“Knock.Knock.” Izzy said my voice barely above a whisper and then the door opened.“Izzy.” Daphne said with a wide smile.“Daphne.” Izzy said and then she walked in without hesitating.“What brings a wolf into a vampire’s den?” Daphne’s voice was smooth, almost amused, as she leaned back in her chair, swirling a glass of deep red liquid—wine, Izzy hoped.Izzy ignored the pointed question and took the plate of food Daphne offered. It had been a long day, and she was too hungry to be cautious. The first bite was warm, savory, but it did nothing to settle the storm in her mind.Daphne watched her, waiting. When Izzy finally set the fork down, she exhaled sharply. “I need a child.”Daphne raised a brow. “A baby?” She tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her dark eyes. “Why not adopt?”Izzy’s jaw tightened. “I can’t. I won’t. It would ruin my reputation.”A slow smile spread across Daphne’s lips. “Ah. So you want a newborn, one no one would question. And I assume you want me to do the
“Izzy, stop.” Kimmelly’s voice was sharp behind her.“He’s alone.” Izzy lifted the baby into her arms, cradling him against her chest. He was warm, alive. His tiny fists curled in the fabric of her jacket.“We can’t just take him.” Kimmelly stepped forward, eyes darting around as if expecting someone to appear. “What if he belongs to someone?”“Then where are they?” Izzy shot back. “Who leaves a baby in the middle of the night by a river?”Silence.From the shadows, a lone Buddha watched. She stood partially hidden behind the trees, unseen by the others, her face unreadable. She had known this moment would come. She had seen it in the stars.Luna would take the child.It was meant to be.Izzy held the baby closer, pressing her lips to his forehead. “He’s mine now.”Kimmelly exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “I don’t like this.”Izzy ignored her. She turned and walked back toward the monastery, the baby safe in her arms.HOURS LATERThe monastery was quiet, the air thick with the scen
The scent of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air, mingling with the crisp morning breeze. The pack grounds were alive with celebration—wolves laughing, music playing, voices overlapping in a steady hum of festivity. The night before had been heavy, suffocating, but now, everything was different.Now, they had a reason to celebrate.Kieran stood at the center of it all, his broad shoulders squared, his presence commanding. The baby rested in his arms, swaddled in a dark cloth, tiny and still. His expression was unreadable, but there was a weight in his eyes, something deeper than the pride he projected.He lifted his gaze, scanning the gathered wolves before him. “Today,” he announced, his voice carrying through the clearing, “we welcome a new member into the pack. A child blessed by the moon, strong in both spirit and blood. From this day forward, he will be known as Ronan.”A howl rippled through the crowd, wolves tipping their heads back in unison. The sound echoed through t
KARA SIX YEARS LATER I gritted my teeth, trying to keep my voice steady. “Trevor, don’t bring this up again. And don’t ever mention your father.”His small hands curled into fists, his dark eyes burning with frustration. “You’re lying.”My breath hitched.“I heard you,” he said, voice shaking. “You prayed to the moon. You asked for him to change his mind. You wanted him to find you in the woods.” He stepped closer. “Why does he hate us? What did you do to him?”I turned away, my chest tightening. “I have to get some meat so I can make you food. Stay here. Don’t get into trouble.”But Trevor wasn’t listening.I returned to an empty house.The fire in the hearth had burned low, the silence pressing in on me like a heavy weight.Something was wrong.“Trevor?” My voice echoed in the small space.No answer.The air left my lungs. I turned sharply, scanning the room. His scent was faint, but I knew.He was gone.The door was slightly ajar. The moment I stepped outside, the cold wind hit m
KARA The wind howled through the trees, carrying the scent of wolves and blood. Rain poured in relentless sheets, soaking through my clothes, but I didn’t move. I couldn’t. My arms were wrapped around Trevor’s lifeless body, his warmth fading with every second.Then, footsteps. Slow. Purposeful.A presence loomed behind me. Strong. Commanding. Dangerous.“Sorry for your loss,” a deep voice murmured.I looked up sharply, my vision blurred by rain and tears. He stood tall, his presence overwhelming. His dark hair clung to his forehead, wet from the storm. Sharp, chiseled features. Cold, piercing eyes that held the weight of someone who had seen death and welcomed it.He was beautiful in the most terrifying way.“Who are you?” I rasped.“Zarek.”My heart stilled.Zarek. The Alpha of all Alphas. A legend whispered in the darkest corners. A ruler who bowed to no one.“You’ve been watching me,” I accused.Zarek didn’t deny it. His gaze flickered to Trevor’s still form, then back to me. He
