter if only I didn’t feel so hot.“But hey, looks like I’m not the only one,” he said, his tone turning serious.I looked up at him and narrowed my eyes.Wh