“I know who you are, my Raven. You really thought you could hide from me." He said, trailing his hand down her chin. Frozen, Raven mumbled, “You can't tell anyone. I'm getting married to your son tomorrow." With the most terrifying smirk she had ever seen, Julian whispered to her, “No, you're mine!" *** After getting cheated on and humiliated by her arranged mate and her best friend, Raven Covey, fueled by rage, went on to commit the most unheard of sin - she slept with her arranged mate's father and the Alpha, intentionally and disguised. However, when Julian Red returns to his pack after a self-taken vacation, and sees the lady that aroused passion in him for the first time in forever, being prepared to get married to his son, what's his next action? Will he punish her for deceiving and seducing him? Or will he remain quiet, and act oblivious to protect his name and hers? Or rather, will he claim her as his, disregarding the rules and using his position as the Alpha to the fullest?
View MoreFAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT!
It's a phrase I have always lived by. And yes, as you've probably guessed it's not really a good thing.
I used to be this happy, bubbly child that everyone loved and adored. Brilliant, bold and beautiful, I was all of them, and this was proudly sponsored by Mother.
Until she died!
Father was thrown into grieving. I was just ten, they told me she had gone to join the other good people in the sky, and she was always watching over me, but I knew. They seemed to have forgotten that little Raven was not so little anymore, and she knew things that were above her age.
I wish I didn't.
I wish I was able to believe them. I wish I didn't know that my precious mother was dead, and no, she was not watching over me, instead she was decaying six feet underneath the ground.
I still maintained the qualities that endeared everyone to me, except one.
I wasn't so happy anymore.
Since everyone had expected me to be swept away by their lies, I had to act like I was. So I faked my happiness for thirteen years—fake smiles, forced laughter, and ignoring the constant heaviness in my chest.
But I never really made it, did I?
Father tried to pull me along as much as he could, and help me cope without Mother, but taking a ten-year old from the life she had always known, into another that was better off just being a dream, didn't really help.
I had to join him in the palace, as the Head Chief's little daughter at first, to the grown-up daughter who did what everyone wanted.
Cliche!
I'm not gonna bore you with my life details—well, I will at some point—but you at least need to know that I was swooped into an arranged marriage with the Wolf Prince of our pack, and I agreed because I was nothing but a people-pleaser.
Also because I've had a crush on him since forever.
Don't judge! Luca is everything a lady could ever need in a wolf. He is hot as hell, his skin glows, and those eyes—they could easily pass off as the most sexiest part of his body. It's the part that draws me in.
When Father told me about the council's decision to have I and Luca mated, I was pleased for a bit, and also very skeptical.
Everyone knew Luca Red—the Playboy Prince. There was a rumor that he had slept with every single girl in the palace walls, but I know that's not true, because he hasn't with me.
And as we got to know each other, I started to see that so many other things said about him was not exactly true. He is sweet, charming, and in love with me.
Surprised, right?
Well, I can say for a fact that since I met Luca, I've not really had to fake my happiness. The smiles were genuine, the laughter wasn't forced, and the heaviness in my heart kept getting lighter with each day.
I honestly can't wait to fully become his!
I still miss and yearn for Mother, but he made the weight lighter by sharing it with me. Even though, we are not mates fated by the moon goddess, he's still going to be mine.
And once, he becomes the Alpha, I'll be by his side, as the Luna.
In the end, dreams do come true.
Luca and I have been courting for about three months, and it's been the best three months of my life since my mother died, but today, I didn't particularly feel so happy.
It's mother's death anniversary.
Thirteen years without the woman who made life worth living. She was amazing, she had a heart of gold, and not only that, it was as wide as the entire universe.
What's worse than having your most beautiful quality be the reason you lose your life?
Thinking about it brought tears to my eyes. I had just exited the cemetery, and I promised myself I wouldn't cry anymore, but that seemed so difficult.
How could she leave me like that? How could she let her little daughter face life all alone?
Smile, Raven. I mumbled to myself as I approached the Pack house. Wiping off the tears, and plastering the fake smile on, I walked into the huge building with it's very large doors, greeting, and waving, and hugging my way through the huge entrance space that was used for a relaxation centre.
