“Izzy, after everything you’ve done for Kieran, this is what you get?” Kimmelly’s voice was sharp, laced with disbelief. “You killed for him, you burnt for him. You ruined your life for him. And he’s still choosing her.”“Don’t turn my mind into what I don’t want.” Izzy said.Kimmelly smirked. “But you see, I am not lying, you could feel it, you know Kieran is changing or maybe he used you, he killed your brother Izzy and you are letting him live?”“I was glad he killed my brother back then because my brother isn’t my brother, he is my step brother and he is charge of the pack and I don’t want that, Zarek is bound to be the Alpha king and I don’t want him to be the king, I want to be the one sitting on that, I want the Alpha’s to bow for me.” Izzy said.“Females don't become the king, you can only rule with your mate by your side.” Kimmelly said, her voice barely above a whisper.“If Zarek is alive again, that ruins my plan, Zarek will kill Kieran and my main goal right now is to kill
Kimmelly didn’t hesitate. “I haven’t been feeding him anything.” Her voice was steady, unreadable. “If he asks, I always lie.”Izzy nodded slowly. Then, without warning, she pulled Kimmelly into a hug. Her lips brushed against her ear, her voice a whisper. “You’ve been with me for years. You know exactly what I’m capable of.”Kimmelly stiffened just slightly, but it was enough.Izzy pulled back, her eyes sharp, searching. The way Kimmelly looked away, the way she shifted, something was off.“I wouldn’t dare betray you, Izzy,” Kimmelly said, forcing a smile. “Goodnight.”Izzy didn’t respond. She just watched as Kimmelly turned away, retreating down the hallway toward her room.Only, she didn’t go there.Izzy followed, her steps silent against the floor. Kimmelly moved quickly, glancing over her shoulder once before slipping into a different room.Kieran’s.Izzy’s blood turned ice cold.She moved closer, pressing her ear against the heavy door. At first, there was just the murmur of voi
That got his attention.Leo stilled. His gaze sharpened, and for the first time, real emotion flickered across his face.“What did you say?”“Zarek is alive. My brother is alive. He would never let you touch her.” Izzy took a step closer, pressing forward. “But I can give him to you. And Kieran. The leaders of two of the strongest packs. I can pave the way for you to kill them both or act as your spy.”Leo exhaled slowly, leaning back. The flickering torches on the cave walls cast shadows across his face, making it impossible to read his expression.Then, finally, he spoke.“I don’t need you for that. I can take them down on my own.” His voice was calm, but firm. “And do not touch my girl.”Izzy tilted her head, studying him.Then, she smirked.“Your obsession is going to destroy you again.”Leo’s fingers twitched against the armrest of his throne.Izzy took another step forward. “Tell me, Leo… does she remind you of her?”Leo’s expression darkened.Bullseye.“Your mate.” Izzy’s voice
GOLDENWOLF PACKKARAZarek stormed into my room without knocking.I sighed. “You should at least knock.”He ignored me, his golden eyes locked onto mine with a glare so intense it made my skin prickle.“What is wrong with you?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.He took a step closer. Then another.“I thought I saved you for a reason,” he said, his voice low, dangerous.I tilted my head slightly. “And?”“Now is the time to pay me back.”I crossed my arms, raising a brow. “You want money? Because I’m broke.”His jaw clenched. “Kara.”“What?” I threw my hands up. “You want me to cook? Because that’s also a bad idea unless you enjoy food poisoning.”His glare deepened.Then, he said it. “I want you to be my Luna.”For a second, I thought I misheard him. Then I laughed. Not just a little chuckle. A full-blown laugh.Zarek didn’t look amused.“You’re serious?” I asked between breaths.“Yes.”I laughed again. “Oh, that’s funny. Really, really funny.”His expression didn’t change.I c
KARAI woke up to warmth.For a second, I didn’t know where I was. The bed beneath me was softer than anything I was used to, and the scent surrounding me was familiar—woodsy, dark, with a hint of something untamed.Then I realized—Zarek’s arm was draped over my waist.I stiffened.Slowly, I turned my head.He was still asleep. His breathing was steady, his face relaxed in a way I’d never seen before. The sharp edges of his features were softer like this. Peaceful.I blinked.Holy shit.I was in bed with Zarek.Fully clothed, sure. But still.What the hell happened last night?Memories flashed—being drenched in the fountain, Zarek carrying me inside, wrapping me in blankets… I must have fallen asleep before he left.Except—He never left.I carefully tried to move his arm off me, but the second I shifted, his grip tightened.Great.I swallowed. “Uh, Zarek?”No response.I poked his arm. “Zarek.”Still nothing.Was he really that deep of a sleeper?I hesitated—then made the mistake of
