“Do you realize how utterly foolish we look right now, trailing after his scent?” Poppy grumbles in my head.
“What other choice did I have?” I reply, walking down the pathway where Poppy is skillfully picking up Alex' scent.
“You had the choice to say no,” Poppy retorts sharply.
“I didn’t, and you know it.”
“You did, and you should have. Alex would never have bothered chasing after you if the situation were reversed”
“You don’t know that,” I argue.
“I do, and you know it too. Alex would have left you to rot in this forest.”
“Poppy!”
“I’m just stating the truth,” she says in a matter-of-fact tone.
“You can't be certain of that.”
“I am, and despite convincing yourself that you only came because his parents requested it, I know that's a lie. Deep down, you would have sought him out to ensure he was alright.”
I remain silent, acknowledging she's right.
“I can't control it, and you know why,” I finally admit after a pregnant pause.
“I do, and that’s why I sometimes wish you had a heart as resilient as mine. I would never chase after a man who would scowl at me the moment he lays eyes on me.”
“Poppy!” My voice cracks.
“I'm so sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. I wasn’t trying to make you feel bad.”
“It's okay.”
Poppy is about to apologize again when the sounds of someone sniffling a few feet away cause her to stop. My nose also picks up two people’s scents in the same direction – Alex and Alice. Alice is pouring her heart out to Alex, her voice laced with sobs. Not wanting to be the reason they stop, I decide to remain where I was – a good distance away. Close enough to hear them, but far enough not to allow them to pick up my scent and realize I was eavesdropping.
“You need to take me away, Alex, or I will die in that pack,” Alice says, her voice trembling with fear.
“What are you talking about?” Alex asks, sounding perplexed.
“All of them hate me in that pack. They all treat me badly because of my low status. I just wish I was an Alpha’s daughter like my adopted sister; maybe they won’t bully me so much.”
My eyes widen at her statement. Nobody bullied her. What was she saying?
I hear movement, and Alice’s cries gradually subside, as if her mouth is covered. I assume he’s hugging her.
“Don’t worry, Alice. Today the Moon Goddess has revealed to me that you are my mate, which means you're mine to protect. I promise you, from today onward, no one—no fucking person—will ever make you feel bad about who you are. I will make sure of it.”
“What if Hannah takes you away from me before you can make sure of that? She’s always stealing things from me.”
My mouth hangs open at her words.
“That bitch! I can’t believe she is accusing you of stealing from her and lying about having a hard time in the pack,” Poppy angrily comments.
“Alice had a better life in the Silver Pack than you because the Alpha and Luna were afraid that Alice would feel inferior due to her low status. They made sure nobody treated her like she was adopted, and the omegas treated her like she was a real princess. How could she possibly not have had a good life? You always gave up your own stuff for her; the Alpha and Luna care more about her. It is you who has suffered in the pack. I can’t believe this.” Poppy is fuming at this point.
“It’s okay, Poppy,” I say, feeling tears sting the back of my eyes. Every word from Poppy is true, and it hurts that a stranger receives better treatment than I, an Alpha’s daughter.
“And that fool Alex doesn’t even fact-check; he quickly promises to make sure she never suffers again. Stupid!”
“I already said it’s okay, Poppy. They are mates, and it takes one word from her for anything she says to be true.” My heart aches at that realization, and I cut my connection from Poppy, not in the mood to hear her continue complaining.
I approach where Alex and Alice are. Alex captures my attention first, and I observe as his eyes darken with anger upon seeing me. I feel a stray bullet pierce through my heart. He must think the worst of me.
I turn to look at Alice. Tears streak down her cheeks, her face red with emotion. When our eyes meet, she jolts from the ground, cowering behind Alex as if I'm here to harm her. I'm taken aback by her sudden behavior but don’t speak on it. Alex pulls Alice further behind him, shielding her completely from me. I can't believe my eyes.
““What are you fucking doing here?” Alex barks, his voice a chilling blend of coldness and venom, each word laced with fury.
