My hand trembles slightly, the grip on my fork loosening as I digest Luna Marley's words. I had always imagined if I ever moved out of the pack house and get myself place in the human world, I would be on my own, not with a husband. I am not saying I wasn’t expecting I would move in with Alex, but not before we get married. "I know it might be a lot, but we thought to give you guys a real chance to know one another before you get married," Luna Marley explains, her words pulling me from my thoughts. "I see," I murmur, offering her a tight-lipped smile as I turn my gaze towards Alex once more. I expect him to object, but he remains silent, his attention fixed on his plate as though everything is alright. Releasing a deep sigh, I return my focus to my meal, the food suddenly tasting bland and unappetizing. I will speak to him later about talking to his parents. I am not ready to live with him yet. I have accepted to marry him but not live with him yet. I continue to eat in silence, m
The following morning, I make my way to M Corp, a company I've long dreamed of working for. Renowned as the most prestigious financial group on downtown Seattle, landing a job here would be a dream come true. As I approach the skyscraper that houses M Corp, I'm immediately struck by its grandeur. The towering structure looms overhead, its sleek glass facade reflecting the morning sunlight. The entrance is adorned with polished marble, and the revolving doors beckon me inside with a sense of anticipation. As I step through the entrance, I'm greeted by the hustle and bustle of the lobby, where professionals in sharp suits and bustling interns mingle amidst the impressive architecture. The atmosphere is charged with energy, and I can't help but feel a surge of excitement as I envision myself working in such a prestigious environment.I walk over to the receptionist and inquire which room the interview is holding. She directs me to the 10th floor, and I step out of the elevator once I rea
The car comes to a sudden halt, and I peer out the window, my eyes widening in surprise as I take in the imposing structure of The Rainier Square Tower Residences. What are we doing at one of the top apartment buildings in downtown Seattle?Before the marriage alliance altered the course of my life, I had dreams and aspirations. One of them involved moving into this very apartment complex in the future. I had meticulously crafted a ten-year plan, mapping out every step to climb the ladder of success and afford a place in this prestigious residence. I wonder what we were doing here.I spin around to ask Alex but notice him stepping out of the car. Confusion and curiosity swirl in my mind as I quickly follow him, my steps echoing in the quiet air of the luxurious building. As I catch up to him, I can't help but notice the scowl etched on his face as his eyes scan over me. Why is he looking at me like that?"What are we doing here?" I blurt out.He meets my gaze with an intense stare bef
ALEXI stride urgently into the hospital, my heart hammering in my chest as I race towards the emergency room. While at the penthouse, I got a text that she was in the hospital. Approaching a passing nurse, I inquire about Alice's whereabouts, and she directs me to bed five with a quick nod. With a sense of urgency propelling me forward, I hasten to her side.As I arrive, I see Alice seated on the bed, her expression strained despite the small bandage adorning her pinky. Something doesn’t add up; there must be more to her being here."Alice," I say softly, stepping closer to the bed, my voice laced with concern. "I'm so sorry. Are you alright?"Alice's gaze shifts from my brother to me, and tears brim in her eyes at the sight of me.“Alex,” she cries, her voice quivering with emotion as she reaches out her hand. I take it, and she pulls me into a tight embrace,
The sound of the bell snaps me out of my thoughts, and Bee grabs my hand, rushing us to class to avoid being late. As we enter, I notice everyone's eyes shifting towards me, their gazes filled with curiosity and whispers floating around the room. My brows furrow in confusion. Why are they all looking at me like that?Their hushed conversations reach my ears, their words cutting through the air despite their attempts at secrecy. "Did you see the photos?" one voice asks. "Yes, I did. I can’t believe she actually tried to force herself on Alex." another voice responds.The words hit me like a blow to the stomach, and I feel a surge of disbelief rising within me."I know, so shameless," the first girl continues, fueling the fire of gossip. "Did she really think he would go for a girl like her?" The disdain in their voices is palpable, and it stings."In her dreams," the other girl chimes in, her laughter ringing out in the classroom. By this time, tears I didn’t know were already in my
I wipe my eyes, the sting of the liquid still lingering on my skin, and strain to see who the culprit is. When I finally make out her face, it's no surprise that it's Linda, the daughter of an alpha and a member of Alice's cheerleading squad. Her disdainful glare is fueled by the prejudice she likely holds against me, courtesy of Alice's influence."That's what you get for stealing other people's mates," Linda sneers, her words dripping with venom.Her accusation strikes a nerve, and while it stings to be judged so unfairly, I refuse to let her misconceptions dictate my response. With determination coursing through my veins, I rise to my feet, my eyes locking with hers in a defiant stare. In that split second, I make a conscious decision not to cower in the face of their bullying. Today, it's juice, but it could be something far worse tomorrow. I refuse to give them the satisfaction of seeing me as an easy target. Without a moment's hesitati
The weight of uncertainty presses down on me as I stare at Alex’s number displayed on my phone screen. Each digit feels like a step closer to uncovering a truth I'm not sure I'm ready to face. Part of me fears confirming my suspicions—that he's gone on this trip and is betraying our relationship. But another part of me knows I can't keep avoiding the inevitable.I've tried reaching out to the company directly, hoping for some clarity, but days have passed without any response. Time is running out, and I really need answers for my project.A million thoughts swirl in my mind as I hover over the call button. What if he denies everything? What if my worst fears are confirmed? Can I handle the truth, whatever it may be?Releasing a deep sigh, I mutter, "Fuck it!" and dial his number. With each ring, my heart races, waiting for him to answer, but he doesn't pick up. Maybe he's not near his phone. I try again, and this time, it
HANNAHThe following day, I make my way to the Sky Packhouse, armed with a meticulously crafted lie that I'm certain will deceive Luna Marely without a hint of suspicion. Spotting an omega passing by, I inquire about Luna Marely's whereabouts, and they direct me to her office on the second floor. Opting for the elevator this time, I ascend to the designated floor, only to have my carefully constructed facade shattered upon hearing Luna Marely's raised voice from her office."What if Hannah misunderstood you and thought you cheated on her because you were with Alice? Do you think we can afford such accusations if she uses it as a reason to stop the wedding?" Luna Marely's words freeze me in place, my brows furrowing in confusion."It won’t happen again," Alex responds."Better. Now, let’s go and wait for her downstairs to arrive. She should be here any minute," Luna Marley says, and I hear footsteps approaching where I am. P
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