“Delilah, leave Kara alone.”Delilah’s fists clenched at the sound of Linda’s voice. She hadn’t even noticed her Beta approaching, but now she turned slowly, narrowing her eyes.“Why should I?” Delilah spat. “She’s just a human, and she’s here to claim the Luna title. I’ve been by Zarek’s side for years, and what have I gotten? Nothing.”Linda crossed her arms. “Zarek cherishes you, Delilah. Don’t ruin it by going after Kara. You can see it, can’t you? Zarek loves her.”Delilah’s eyes darkened. “Loves?” The word tasted bitter on her tongue. “He doesn’t love anyone. He’s an Alpha. Alphas don’t love.”Linda exhaled, but before she could walk away, Delilah grabbed her wrist.“And you?” Delilah’s voice was lower now, almost conspiratorial. “You’ve been with him even longer than I have. Is this really all you deserve? Just being his Beta? You should be greedy, Linda. You should fight for what you want. You love him, don’t you?” Her lips curled into a smirk. “So do I. We both do. Why should
KARAIzzy went still. Her fingers twitched slightly, betraying the only hint of emotion she let slip. “Why are you telling me this?”“Because I know what you are, Izzy,” Delilah said, stepping closer. “I know what you did to Kara before. You ruined her life once. And I want you to do it again.”Izzy stared at her for a long moment. Then, slowly, a smile curled on her lips.“That makes us partners.”GOLDEN WOLF PACKI sat in Zarek’s office, my arms crossed, staring at the stack of papers in front of me.“Sign them,” Zarek said from his desk, barely looking up from his own work.I scoffed. “You really think I’m going to sign a bunch of legal documents without reading them? I don’t wanna get into trouble”“They’re your official Luna responsibilities.” His golden eyes flicked up, locking onto mine. “Or do you want me to read them to you like a bedtime story?”I scowled. “Hilarious.”He smirked.I reached for the first document, skimming the words. “So, let me get this straight… I have to
KARAI sat on the couch in Zarek’s office, my fingers absently tracing the edge of the documents he had forced into my hands earlier. The tension in the room was thick, pressing against my chest like a heavy weight.Linda stood near the doorway, arms crossed, looking like she was debating whether to say something.“What’s going on?” I asked, breaking the silence.Linda hesitated. Her gaze flickered toward Zarek, who was leaning against his desk, his expression unreadable.“You can go. I’ll tell her,” Zarek said, his voice calm but firm.Linda let out a slow breath. “Alright.” She shot me a quick glance before walking out, leaving the door slightly ajar behind her.I frowned. “Tell me what?”Zarek sighed, running a hand through his hair. He looked… uneasy. That was never a good sign.“I have a brother and…” he said finally. “I also have a sister.”I blinked. “Okay…”“We are three siblings,” he added, almost like an afterthought.I tilted my head. “Why do I feel like this isn’t just a f
“She wasn’t always like that,” Leo snapped. “You didn’t see the version of her I did.”“I saw enough,” Zarek said. “And I made the call no one else would.”“You made the call,” Leo repeated, voice quiet now. “You didn’t hesitate. You didn’t even try to talk to me.”“What would I have said?” Zarek’s voice rose now, the calm breaking. “That the woman you loved planned to turn half the supernatural world into slaves and the other half into corpses? That she used you as a weapon and you didn’t even realize it?”“I did realize it,” Leo said, fists clenching. “Too late. But I did.”“And what would you have done?”Leo met his eyes. “I would’ve stopped her myself.”Zarek’s breath hitched for half a second.“I loved her,” Leo continued, his voice cracking. “But I loved you too. And I hated you for making me choose between the two.”“I didn’t give you a choice,” Zarek said.“No, you didn’t.” Leo’s voice was calm now, too calm. “You gave the order, then buried me like I was the one who started a
Micah stepped out of the trees slowly, hands at his sides, not threatening. He looked older now, more tired, but the sharp edge of sarcasm hadn’t dulled in his voice.“I’d say I missed you, but that’d be a lie.” Micah gave a half shrug. “You look like hell, by the way.”Leo let out a dry chuckle. “That’s because I’ve been there.”Micah studied him in silence for a moment. “You don’t look like him anymore. The Leo we knew.”Leo finally looked over his shoulder. “That Leo died in a pit and crawled out a vampire.”“You crawled out something, alright,” Micah said. “But I don’t think it’s too late.”“I do,” Leo said. “I should’ve died down there. Would’ve made things easier for everyone.”“But you didn’t.”“Yeah. I didn’t.” Leo turned, his eyes darker now, but no longer glowing. “And now what? You’re here to convince me to come back to the pack? Ask for forgiveness? Be the brother again?”“I’m not here to convince you of anything,” Micah said simply. “I’m here because I wanted to see for m
