Gillow’s message had sent Arda’s heart racing, but she managed to steady herself. He can’t find me. I’m safe with Jacob. That thought was her anchor, though doubts lingered. Determined to shake off negativity, she focused on the events that had led to this moment. Earlier, Cain had introduced them to the pack and instructed some members to show them to their rooms. Arda was pleased to find her room positioned across from Chester’s, with Karina’s room beside hers. Later, Karina had visited her, clearly frustrated. “I can’t believe Jacob didn’t offer to show me around,” she complained. “We’ve just arrived,” Arda reasoned. “We all need to rest.” Karina had frowned. “Well, I don’t like how that girl was staring at him—and me.” “I noticed it too,” Arda admitted. “But I don’t think it’s important.” Karina crossed her arms. “I know a jealous lover’s look when I see one. I’ll ask Jacob about it when I see him.” “Can’t hurt to ask,” Arda had replied with a shrug. Now, as Arda sat alon
“This pack has a goal,” Cain pronounced with authority. “To unite all the packs under a single Alpha. And within this unified pack, we will establish a monarchy, beginning with me. Then my son will take over. In this new era, humans will learn of our existence. We will rule over them. Our members are already everywhere. The only thing left is the unity of the packs and the elimination of your kind.” His eyes fell disdainfully on Karina. “The full prophecy must be found. The moon child and her sister must be eliminated. The complete prophecy is rumored to be with your pack. That’s why my son had to join that school and get close to you.”Karina sobbed softly, regret and brokenness in her every movement.“It’s nothing personal,” Jacob said, his tone cold. “You should’ve stayed loyal to your pack.”“My Alpha is cruel,” Karina cried out, frustration lacing her words. “You know that already.”“Not my problem,” Jacob responded flatly.Cain let out a mocking laugh. “You’ve lived long enough t
Hours passed, leading into the night. The full moon had not lost its shape, round and glowing bright as it cast its brilliance onto the earth. Somewhere in the eastern region, mystic creatures—werewolves—wandered far into the surrounding forests in their hunt for food. Among the werewolves, distinct ones glowed, marking them as werewolf vampires. Together, they hunted down unfortunate animals, gathered them, and devoured the fresh meat as a pack. Soon after they were done, Gillow, the alpha of the pack, with a glowing form and intense ruby eyes, began to sniff the air. The others sensed that he was smelling something and emulated him, but he was already advancing further into the bush. The pack followed him, and soon they discovered a retreating werewolf. Gillow immediately led a pursuit, and a chase ensued as they advanced behind the escaping werewolf who spotted a light brown color. The alpha of the pursuing pack rapidly gained on the escaping werewolf. Heavy thuds pounded the e
The cornered spy, Jack, locked eyes with Raina—his renounced mate—his gaze intense. Gillow could sense that Jack was attempting to convey something. The Alpha listened closely, and within moments, he realized the message was telepathic. Jack was communicating with Raina. Jack: “Setting my betrayal aside, we both know you weren’t supposed to hunt tonight.” A confused expression crossed Raina’s face as she stared at him. Gillow, already alert, focused on listening to her response. Raina: “I changed my mind because you refused to tell me why you insisted I not join the pack for tonight’s hunt.” Jack: “That was for your safety. The least I can do now is keep you alive.” Raina’s disbelief was evident. “What are you talking about?” she asked, incredulous. Before Jack could respond, Gillow’s instincts kicked in. His sharp, ruddy eyes scanned the surrounding bushes. The air was thick with tension, and within seconds, he had Jack in his grip. But it wasn’t just Jack that concerned him. H
Inside the dimly lit cell, Arda sat hunched in a corner, her fingers trembling as she typed on her hidden phone. Her message was simple but desperate:“Alpha. Help. Locked in cell. Jacob's pack. Me, Karina, Chester. Punish us if you must, but please... don’t kill us. Please.”She hesitated, her thumb hovering over the send button. Doubts gnawed at her—would Gillow even care after everything? But the alternative was staying here, at Cain's mercy. With a sharp inhale, she pressed send, clutching the phone tightly against her chest as if it were her last lifeline.After a moment, she slipped the phone back between her breasts, ensuring it was concealed. She chose not to tell Karina or Chester about the message. If it failed, she didn’t want to crush what little hope they had left.Her phone buzzed almost immediately, causing her heart to pound. She spun toward the wall, hiding her movements, and glanced at the screen. The message was from Gillow. It was blank.A wave of relief mixed with
Karina sat in the corner of the dimly lit cell, her knees drawn to her chest. The low light cast long shadows across her face, accentuating the lines of worry. Her voice broke the suffocating silence."Arda, now I think you should have contacted the Alpha." she whispered, her tone raw with fear. "I shudder to imagine Cain's execution of his evil plans for us. I know you do too. We all do."Arda froze, her back pressed against the cold wall. She clenched her fists, refusing to meet Karina’s gaze.Karina pressed on, her words tumbling out in desperation. "I’m scared, Arda. Scared of what Gillow will do to me and Chester. He’ll punish you, yes, but we—" Her voice cracked. "We’ll be slaughtered."Chester, pacing the length of the cell, nodded grimly. "She’s right. Whatever punishment the Alpha dishes out for you, we’ll pay the ultimate price. But maybe... maybe if he knew how we feel, he’d show mercy."Karina snorted bitterly. "Mercy? Do you think Gillow knows the meaning of the word? We’