I just need a hug from Luca, that would distract me from this pain.
Today was one of those days.
My chest felt unnecessarily heavy, and breathing seemed to have gotten a lot more difficult. Something felt wrong, but I couldn't place my hand on it.
‘Sensing a lot of negative energy, you good bud?’ A voice echoed in my head as I faked yet another smile.
It was my wolf, Nia.
‘Can’t really tell, but I feel like something is about to go wrong.’ I managed a reply through the mind link Nia and I shared.
She did that wolfy throaty chuckle that told me she didn't think it was that serious. ‘Are you overthinking again, Raven!’ She questioned.
I wish! ‘No, Nia. This is instincts.’
“Hey buddy," I called back a teen wolf running towards the field. “Have you seen the Prince?" I asked him.
He shook his head. “No Luna-to-be. He skipped training today, we have no idea where the Wolf Prince might be.
I nodded, faking another smile. I hated the name Luna-to-be, I still can't tell why.
“Where's Luca for crying out loud?" I grunted underneath my breath.
I was worried. He didn't spend the night at the pack house last night, and I couldn't connect with him through the mind link, like he blocked me out.
Why would anyone block their mate out at all?
‘Nia, I'm telling you this is so sus.’ I blurted out.
‘Relax, Raven. Wherever he is, he'll return. In the meantime, why don't you go see Elena. You promised her you'd visit, remember?” Nia said, rather calmly.
‘Yeah! You're right.” I took a deep breath to steady my mind, and even though it didn't really help, I pulled myself together and got ready to leave the pack house.
Elena is my best friend, has been since we both learned to shift. I don't keep much friends, as you can guess, but she stuck.
In a short time, I was striding over to Elena's place, my fidgeting hands buried in my hoodie. I still couldn't shake off that troublesome feeling, and enduring it was even harder.
Elena lived alone, in a small apartment a little far off from the general pack house. I can't tell why she has refused to join the majority of people there, but I guess she just wants her space.
The path seemed longer than usual, and when I finally arrived, I was eager to flop unto a couch.
I knocked once, no response. The second time, I strolled in since the door was unlocked. She wasn't in the living room so I made my way to her bedroom. As I got closer, my ears caught wind of rather unusual sounds.
Was that a moan?
Normally, I would leave at this point but I didn't. I couldn't. Instead, I held the door knob with trembling hands and pushed it open.
“Elena, are you…” The words got stuck in my throat.
What the actual fuck?
My heart practically stopped at that moment. And so did my brain, because for over three minutes, I remained frozen in the same spot.
They hadn't seen me. Luca and Elena, I mean. My mate, and my best friend, together.
No, they weren't just together. They were tangled in each other's arms. They were…
“Elena!" The word rolled off my tongue before I could hold myself. “What the fuck?" I yelled.
The two of them pulled away from each other, Elena grabbing the sheets to cover her naked body. Luca just stared at me, his sculpted perfection of a chest staring back at me.
I stumbled backwards, my hands grabbing the door for support.
“W… what's going on here?”
I knew what was going on. I could clearly see what was going on, so why did I ask? Was it hope? Or was it just the numbness of my brain that made me say that?
Luca and Elena exchanged looks, something flashing through their eyes, then Elena turned to me.
"Raven, we can explain. It's not what you think.”
Nia growled. ‘Oh shut up with the cliche line. You were just caught screwing her mate, you cheat.’ She ranted in my head.
My eyes were beginning to blur, and my grip on the door tightened, my knuckles turning white.
With a trembling voice, and shaky hands, I said, barely above a whisper. “How could you? How… how could you do this to me?”
Is this where Luca had been all along? Is this why he blocked me out?
They exchanged another glance, and holy mother of God, I wanted to scream my lungs out.
Look at me! Look at me! I'm the one you're cheating on, I'm the one in pain right now!
Nia growled dangerously in my head, goosebumps crawling on my skin to show that she was very close to the surface.
Elena began to speak again, but Luca held her back, his eyes narrowing on me.