KARAThe moment we stepped out of the woods, Leo vanished. One second he was there—forehead still resting against mine, fingers wrapped around mine like he was afraid of letting go—and the next, gone like smoke in moonlight.I stood there for a second, staring into the trees, not sure if I’d imagined it all. But my heart was still racing. My wrist still bore the shape of his grip. And my mind—my mind was full of things I didn’t know how to say out loud.We returned to the packhouse in silence. Delilah flanked me on one side, her expression carved in steel. Aria moved behind us, not saying a word. I could feel their eyes on me, like they were waiting for me to fall apart. I didn’t.Linda was already waiting on the porch, arms crossed, brows pinched with worry. She didn’t ask questions. She just looked at me—and somehow, she already knew.Inside the packhouse, Zarek was pacing the length of the main hall like a caged animal. The moment he saw us, he stopped. His eyes scanned me, then De
KARALeo didn’t flinch. His eyes locked on mine, feral, glowing faintly gold under the moon. But this was not the Leo we knew. Not anymore. Something inside him was wrong—off. He was supposed to be dead. Buried. Gone.And yet, there he stood. Breathing. Smirking.Delilah edged closer beside me, her voice low. “He shouldn’t be alive. We saw him die.”“Then we buried the wrong body,” I whispered.Leo’s gaze shifted. “Touching reunion. Too bad it won’t last.”I stepped forward. “Let go. Zarek loves you. He did everything to save you.”Leo laughed—harsh, broken. “Save me? He killed the one I loved.”“That girl,” I said, voice firm, “wanted to destroy the world.”“You don’t know what love is,” Leo spat.“And you don’t know what she was planning,” I shot back. “She used you, Leo. You were her puppet.”He flinched. Just for a second.“I don’t care,” he said, voice lower now, bitter. “I would’ve burned everything for her.”“And she would’ve let you.”“I chose her.”“No. You followed her. That
“You heard what?” Kieran asked, turning sharply.Izzy’s hand trembled, the silver wine goblet clinking against the table. “Leo is dead.”The words hung heavy in the hall, louder than the music playing in the background, louder than the laughter echoing from the guests.Mark straightened from where he was tying the last of the birthday banners. “Are you sure?”Izzy nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “It was her. Kara did it.”Kieran’s jaw tensed. “Of course she did.”“But today is—” Izzy glanced around. “Today is Ronan’s birthday. We don’t need this now.”“Doesn’t matter,” Mark muttered. “If Kara killed Leo, she won’t stop there.”“She's coming, isn't she?” Kieran asked, looking toward the window.Izzy’s silence was the only answer he needed.They didn’t invite the Golden Wolf Pack. Kara wasn’t supposed to be anywhere near their borders. But somehow, deep down, Kieran knew she was already on her way.The music played louder now. Guests were arriving, exchanging gifts, and laughi
KARAMy throat burned from screaming his name.Zarek.For a second, everything went still. The cave. The cold. Even Leo.He tilted his head slightly, like he’d heard it too.“Still clinging to hope?” he asked.I spat at his feet. “You should be afraid.”Leo chuckled, slow and cold. “Your mate’s too late. He always is.”The hooded woman dragged me forward, but I yanked my arm back, digging my heels into the stone floor. “I swear, Leo, if you do this—”He stepped forward and pressed two fingers to my lips. “Shh.”I bit him.Hard.His blood hit my tongue like fire. I spit it out and shoved him with both hands. “Touch me again and I’ll kill you.”He looked stunned for a second… then smiled. “That’s more like it.”I turned to run. Anywhere. Anywhere but toward the altar glowing with red sigils and cursed candles.The woman caught me by the hair.Pain shot down my spine as she yanked me back. “You’ll walk, or I’ll break your legs and drag you.”“I’m not afraid of you,” I hissed.“You should
KARA"I told you, you will be my queen,” Leo said without looking back, his voice cold and indifferent. “But don’t expect mercy.”“Leo, I would never—”My voice caught.Everything around me cracked and warped. The blood, the stone floor, Izzy’s lifeless body—all of it shattered like glass.And I jolted upright, heart hammering.My breaths came in sharp gasps, my hands clutching the bedsheet like it was my only lifeline. My skin was damp with sweat, and the room was dark, except for the pale moonlight pouring in through the window. The scent of cedar and pine filled the air, grounding me. I blinked, trying to make sense of where I was.A warm hand slid across my back.“Kara?” came a deep voice, groggy but concerned.I turned my head slowly. Zarek. He was here. His brows were furrowed, eyes still foggy from sleep. But alive. Breathing. Real.“Oh goddess…” I whispered, voice cracking.Before he could speak, I flung myself into his arms. My body trembled as I clung to him, burying my face
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