A growl rumbled in his chest before his lips met mine again, softer this time—savoring, and his hands trailed my body, like he was worshipping my very existence. His hands explored slowly, as if memorizing every inch of me. Every brush of his fingertips set fire to my skin, every kiss left me breathless.When our bodies finally came together, it wasn’t just heat or passion—it was something deeper. Something I didn't know I needed. I lost myself in him, in the way he whispered my name like a vow, in the way he made me feel like I belonged to him.The night was filled with heat, whispers, and surrender.I surrendered! ***Warmth.That was the first thing I felt when I woke up.Not just the warmth of the morning sun filtering through the curtains, but the warmth of him.Julian’s arm was draped over my waist, his bare chest pressed against my back. His breathing was steady, slow.For a long moment, I didn’t move. I just laid there, feeling the rise and fall of his breath, feeling safe.
CHAPTER 21OH NO! I fumbled with my words as we stood in the hushed corridor of the council hall, the tension between us almost palpable. I could feel Julian’s steady presence beside me—a silent assurance that made my heart both flutter and ache. Luca had been nearby, his eyes narrowing in suspicion at our closeness. Before he could press further, Julian’s cool tone cut through the charged atmosphere.“You didn’t need to know every detail,” Julian said sharply, his gaze fixed on Luca as if daring him to continue. His words were measured but edged with authority. “As you heard, it's clearly something no one can find out about. And you're not exception." Luca’s lips pressed into a thin line. For a moment, I thought he was going to give up and walk away, but I was so wrong. “Why are you always together?” he demanded, his tone low and challenging. “You do know an Alpha and his member is not supposed to be this close. It's so suspicious, it's not something I can ignore.”Without a momen
CHAPTER 22AWKWARD.That was the only way to explain the state between Julian and I. We retired to our assigned rooms—a sparse, modest chamber that did little to hide the tension simmering between us.I cleared my throat, “This seems like a comfy place to lay our heads after a ride like that.” My voice was desperate, and anyone could tell that I was struggling to start up a conversation.Julian said nothing, and my heart twisted. "Alpha, are you mad at me?” I blurted out. He heaved, finally looking at me. “His son's mate? Really? That's the only way you could think of to introduce yourself?" His voice was harsher than I expected it to be. I swallowed. “I’m sorry. They called us mates, and I panicked. I said the first thing that came into my mind, I didn't think it twice.” I tried to explain.He scoffed. "You make it sound like being my mate is so much of a crime.”"But I'm not your mate, Julian. And yes, it is a crime. Even this whole relationship is forbidden.” I bit my lips immed
CHAPTER 23TENSION.My heart hammered, and I pulled my hand away from Julian as if it burned. “Do you feel that?” I whispered, eyes darting into the shadows.Julian frowned, his protective instincts flaring. “I do,” he admitted, scanning the garden with narrowed eyes. “Stay close to me, Raven.”For a brief, uncertain moment, we sat together, the earlier peace completely shattered by the sense of unseen eyes. My pulse raced as I wondered who—or what—could be lurking out there. My mind was filled with uneasy possibilities, but for now, all I could do was hold onto Julian’s steady presence.He wrapped an arm around me protectively, and I leaned into him, grateful for the warmth and security. “We’ll be fine,” he whispered, though I couldn’t tell if he believed it.The shadows among the trees stretched long and eerie under the moonlight. Julian and I stood side by side, our gazes scanning the darkened foliage, the stillness of the night betraying the feeling that had jolted us moments ago.
CHAPTER 24BREATHE, RAVEN!The council chamber was suffocating, a thick cloud hanging above the room. The elders sat in their high-backed chairs, their faces stern, their expressions unreadable. The only sound in the room was the distant crackling of the fire in the hearth.I stood beside Julian, my heartbeat loud in my ears. Though he hadn’t touched me, I could feel his presence like a steady force, unyielding and firm.“What are you talking about?" Julian finally said, his voice was calm. It made me feel like I had no reason to be this scared.The oldest elder met his eyes head-on. “There are rumors." He paused, his eyes flickering towards me. My breath caught. “Rumors that aren't healthy for the pack." “Again, what are you talking about?” Julian repeated, unphased. "Is an Alpha supposed to be questioned like this? Like an ordinary wolf?”It was my Father who spoke this time. "Well, what happens when the Alpha decides to break the rules he set himself? Do we, as the pillars of the
CHAPTER 25IT WASN'T THE FIRST TIME.It wasn't the first time I was witnessing Elena's betrayal right before my eyes, so why did it hurt so much? Like she was still my best friend and not a stranger I knew everything about.“You…you…” the words wouldn't form, no matter how hard I tried. A smirk played out on her lips, taking away the last bit of control I had over my emotions. A tears fell and I quickly looked away.Julian was by my side in a minute. “Hey! Are you okay?" I clenched my jaws, fixing my stare again on an unremorseful Elena. "Alpha, can… can I have a minute with her?" His eyes filled with concern. “Are you sure? I don't feel good leaving you here alone with…” his cold eyes ran over her. "...her.”Elena’s face twisted, her eyes darting everywhere in the room but at us. “I will be fine." I mumbled.Reluctantly, he released my shoulders and made to step away. “Know your limits." He shot at Elena, his voice stern.She said nothing. Despite the situation, he was still an Al