The next night came cloaked in an eerie stillness, broken only by the metallic clang of the cell doors opening. Cain strode in, flanked by his men, his presence a toxic mix of arrogance and cruelty. “Well, well,” he said, his voice smooth and condescending, “it’s time for a special treat. Tonight, you’ll witness the unification ceremony between the Northern and Western packs.” Arda stepped forward, her voice trembling but resolute. “Where’s Jacob?” Cain’s lips twisted into a mocking grin. “My son?” He leaned in, relishing her frustration. “He’s busy enjoying his honeymoon.” Arda’s heart sank, her fleeting hope of reaching Jacob shattered. She had prayed for a chance to speak to him, to appeal to the part of him not yet consumed by his father’s influence if it existed. But now, that chance was far from reach. "But don't look so sad, he is somewhere around. With so much going on, he can't afford to be far from the pack. After Gillow's defeat, we can all have a sigh of relief." "You
The atmosphere crackled with tension as Gillow dominated Cain’s domain with his presence.His expression was stone cold, his presence radiating power, eyes blazing crimson in confrontation.Cain's stood at the center of his territory, his smirk a blend of mockery and unease, his ruby eyes as an alpha, matching Gillow's.In this confrontation, the werewolves eyes had turned to various shades of colors, matching their ranks in the pack. Low snarls and visible dark veins threatened to break loose. The look was thesame with Gillow's daunting frame as he bravely stood, surrounded in the enemy territory.“You’re not welcome here,” Cain growled, his words sharp and dismissive.“I’m not here for your welcome,” Gillow replied, his voice low but firm. “I’m here for my people. Release them. Now.”Cain glanced toward the three prisoners bound tightly to poles. Their faces were pale with fear and exhaustion. His laugh was cruel, resonating in the uneasy crowd.“Your people? They came here of their
Arda’s breath hitched as Gillow’s countdown continued, his voice a dark promise of both pleasure and discipline."...three...four..."Her fingers twitched against the sheets, every muscle in her body screaming to move, to clutch onto him, to anchor herself against the storm he was unraveling inside her.At thesame time, she wanted to protect herself from his sight because she was shy and self conscious at that moment. But then he had threatened to punish her and she didn't want to test him.Arda let out a shaky breath, forcing herself to obey as she let her hands fall to her sides."Five." Said Gillow, his eyes narrowing at her. Her breath caught in her throat. "Too late." He said. "Turn over. I'm going to spank you for wasting time.""No, please." Her voice was soft. "I took my hands off." She caught a small smile on his face and knew he was now teasing her.Gillow’s approval was instant, a slow, satisfied smile curving his lips. “I know, Mate. I'm just playing with you. You're my go
When she relaxed around him, Gillow accepted her surrender. He celebrated it with a kiss of thanksgiving, his lips claiming hers gently. "That's it, mate." He murmured encouragingly, his voice coaxing, comforting, oddly commanding even in a sensual state. It further raised her new found desire to completely give in, to trust him without reservations. Arda’s breath came in shallow waves as Gillow’s lips moved against hers, slow and unhurried, as if he had all the time in the world to explore her. His hands, warm and firm, skimmed down her sides, memorizing every curve, every delicate tremor that ran through her body. His weight was a comforting presence above her, not trapping but anchoring her in a way that made her feel safe. She had never known touch like this—gentle, reverent, yet laced with a hunger that sent shivers cascading through her skin. “Relax, mate,” he whispered against her lips, his voice deep, coaxing again. “Let me show you what it means to be mine.” A par
Arda stiffened for a fleeting second, wary of his beast surfacing but then something shifted. The heat of his kiss, the firm yet unyielding way he held her, and the sheer intensity of his presence melted the last traces of resistance within her. Her wariness also disappeared. She believed he would always protect her. He had come dangerously close to feeding on her on different occasions but somehow, he controlled his urges. This foundation was her hope. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she gave in, pressing closer, her fingers gripping his shoulders for balance. She wasn’t sure when she had risen onto her toes, but now she leaned into him completely, matching his passion with a hunger of her own. Gillow’s grip tightened, his hands splaying across her back, pulling her flush against him. He had wanted this—her surrender, her willingness to accept him, not out of obligation but because she truly desired him. And now, feeling her melt into him, responding with just as much need, a d