“I was asked to come after you to make sure you are fine. You ran out without explaining where you were going, so everyone was worried.”
“You fucking see that!” Alex yells, causing me to flinch. The air thickens with his rage. “And when my brothers accused you of being behind the forced alliance, you denied it,” he accuses, his voice deepening with a visceral hatred towards me.
“I-I-I don’t understand what you are talking about,” I stammer, feeling confused about how coming after him because his parents sent me means I knew about the forced marriage alliance.
“Don’t fucking play smart with me! You knew your sister was likely going to be our mate; that’s why you went and worked on that marriage alliance with my parents. Aren’t you tired of taking everything away from her?” He asks, his gaze burning with disgust.
My heart clenches, and tears fill my eyes, threatening to slip down my cheeks, but I force them back. I am an Alpha’s daughter; I will not cry in front of them. Taking a deep breath, I close the gap between us, locking eyes with Alex as I speak.
“As I said before, I had nothing to do with the marriage alliance, and if you really want to stop it from happening, I advise you to come with me back to our parents to deal with it.” I turn and walk away from them. I am slowly regretting coming tonight. I didn’t even find my mate as I hoped. Gosh! I just wish the night could end already. I am exhausted, and it feels like it has just begun.
ALEXThe walk back is shrouded in a heavy, suffocating silence, the unspoken tension hanging thick between us. As I trail behind Hannah, I become an unnoticed shadow, my steps echoing the distance that has grown. Our return to the room where our parents await is met with an oppressive stillness, a palpable discomfort that lingers in the air. Dad, his face etched with anger, shatters the quietude as soon as we enter."Where were you? We were worried sick," he demands, the visible distress etched on his face."With my mate," I retort, meeting his gaze defiantly."The sooner you reject her, the better for you," Dad advises sharply."I will never reject her. Alice is my mate, and if I become Alpha, she'll be my Luna, not Hannah," I declare, casting a disdainful glance at Hannah, who wears a pained expression that goes unnoticed by me."Alice can't be Luna; that position belongs to Hannah!" Dad insists, his voice raised."No, it doesn't," I argue back."As the eldest son, you should be wil
I lean against a tree, arms crossed, positioned a few feet away from the pack house where the ballroom is located, waiting for Alice. Our pack house, nestled in the heart of the woods, is surrounded by tall trees, emphasizing our close connection to nature as werewolves. Although the night is young, I couldn't care less for its beauty. My mood is so sour that I can't even appreciate the starry night sky, with the moon shining brightly. I sent an omega to call her. My gaze fixates on a solitary stone beneath my feet, the minutes ticking away with excruciating slowness. The relentless howls of my wolf echo in my mind, a storm of conflicting emotions urging me to reconsider my decision with every passing moment of Alice's impending arrival. I truly wish I could, but the past hour has shown me I couldn't.I thrust myself away from the tree as the unmistakable scent of Alice wafts through the air. As she materializes before me, she wastes no time, throwing her arms around me in a gesture f
HANNAHWith a gentle thud, I close the car door, my eyes lifting to behold the grandeur of the Sky Packhouse. The sheer magnificence of the colossal mansion, designed to house thousands of werewolves, stands as a testament to the power of the pack. Werewolves move purposefully in and out, already bustling with activity in the early hours. As I turn around, the car purrs to life behind me, and I watch my parents drive away without a farewell. A pang of hurt clenches my heart.The memory of last night's conversation with my mom about the impending photo shoot with Alex and the forced marriage resurfaces. The tears well up as I ponder if they couldn't see the pain this loveless marriage would inflict. I understand the duty to my pack, but sacrificing my happiness seems an exorbitant price to pay. The realization that my parents don't perceive it that way stings deeply.Releasing a breath, I shake my head, deciding to proceed with what brought me here. As I approach, I step inside the gra