If there was any part of my heart that wasn't shattered to pieces, his next words did justice to it, or should I say injustice cause this isn't fair at all.
You cheating jerk!
CHAPTER 51RAVEN'S POVMATE!The moment Julian’s wolf roared “Mate,” I felt my world tilt. Exhaustion, pain, and the weight of everything I had endured crashed over me like a wave. My body gave out, my knees buckling as darkness threatened to consume me. But before I hit the ground, strong arms caught me. Julian’s scent enveloped me, familiar yet intensified by the bond now surging between us.For the first time, it was real—unfiltered, unbroken.Tears welled in my eyes as I forced myself to look up at him. His hands trembled as they held me, his eyes wild with emotion. “You finally feel it?” I whispered, my voice barely more than a breath. Before he could answer, my vision blurred, and the world faded to black.I woke to the scent of herbs and candle smoke. The soft rustling of fabric and hushed whispers surrounded me. Blinking against the dim light, I recognized the healer’s chambers. My body ached, but it was a distant pain—numbed by something far stronger.The moment my eyes flut
CHAPTER 50JULIAN'S POVHELL—The days without Raven felt like hell. The days that passes without seeing her smile, hearing her voice, and just feeling that undeniable presence of hers that kept me grounded—were unbearable.I had always prided himself on being strong, composed, a leader who stood unshaken in the face of adversity. But now? I felt hollow. Empty. And I couldn't even hide it. I wasn't willing to try.It had been four days since Raven left for the woods, and each passing hour gnawed at my sanity. I had tried to convince myself she would return, that she had promised me, but that promise felt like a whisper in a storm. I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, all I saw was her walking away, disappearing into the trees, vanishing like a ghost.What if she never came back?The thought was a dagger to my chest, twisting deeper each time I imagined a world without her. I had already failed once—failed ny wife, failed Luca, failed as a leader. I couldn't a
CHAPTER 49READY OR NOT?These words repeated in my head over and over again as I got ready to leave the next morning. Lucian and Atena were at the borders to see me off.Atena reached out for my hand, her eyes holding a gaze I couldn't quite explain. “Let the moon goddess guide you and Julian. It might seem tough, but the path shall become clearer." My heart melted. “Thank you. For everything." I said, genuinely meaning it.She nodded at me.Lucian gave me a small nod. “Well, tell your mate I said he's one lucky champ." He said with a small smile.I couldn't help a smile of mine. “I will." “Stay safe, okay? I hope to see you again." He added. “I wish you didn't have to leave actually." He said, his voice reduced to a whisper.I laughed lightly, but said nothing. I couldn't wait to return, I had missed Julian a lot.“Alright. I'll see you soon." I said.They bid me goodbye, and I finally set out to leave.The woods stretched before me, endless and thick, but I felt no hesitation. I
CHAPTER 48HAUNTED.The darkness surrounded me like a suffocating shroud, pressing in on all sides. A chilling wind howled through the trees, whispering words I couldn’t understand. I turned in every direction, searching for something—someone—but all I saw were twisted shadows stretching toward me, clawing at my skin with unseen hands.A figure stood in the distance, barely visible through the thick mist. Their voice was like an echo in my mind, deep and resonant.“Your journey is not over yet.”The moment the words reached me, pain shot through my wrist, searing hot, as if something branded my skin. I gasped and clutched my arm, but the pain only intensified. The symbol burned bright blue against the darkness, pulsing in time with my heartbeat.I jolted awake with a sharp inhale, my body drenched in sweat. My chest rose and fell rapidly as my eyes darted around the dimly lit room. I was back in Atena’s home, lying on a soft bed. The scent of herbs and aged wood filled the air. My wri