CHAPTER 26TOUGH QUESTION.It hit a nerve, harder than I wanted to admit. Yet, I already knew the answer.I exhaled shakily, taking a step closer to Julian, like we weren't already close enough. “Julian…” I stopped, wondering if the words I was about to spill were the right words to say.Slowly, he snaked his hand around my waist again, exactly where it belonged. “Go on, Raven. Tell me. If the pack finds out about our relationship which they have tagged as forbidden, and we lose everything, do you really not care?" There was a probing look in his eyes, the type that set me ablaze, yet calmed my burning nerves. How can one say this isn't right? This—Julian and I—is the realest thing that has ever happened to me. If it isn't right, then what is?“Julian…” I began, wrapping my arms around his neck. "When I came to the club that night, I was at my lowest. The plan was simple—sleep with a stranger and rub it in Luca’s face—but even that I couldn't do. When I saw you, I knew I should have
CHAPTER 27MY FATHER.He stood there, his eyes fixed on us, unable to move, frozen by disbelief. I swallowed, not taking my eyes off the man in front of me. Afraid of what he would do next.Eventually, he moved. Without a single word, he turned and walked away, his movements monotonic. I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest. Then I turned to Julian. “We should follow him," I said, almost inaudibly.Julian heaved, finally looking at me. “There's no need. He's going to his council, we will be summoned right away." He was right. It was barely up to five minutes before the messenger ran in, bearing the message of our immediate summoning by the council.Julian dismissed him, his eyes meeting mine as we were alone in the room once again. "I can go alone if you want.”I shook my head, daring to chuckle in this time. "I'm not that much of a coward, Alpha.”"Are you sure, Raven? We have no idea what to expect over there?”I nodded. "I'm sure, Julian. I'll be fine.” I reached for his hand
CHAPTER 40AM I HAPPY?I turned in his arms, meeting his gaze. I didn't need to think twice, I already knew the answer. “Yes.”Relief flickered across his face. He cupped my cheek, his thumb tracing the curve of my jaw.“I won’t ever let anything come between us again,” he vowed.I smiled softly. “I know.”He pressed his forehead to mine, and for a while, we just stood there, breathing each other in.Then, slowly, he tilted my chin up and captured my lips in a kiss. It was slow, deep, filled with promises unspoken.I melted into him, wrapping my arms around his neck as he lifted me effortlessly, carrying me inside.This? This is home.***The morning air was crisp, but my mind was anything but clear. The events of the past few days had settled like a weight on my chest. Everything was finally falling into place—Julian and I, the pack’s acceptance, the removal of those who had wronged me.And yet, something lingered.The rogues.The ones who had taken me, who had spoken in riddles, who
CHAPTER 39PAIN — THE LAST THING I WANTED.After everything, I just needed reassurance that I wouldn't lose him yet again. I tried to build walls, to not fall as hard as I did before, but the truth was I had already fallen, and I didn't stand up after that.I was in love with this man. The last thing I wanted was another regret.Julian rested his forehead against mine, a shaky exhale escaping him. “You won't, Raven. I promise."We sat there by the river, the world around us fading into the background. In that moment, amidst the uncertainty of the future, a fragile thread of connection was rewoven, one that we both hoped would withstand the tests to come.When we went back to bed that night, I snuggled closer into Julian's arms. My mind replayed everything that had happened in the past few months, and I couldn't help but smile. From giving my self to him out of pain and the sheer need for revenge at a random bar that night, to him finding out who I was and me trying to avoid and bury
CHAPTER 38RAVEN'S POVI HAD FORGOTTEN. I had forgotten what it felt like. I had forgotten how beautiful this feeling of being held by him felt.His lips worked on mine, slow at first, like he didn't want to push too much. I wanted him to.Before I could restrict myself, I reached out, holding his collars as I pulled him closer. His second hand found my waist too, the unexplainable feeling of warmth steering through me from his touch.He bit my lips, just before his tongue slipped into my mouth, ready to explore. A moan escaped my lips, loud but I didn't care.“I missed this," Julian's raspy voice echoed in my ears as he murmured against my lips.I was overwhelmed. The pleasure was just too much. “Show me!" I whispered, my voice breathless. “Show me how much you missed this." He stepped back ever so slightly, and at that moment, I saw the intense desire flash through his eyes—the one I had gotten used to. Oh how much I missed that!“My Raven, indeed, I'll show you how much I've miss