Staring at Alex, I'm rocked to the core by the revelation that Poppy has just voiced. His recent rejection of Alice leaves only one conclusion: I am his second mate. The weight of that realization settles over me like a heavy shroud. Me? His second chance, mate. It's a concept I struggle to wrap my mind around, disbelief mingling with the years of longing for the day I would finally meet my mate. And yet, here he stands before me, the very man I've yearned for. But amidst the whirlwind of emotions, Poppy tells me she can still sense the raw pain of his recent rejection. My heart aches for him, empathy flooding my being.In that fleeting moment, Alex slowly unwraps his arms from around my waist, creating a physical distance between us. I maintain my gaze, my eyes betraying the pity and compassion swirling within me.Running my eyes over his form, I take in the sight of the white vest he wears, its fabric clinging to his muscular arms and offering a tantalizing glimpse of what lies bene
I lock eyes with Alex, feeling the slow burn of lust igniting within me as his hands rest on my waist. My heart races with anticipation, wondering what will unfold next. But just as I'm lost in the moment, Poppy, in control of my body, moves slowly and deliberately, guiding Alex's hand to my breast.A shiver runs down my spine as a soft moan escapes my lips. My eyes widen in shock at my own behavior, the realization of what's happening sinking in with each passing second."Poppy, stop this instant," I whisper-yell, my voice trembling with a mix of arousal and apprehension as I struggle against the overpowering urge to surrender to Alex's touch. The fire he ignites within me is undeniable, and I'm torn between the intoxicating pleasure and the need to resist.But Poppy refuses to relent, her voice echoing in my mind with persistence."No, Hannah. You have longed for this day for so long," she insists, her words a reminder of the desires that have simmered beneath the surface for far to
Awakening in the late afternoon, I find myself bathed in the soft, golden light filtering through the curtains. I reach out for Alex, expecting to feel his warmth beside me, but my hand meets empty air. Opening my eyes, I sit up and scan the room, my heart sinking as I realize he's gone. There's no trace of him, not even a lingering scent. I run my hand through my hair with a sigh, a pang of hurt gnawing at me despite my efforts to brush it aside. After all, I know we are mates, but not a couple.Throwing the covers off my body, I make my way to the bathroom, eager to freshen up before I leave. With each step, I feel an ache between my legs, and a blush creeps up my cheeks as memories of this morning flood my mind. Alex had surprised me with his skills. I hadn't anticipated his roughness, nor did I expect to enjoy it as much as I did. But in that moment of shared intimacy, I discovered a new aspect of myself, a side that craved the intensity and passion he offered. With Alex, it seems
“You thought this is what I wanted?” Alex barks, his voice slicing through the tense silence like a blade.“Yes. I tried to tell you the dress wasn’t appropriate, but you threatened to come in and put it on for me, so I had to wear it,” I explain, hoping that he sees I didn’t choose this dress on purpose.Alex releases a dark chuckle that sends shivers down my spine before he speaks again. “So, you're telling me my pack arranged for you to wear this fucking excuse of a dress?” His voice takes on a different tone, filled with a mix of frustration and curiosity.I nod, too frightened to utter a word, my heart pounding in my chest as I navigate the unpredictable shifts in his demeanor."Maybe the clerk made a mistake. I don’t know," I add after a pregnant pause, hoping to diffuse the tension. Alex lifts a brow, tilting his head slightly as he stares at me intently. I nod once again, silently pleading for him to believe me and let me go. As much as I enjoy our closeness, his shifting mood
ALEX“Stay here,” I instruct Haisley before stepping out to meet the person who knocked.“I’m so sorry, sir. I just realized we asked Miss Haisley to go into the wrong dressing room,” the clerk explains apologetically.“What do you mean?” I ask, feeling confused.“Miss Haisley’s dress is actually in fitting room 5, not 1,” she clarifies.“Oh,” I respond, understanding the situation. Does that mean I was wrong in my assumption?“Yes, you were,” Eden interjects in my mind. “The poor girl was innocent, and you punished her.”“Getting face-fucked isn’t really a punishment, in my defense,” I retort.“Because she was trembling with need?” Eden counters, his tone tinged with sarcasm.“Yes,” I admit.Eden rolls his eyes in response.“What do you think about her?” I ask, changing the subject.“I feel the connection, but it was a lot to take after just losing one mate,” Eden responds.“Same way I feel,” I agree.“I doubt. Your dick has been in her pussy and mouth in the last hours,” Eden counte