Arda responded to Gillow’s kiss, hesitant at first but gaining confidence with each passing second. A strange warmth settled in her chest, pushing aside the remnants of her earlier encounter with Luke. It surprised her how easily she let go of that unpleasant moment, as though Gillow’s presence had rewritten the weight of her past. Her heartbeat quickened when their lips parted, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other. There was something unspoken between them—something neither of them dared to put into words just yet. Gillow exhaled, then cast a glance at their table. Their plates were empty, the conversation complete. "I think we're done here," he said, his voice carrying an undertone of finality. Arda nodded, not trusting herself to speak. He pushed his chair back and stood, extending his hand. "Shall we?" She slipped her hand into his, relishing the warmth of his palm. "Sure." He led her toward the exit, his touch light yet commanding. A gentle breeze swept
Meanwhile, in the corridor, Luke stepped in front of Arda, blocking her path."Come on, I waited for you for three years," he said, voice thick with frustration. "Surely, I deserve answers or at least ...one more try."Arda’s expression hardened. "What do you want from me, Luke? It’s over.""I know. But I think it's fair if all I want to see right now is if you’re really a witch."Her eyes flashed with disbelief. "Step aside, Luke. I have nothing to say to you anymore. My boyfriend is waiting for me. And I’m sure your girlfriend is waiting for you."His jaw clenched. "Who do you think you are, huh?" His voice rose, frustration giving way to something uglier. "I waited three years for you, and yeah, I might’ve made a mistake, but now you’re just parading around with that guy. What is it? Because he’s rich? Because he’s so gorgeous you can’t keep your legs closed?"Arda stiffened, nostrils flaring. "What?" she bit out. "I’ve had enough of your insults."Luke surged forward, closing the
For three years, he had waited for her, believed in her. Then, just like that, she had moved on—to this stranger who now kissed her like he had always owned her. But wait, he thought. Had she lied to him? Had she already been seeing this man behind his back? So all this while she had a secret boyfriend and was pretending? The thought made his blood boil. He had convinced himself that rejecting her was the right thing to do, that she was nothing but a witch, someone who looked innocent but in reality, was evil. But now, watching her like this, he wasn’t so sure. Maybe he made a mistake. Perhaps he shouldn't have rejected her like that. At least not in such an embarrassing manner. He must have made a huge mistake. Because she looked happy. Genuinely, effortlessly happy. And the man she was with didn’t just claim her—he cherished her. Luke couldn’t stand it. “Babe?” His girlfriend’s voice pulled him back to the present. He realized then that he had been staring at Arda for to
They were laughing—so lost in their own world that they hadn’t noticed her yet. Luke’s arm was slung casually around the girl’s shoulders, his grip possessive, his smile smug. They looked… happy. Completely at ease with each other.Something twisted inside Arda.It wasn’t jealousy.Not even regret.Just… the bitter aftertaste of a memory that had once stung like an open wound.And then it happened.Luke looked up.His laughter faltered.His eyes locked onto hers.For a fraction of a second, time seemed to stand still.The recognition in his gaze was swift, followed by something else—something unreadable. Surprise? Confusion? Annoyance?Then his gaze shifted.To Gillow.A new kind of tension rippled through the air, almost tangible.Luke’s expression hardened as he made the connection. He had seen Gillow before—on that very same day. The mysterious man who had stolen Arda’s attention the moment he’d walked into the restaurant.Now, that man was sitting across from her. Holding her hand
Chapter Title: A New PathArda caught a glimpse of her newly manicured nails and smiled. She liked the way they looked, but the sight also brought back a memory—Gillow’s earlier refusal to let her fix them in the first place.“Alpha,” she said quietly.“Yes, mate?”“About my nails… Did you tell Karina to discourage me from fixing them?”Gillow didn’t even pretend to feign ignorance. “Sure.”Of course, he wouldn’t deny it. That was just how Gillow was.“She mentioned you were entertaining the idea during one of her sessions, so I told her if you tried it, I would have her head.”Arda’s heart skipped a beat. “But it wouldn’t have been her fault if she couldn’t stop me.”“True. But I didn’t care.”“That was mean, Alpha.”He chuckled. “I know. But… with my understanding today, you have my permission to do it. No more than twice every quarter of the year.”“Is it negotiable, considering I have the right to—”“Let’s not talk about rights now, mate. Let’s enjoy the moment and visit rights la
As the car rolled to a stop in the park’s parking lot, Arda took in the lively fast-approaching evening scene outside. People were scattered across the grounds, some walking, others lounging on benches, while children ran about, their laughter mingling with the rustling of the evening breeze. The atmosphere was warm, inviting—yet for her, this place held memories she wasn’t sure she wanted to relive.She reached for the door handle, but before she could push it open, Gillow's hand gently stopped her.“Allow me,” he said smoothly, a teasing glint in his eyes. “I want to be the perfect gentleman tonight.”She couldn’t help but smile at his playful tone. With that, he stepped out, walking around to her side. True to his word, he opened the door for her and extended his hand. She took it, feeling the strength in his grip as he helped her out.As he shut the door behind her, she noticed Gillow’s men discreetly taking strategic positions throughout the park. It was subtle but unmistakable—h