KARALinda’s eyes locked onto mine, sharp with disdain. “I don’t like you, I wish you could just disappear and leave this pack” she said bluntly, arms crossed. “But I can’t defy the Alpha’s orders.”I smirked, adjusting the fitted black dress she’d chosen for me. It was elegant but deadly—like armor disguised as silk. “At least you dressed me now, even though you don’t like me. So keep treating me well just as your Alpha wants, Linda. There’s nothing you can do about it.”Her nostrils flared. In a flash, her hand shot out, fingers wrapping around my throat as she slammed me against the cold stone wall.“You seem bold,” she sneered. “Too bold for my liking.”I didn’t struggle. I didn’t plead. I just smiled.That made her angrier.Her grip tightened, but before she could push harder, the door burst open.A low growl filled the air.Aria.In one swift motion, she charged forward, her strength knocking Linda back. Linda barely had time to react before Aria’s fingers wrapped around her thr
KARA“No, you won’t, I don’t need you to fight because the way I see you, you are talented.” Zarek said, his gaze locked on Aria.Aria chuckled softly. “I am not talented, I am only trying and besides Linda is going to take me down so easily.” Aria said and turned to Linda. “Isn’t that what you want?”Linda smirked, stepping closer to me with venom in her voice. “Your son was killed, you were chased away by a lowlife lady, and here you are—standing so weak.” Her words cut through the air like a blade, dripping with cruel satisfaction.My hands curled into fists, but I didn't move. My eyes darkened, rage flickering beneath the surface, but I swallowed it down. I wouldn’t give Linda the satisfaction of seeing me break.Aria’s amused expression faded. “That’s enough, Linda.” Her voice was firm, but Linda only scoffed.“Oh, please,” Linda sneered, crossing her arms. “I’m just saying what everyone else is thinking. A woman who couldn’t even protect her own blood has no place standing here
KARA“Who is she?”Delilah’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. She stood at the entrance of the training grounds, arms crossed, eyes burning with something between rage and disbelief. She was one of the most respected members of the pack—and the most relentless when it came to Zarek.Zarek barely spared her a glance. “She is Kara.”Delilah’s expression twisted, and before he could say anything else, she stepped forward, her voice sharp.“The former Luna of the Storm Claw pack? You brought her here? Did you even think for a second about what the Alpha of that pack did to you? He betrayed you, Zarek. And now you’re standing here, training his woman?”My stomach twisted. Betrayed? Mymind spun at Delilah’s words.“What?” I turned to Zarek, demanding answers. “What is she talking about?”Delilah let out a cold laugh. “You want to know? He would never tell you but let me do the talking for him.”Before she could continue, Aria took a step forward. “You talk too much.” Her tone was
KARAI knelt on the cold stone floor, feeling the weight of every breath I took. My body trembled, but it wasn’t from the cold. No, it was something far deeper. A sense of loss, of devastation, surged within me. Zarek was dead. The love of my life, the Lycan King, was gone, and now… I was alone.The wolves outside howled in mourning, their voices echoing through the darkened night. They were lost too, leaderless and broken. The sound shook the very foundation of the packhouse, and I couldn’t breathe through the crushing weight of it all. I couldn’t think.Delilah was dead. My closest friend. My protector. She had died for me, and there was nothing I could do to bring her back. The memory of her frantic attempts to save Zarek, of her rage, of her scream that had shattered my soul, replayed in my mind over and over.And now Leo stood before me, his presence as cold as the grave. He had destroyed everything.“I will take care of her,” Izzy’s voice cut through the silence, sending a chill