Six years laterThe sky hangs heavy with gray clouds, casting a somber pallor over the cemetery. A steady, cold rain patters against the black canopy of our umbrella, each drop echoing the ache in our hearts. The chill in the air seeps into our bones, an unwelcome reminder that even as spring struggles to emerge, grief knows no season. The wind sighs through the skeletal trees, carrying with it the earthy scent of damp soil and the delicate perfume of early blossoms. As we stand at the wrought-iron gates, the weight of sorrow presses down upon us, suffocating in its intensity.Alex grips my hand tightly, our fingers intertwining, as our five-year-old daughter, Arabella, nestles between us beneath the shelter of the umbrella. Her small hand clutches a posy of wildflowers, their vibrant petals a stark contrast to the monochrome landscape. She gazes up at me, her wide, gray eyes—so like her father’s—brimming with questions she’s still too young to articulate. In the soft curve of her che
I blink, and she’s gone like a wisp of smoke. A heartbeat later, my bedroom door explodes inward with a thunderous crash. Alice strides in, an aura of dark power radiating from her very being. I stare, transfixed by the haunting metamorphosis she has undergone, barely recognizing the woman before me as my sister.“What happened to you?” I whisper, my voice laced with disbelief and dread as if addressing a vengeful spirit.Alice ignores my question, her eyes burning with a sinister light. “Do you know I have dreamt of this moment a million times?” She takes slow, deliberate steps towards me, each footfall reverberating through the floorboards. An ominous energy crackles around her, suffocating the very air.I instinctively step back, putting distance between us as dread coils in my stomach. “Is that so?” I keep my tone even, masking the frantic pounding of my heart. My mind races, scanning for exits, assessing potential weapons - anything to buy me time against this twisted version of
I shake my head vigorously, trying to dislodge the memory of that fateful day from my mind. So many lives were lost, so much pain and suffering inflicted. Too many people are still counting on me, relying on my strength to make sure that doesn’t repeat itself.Seeking a distraction from the thoughts swirling in my head, I decide to check on Mila. Perhaps her company will provide a much-needed respite. I make my way down the corridor, my footsteps echoing hollowly, and knock gently on her door. No response. A tendril of concern winds its way through me as I call out, “Mila? Are you here?”Only silence answers me. Taking a deep breath, I slowly push open the door and step inside, my eyes widening in shock at the sight that greets me. Mila and Cameron are tangled together on the bed, bodies intertwined, clothes scattered haphazardly across the floor. They are so lost in having sex that they remain oblivious to my presence. Heat rushes to my cheeks as a wave of embarrassment washes over
The golden sun hangs high in the clear morning sky, its warm rays filtering through the lush canopy and casting dappled shadows across the forest clearing where Mom and I train. The earthy scent of pine needles and rich soil fills my nostrils as I inhale deeply, relishing the crisp autumn air. For the past month, she’s been patiently guiding me, helping me harness and master the powers that course through my veins - the same awe-inspiring abilities as my aunt, the power to shield and protect my fellow werewolves.In our sleek wolf forms, we move with fluid grace and agility, our glossy black fur shimmering like obsidian in the honeyed light. Though I didn’t inherit my father’s russet coat, I wear my own with pride. It feels exhilarating and freeing to embrace my wolf side again after so long, my muscles rippling beneath my fur as we dance through our rigorous training session. Jane stands in the open field with us, her presence crucial for the training. The soft susurration of the bre