CHAPTER 37RAVEN'S POVWHAT DID I EXPECT? The silence that followed my confession was suffocating. For the longest time, all I had ever felt from the pack was judgment. Doubt. Cold indifference that burned worse than any fire.That had finally changed. Now the mood had shifted.The anger that had once been directed at me was now aimed at Luca and Elena. Whispers grew into murmurs, and murmurs into outrage.“How could they?” someone hissed.“Betraying their own friend, that's heartless.” another voice growled.“I always knew that Elena was up to no good. How dare she try to steal her best friend's partner?" I saw it in their eyes—the guilt, the regret for ever siding against me. For believing lies over the truth I had been screaming for so long.Luca was nowhere to be seen, but I knew he was feeling the weight of his actions. And Elena… I exhaled, forcing myself to let it go. It wasn’t my burden to carry anymore.Father bowed his head, but before he did, I saw a tear fall. “I'm sorry
CHAPTER 36RAVEN'S POVABYSS.I drifted in and out of consciousness, barely aware of what was happening around me. I wasn't unconscious, but I was fully awake either. Just somewhere in between, floating in an abyss of an underlying misery.I felt movement—the steady rhythm of footsteps. The firm, unwavering grip of Julian’s arms around me was not something I could unfeel. It was there, not subtle, rather overwhelming. I could hear him breathing, hear the way his heart pounded against his chest.He was holding me like I was the most precious thing in the world, like he would never let me go.The cold air bit at my skin, but I wasn’t afraid anymore. I was going home.Finally, I was finally going home. This was the only thought that filled my mind as I eventually passed out.I couldn't tell how long I was out. The first thing I noticed was the smell.It wasn’t the damp rot of the rogues’ hideout, or the thick scent of fear clinging to my skin. It was home.Home?The crisp morning air dr
CHAPTER 35RAVEN'S POV HESITATION SPREAD THROUGH THEIR FACES.“What?” the one holding me snapped.“You heard me,” the rogue panted. “She’s not to be harmed.”Confusion flickered through the room. But I didn’t wait for them to figure it out.The moment their grip on my arms loosened, I wrenched free, stepping back toward the door.The rogue leader’s words echoed in my mind. You are more valuable than you realize.What the hell did that mean? And why were they letting me go?One of them glared at me, and I recognized him as the rogue of earlier—the one who had seemed too familiar.He sneered. “We can't just let her leave like that. She hasn't fulfilled the purpose for which she was brought here." The other one countered him immediately, “Do you intend to go against the master? She will not be pleased, and you know what happens after that." The rogue who had brought in the information, followed up with his own subtle warning. “It seems you don't love the life you live anymore." The r
CHAPTER 34RAVEN'S POVPAIN DRAGGED ME BACK TO CONSCIOUSNESS.It came in waves, sharp and unrelenting. My wrists ached from the rough ropes binding my hands, and my body throbbed from the fight I had put up before they captured me. My head pounded, my breathing shallow as I took in my surroundings.The room was dark and cold, the scent of damp stone and old blood filling the air. A single torch flickered on the far wall, casting shadows that danced eerily across the rough stone floor. My pulse quickened. Where the hell was I?A dull, throbbing pain echoed through my skull. The darkness around me was thick, suffocating. I tried to move, but the effort sent sharp pain shooting through my limbs. My mind was sluggish, like I was wading through fog.Where… am I?Then, it all came back—the slap, the heartbreak, running into the woods, and then… the attack. The struggle. The hands grabbing her. The blow to my head. Everything came back.My heart pounded against my ribs.I forced my breathi
CHAPTER 33JULIAN'S POVWHAT HAVE I DONE?The moment the guard delivered the news, my world tilted. My Raven!"A group of rogues were seen near the borders. A fight broke out. We can’t find Lady Raven."The words slammed into me like a death blow. This is all my fault. It's all my fault.Silence stretched between the guard and I for a beat before I moved. My body was a blur of motion as I stormed past the warriors gathered in the courtyard. My pulse thundered in my ears, my wolf clawing to break free.She was out there—alone, or worse. I had to find her.“Get every tracker we have,” I barked at my warrior, my voice sharp enough to cut steel. “Now.”The pack stirred with unease. The weight of my fury was suffocating, even I felt it. I was like a storm ready to tear through anything in its way.As we set to depart, I heard my name. “Julian," I turned to see Desmond, Raven's father. His face was pale, as if he hadn't sleep in weeks. I would have walked away, but something in his eyes ma
CHAPTER 32JULIAN'S POVThe sting of Raven’s slap burned across my cheek, but it was nothing compared to the pain in her eyes.She had never looked at me like that before. Like I was a stranger. Like I was someone she despised.I had known this moment would come.I had felt it building, every time I walked past her without a word. Every time I ignored the way her presence pulled at me like gravity. Every time I saw the hurt on her face and told myself that pushing her away was necessary.But this? Watching her break, watching her crumble in front of the entire pack—this was worse than I had ever imagined.She didn’t wait for an explanation, didn't even give me a chance to tell her the truth.She just turned and ran away, like I was a plague.I should have followed her. Every instinct in me screamed to chase after her, to hold her, to tell her the truth. But my feet didn’t move.Because I had done this. This was all my fault.Before I could even process what had happened, a new voice c