KARAI sat in my study, staring at the open book on my desk, but the words blurred together. My hands felt cold, my body oddly light. The exhaustion had been creeping in for days, but today, it was worse.A soft knock came at the door before Linda stepped inside, a small tray in her hands.“You haven’t taken your medicine today,” she said, setting the tray down. Her sharp eyes scanned my face, her brow furrowing. “Kara, why do you look so pale?”I blinked at her, confusion flickering in my mind. “I look pale?”Linda turned to Delilah, who had followed her in. “She looks pale, right?”Delilah crossed her arms, concern etching into her face. “Pale and lean. You don’t look good.”I forced a smile, trying to ease their worry. “Maybe it’s just the pregnancy hormones.”Linda knelt beside me, her fingers pressing against my wrist as she checked my pulse. “Your heartbeat is steady. The baby’s fine.” She looked up at me, eyes narrowing. “Then why aren’t you eating?”I hesitated. I had been eat
KARAAnd we all walked away before Zarek could notice.We reached the mansion, and Liz approached me with a cautious expression.“You have a visitor,” she said.“A visitor?” My voice barely rose above a whisper.Liz nodded.I stepped into the pack hall and settled onto the chair with Linda, Liz, Aria, and Delilah by my side. The moment I looked up, I saw a woman standing at the entrance, dressed in simple robes.A monk.My brows furrowed. “A monk?”The woman stepped forward, her head bowing slightly in respect. “Luna.”I studied her carefully. She was older, her face lined with age and sorrow. Something about her presence unsettled me.“How may I help you?” I asked.She lifted her gaze, eyes filled with something that looked dangerously close to fear. “I came here to tell you a secret, Luna.”A chill ran down my spine. “What secret?”Her voice was steady, but there was an urgency in her tone. “It’s about Izzy, the Lycan King’s sister.”At that, I rose to my feet and took a step closer
KARAThe Lycan King was carried in, his body limp, a pool of blood staining the floor beneath him. His death had shaken everyone in the room to the core, but the show must go on. The celebration continued, albeit with heavy hearts.Zarek stood by the throne, eyes blank, as the pack members murmured amongst themselves. “Zarek,” one of them said, “You should stay. You’re next in line now.”I watched him for a moment, but he didn’t show any sign of grief, only cold determination.“I’ll help,” I said quietly, stepping toward him.He didn’t respond. Instead, he just nodded, his gaze distant.Later, after the body had been bathed and the mansion was in disarray, we all gathered in the main hall for the next phase. The air was thick with anticipation.Linda glanced at Zarek, her voice quiet but curious. “Never knew your father was the king.”Zarek forced a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “This mansion, everything here… it’s all yours now.”No one smiled back. His words felt hollow, and t
KARAIzzy’s voice was raw with rage, her eyes burning with fury as she stood at the gates of the Golden Wolf Pack.Delilah didn’t move, her posture relaxed, almost bored. “And?” she said flatly.Izzy’s hands curled into fists. “Let me in,” she demanded, her voice shaking.“No,” Delilah replied simply.Izzy let out a sharp breath and moved to shove past her—only to be met with a firm grip. Delilah caught her wrist effortlessly, twisting it just enough to make Izzy stumble. And then, without hesitation, she shoved Izzy back.Hard.Izzy hit the ground, her palms scraping against the dirt. Her head snapped up, her expression livid.“How dare you!” she shouted.Delilah smirked. “How dare you come here and make demands?”And then I stepped out.Izzy’s eyes locked onto me, hatred pouring from her gaze like venom. Without thinking, she lunged.I didn’t flinch.Delilah moved first. She caught Izzy’s wrist mid-air before the slap could land, her grip like steel. With one sharp motion, she wrenc
Delilah stepped out of Zarek’s room and walked straight to the balcony, where she saw me.Her eyes, once filled with contempt, held something else now. Something unfamiliar.“I used to hate you,” she said suddenly. “But now, I like you.”Before I could respond, she grabbed my shoulders and gave me a firm shake. Then, just as quickly, she turned on her heel and walked away.Linda spotted her at the gate. “Where are you going?”Delilah didn’t stop. Her voice was calm, yet laced with cold determination. “To kill Kimmelly. Let me start from there.”Linda’s eyes widened. She stepped forward to block her path. “Delilah, wait—”Delilah’s head snapped up. Her brown eyes darkened, glowing like molten gold. “Don’t try to stop me.” Her voice was low, threatening.Linda hesitated.Delilah didn’t.She pulled out her phone and dialed Kimmelly’s number.“I know how to kill Kara,” she said when Kimmelly answered. “Meet me in the woods. Far from the pack. Alone.”A pause. Then Kimmelly’s eager voice.