CHAPTER 47A PROPHECY?With my heart in my hands, I asked, “What prophecy?" She held my gaze. "Written deep in those scrolls is an ancient saying which somehow metamorphosed into a prophecy to be fulfilled in our time.When I said nothing, she continued. “A prophecy that speaks of a forbidden bond—one that, when realized, will unlock the true potential of the werewolf race.”My breath caught in my throat. “A forbidden bond?”Atena nodded. “Two wolves, meant to be together, but forced apart by unnatural forces. Their unity would have changed everything… but someone feared that power.”My blood ran cold. “You’re saying this… has to do with Julian and me?”Atena nodded. “You and Julian were never meant to be ordinary. Your connection was forged by fate itself. But someone interfered.”A deep unease settled in my stomach. “Interfered how?”Atena closed the book. “There was one among your own people who feared the prophecy, who sought to prevent it from coming true. A spell was cast—dark
CHAPTER 46RAVEN'S POV DEEP INTO THE WOODS.The moment I stepped past the border of the forest, the air thickened, wrapping around me like unseen tendrils. The towering trees stretched endlessly into the dark, their branches twisting like skeletal fingers. The silence was unsettling—not the calm quiet of nature, but an eerie stillness, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.I exhaled, pressing forward, following the invisible pull that had led me here. It tugged at my soul, an unspoken command I didn’t understand but couldn’t ignore. The further I went, the more distant the outside world felt. The forest had its own rhythm, its own presence—watchful, ancient, alive.The sun dipped below the horizon, and the darkness thickened. Then I saw them.I was barely seconds into the forest, were they waiting for me?I turned immediately, my instincts rising. I could run back to the pack. Maybe asking to do this alone was a bad idea. I could really use Julian's help right now.However,
CHAPTER 45JULIAN'S POV FLASHBACKI leaned back in my chair, the dim lighting of the bar casting long shadows over my features. The woman in my lap trailed kisses along my jawline, her hands wandering with an eagerness I barely acknowledged. I had picked her out of the crowd without much thought, seeking nothing but a temporary escape from the ghosts that haunted me.But as her lips pressed against me, something inside me recoiled, like I was repulsed. The touch was wrong. It wasn’t what I wanted. It wasn’t who I wanted.I grabbed her wrists and pulled back, my expression darkening. "Get out."The woman blinked in confusion, her lips still parted from our unfinished kiss. "What? But I thought—""I said get out," I repeated, y voice laced with a growl. She rose to her feet, a disbelieved scoff escaping her lips. “I thought they were all rumors, turns out they were true after all." I shot her a glare, my eyes cold, but she didn't seem phased. A courageous one. "What does that mean?"
CHAPTER 44I KNEW WHAT I HAD TO DO.The words left my lips before I could second-guess them. Julian’s reaction was instant.“No,” he said sharply, shaking his head. “Absolutely not.”“Julian, listen to me—”“I don’t need to listen,” he snapped. “You’re not going into those woods alone.”I reached for his hand, pressing it against my wrist where the mark still burned. “It won’t stop,” I whispered. “You saw Dorian’s reaction. This isn’t just some random nightmare, Julian. It’s real.”His jaw clenched, his body taut with tension. He wanted to fight this. “More reason you shouldn't leave, Raven. Come on! All of the signs are there before you, and yet you want to walk right into the pit. That's reckless.”"Well, what else am I supposed to do?” I snapped, at the edge of losing control.He turned to me, his eyes softening. "We could just ignore this, act like none of it is happening. It'll stop eventually. If they realize they can't get to you, they'll give up.” I scoffed. "Easy for you to
CHAPTER 43THE TRUTH. I parted my lips to tell him the truth, but I was interrupted.A knock echoed in the room, and both of our attention was immediately captured. “Who's there?" Julian called.A voice returned an answer. “Alpha, there's a problem." The heavy urgency in his tone attested to his words.“Come in." Julian said, rising to his feet.The moment the scout burst into the room, his face pale and his breathing ragged, I knew our peace had been short-lived.Julian stiffened beside me, his muscles coiling with tension. "Speak," he commanded, his voice sharp as a blade."A rogue group, Alpha," the scout panted. "We noticed a rogue group. Near our borders. Their numbers are growing."My pulse quickened. The room went deadly silent.Julian exchanged a glance with me before turning back to the scout. "Reach out to the elders, arrange a council meeting. We meet now."Moments later, we were seated in the council chamber, the air thick with unease. Some of the elders believed these ro
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