Mom finishes the story, her voice quivering as she recalls how fiercely I resisted when they tried to lock my memories. She confesses she was initially reluctant to take Alice because of the immense risk involved, but her parents’ insistence and her desperation to keep me safe forced her hand.“Wow, I had my reservations about the Alpha and Luna of the Bloodmoon Pack, but finding out they offered Alice despite knowing the risks leaves me utterly speechless,” Alex says, his eyes wide with astonishment.“Me too,” Mom replies, her voice heavy with disdain. “They were so power-hungry. They saw Alice as a means to gain a more powerful daughter.”“Yeah, but their plan backfired since my memories were locked away with the power,” I say, and Mom nods in agreement, her expression somber.“How about Kevin? How did he end up with you after being presumed dead?” Alex asks, leaning forward with curiosity.“He discovered what his parents did and was furious. All this time, he believed Alice was wit
HANNAHAlex’s car screeches to a halt, and we tumble out onto the bloodstained grounds of the Sky pack territory. I gasp in horror, my eyes widening as I take in the carnage surrounding us. Broken bodies litter the earth - men, women, even children, their limbs contorted at grotesque angles. Pools of crimson spread outward, staining the grass a deep, violent red. My stomach lurches as I spot disembodied hearts ripped from chests and discarded like refuse. The metallic stench of death clogs my nostrils, dredging up memories of the brutal attack on the Silver wolf pack years ago. But this...this is so much worse. More savage, more merciless, a massacre of innocents.“Alex!” A familiar voice cuts through the eerie silence. I whip around to see Luna Marley staggering towards us, her clothes and skin drenched in scarlet from head to toe. She looks like she has crawled straight out of a slaughterhouse.“Mom!” Alex rushes forward, frantic hands roving over her, checking for injuries.“It’s
ALICEThe night air is thick with tension as Henriette and I teleport to the borders of the Sky Pack territory. This is the moment I have been waiting for - a chance to get Alex back, no matter the cost. Hen dark eyes narrow, nostrils flaring as she scents the air like a predator catching the scent of prey. “Stinking Dogs,” she snarls, lips curling back over her teeth in a feral sneer.I stay close beside her, my heart pounding in my chest. Collins had learned of our plans that morning, but one withering glare from Hen silenced any protest due to him keeping Hannah’s identity secret.Hen strides forward, her boots crunching on the gravel path leading to the packhouse. A young wolf spots us, and his eyes go wide with shock and fear. “Dark witch!” he yells in warning, his voice cracking with panic.In an instant, wolves begin emerging from the shadows, surrounding us in a loose circle of bared fangs and growls. “Quickly, inform the alpha!” another shouts. Hen throws back her head an
My tiny hand grips Mummy tightly, her palm enveloping mine as we approach the towering castle gates. I’ve never laid eyes on such grandeur before, and a sense of wonder washes over me. The sun glistens off the polished stone, beckoning us into its warm embrace. I never want to leave this magical place, a stark contrast to the damp, musty caves where Mummy and I have been taking shelter these past few nights. Those dismal hideaways could never replicate the radiant beauty and inviting warmth that seemed to emanate from the very walls of this enchanting castle. A flicker of hope ignites within me—perhaps Mummy will let me stay in this beautiful castle forever.My reverie is abruptly shattered by a strangled gasp. “Your highness...” A man’s voice trembles with disbelief as his eyes fall upon Mummy. His ashen complexion betrays the shock coursing through his veins as if he’s witnessed a specter materialize before him. My brow furrows in confusion. Why are they looking at mummy like they’v
HANNAHThe sounds of frantic voices calling my name stir me from unconsciousness, their tones laced with concern. I slowly peel open my heavy eyelids, and they widen in shock as I take in the sight before me – an older woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to myself, her features mirroring my own. Beside her stands Alex, his brow furrowed with worry."You're awake," Alex breathes, relief washing over his face as he helps me sit upright on the bed, his strong arms encircling me in a protective embrace."Are you okay?" the woman asks, her voice trembling with a mixture of hope and trepidation as she reaches out to touch my arm. Instinctively, I recoil from her touch, my body tensing with a visceral wariness that courses through my veins like liquid fire."Stay away from me," I warn, my tone sharp and uncompromising as I level an icy glare at her, my heart pounding against my ribcage."Aura, I'm–" she begins, but I cut her off with a dismissive wave of my hand, my anger simmering just ben