KARA“You think I forgot? The way you controlled fire back there,” Aria said, stepping into the infirmary where I was checking on the wounded warriors.I smirked but didn’t respond.“So you’ve been hiding it for years,” she continued, crossing her arms.I nodded and then turned my gaze to her, my smirk fading. “Something is wrong with Zarek.” My voice was firm, steady.Aria frowned. “How?”“There’s this pill he always takes. I need to find out what it does.”Aria hesitated, her brows knitting together in thought. “The day Zarek slept in your room, I saw Izzy walk into his office with a bottle of pills. We crossed paths, and she dropped it. I didn’t think much of it then, but now…”My stomach twisted. “What color was the bottle?”“A white bottle,” she said immediately.We both froze. I turned to her, my heart hammering. “Was Zarek’s pill changed?”Neither of us needed to answer that.I spun on my heel and rushed back to Zarek’s quarters, my pulse pounding in my ears. I didn’t barge in—
KARA“You can’t come with me,” Zarek said, his voice final as he turned to leave.My blood simmered. What does he mean I can’t?I stepped forward, grabbing his wrist. “Zarek, watch me.”His golden eyes snapped to mine, irritation flashing across his face. “Kara, don’t be stubborn. This isn’t your fight, it’s my responsibility. I am the Alpha.”I scoffed. “Not my fight? The pack is under attack. My pack. My new home and it’s attacked by your sister and Kieran, anything that involves Kieran,count me in, I can’t wait to destroy him. So please don’t tell me to stay behind like some helpless Luna.”He exhaled sharply, jaw tightening. “You—”The study doors burst open again. Aria and Liz rushed inside, their faces tense.“This is bad,” Aria panted. “The northern border is drenched in blood. Our warriors are falling.”My heart pounded. “Then we need to go now.” I said heading forward but then Liz dragged me back.Liz shook her head. “No, Kara. You can’t go.”I shot her a sharp glare. “And wh
KARAI sat behind the large oak desk, the scent of fresh paper and ink filling my Luna office. My fingers traced the grain of the wood absently as I stared at the documents in front of me, but my mind was elsewhere.The door swung open without a knock.Izzy.She strolled in like she owned the place, her movements smooth, confident. She stopped in front of my desk, her sharp eyes scanning my face.“You actually lost your memories?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.I smiled, keeping my expression neutral. “I’m sorry I had to trouble you like that, sister-in-law. My apologies.”Izzy’s lips twitched upward, but the smile never reached her eyes. Without a word, she placed a small black box in front of me.“A gift,” she said.I hesitated before reaching for it. The moment my fingers brushed the lid, something cold and unsettling crawled up my spine.I opened it.Inside, nestled in dark velvet, was a pendant—a silver wolf encased in a delicate frame.At first glance, it was beautiful. T