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Chapter 1- A Successful Night
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-31 06:57:26Ten minutes before midnight, the grand hall of the Eclipse Moon packhouse buzzed with energy, filled with whispers and the clinking of champagne flutes.
The air was thick with excitement, as the rich scent of expensive colognes swirled around sharply dressed unmated Alphas and Alpha’s sons. They moved through the crowd like predators, their eyes shining with a hunger that clearly had nothing to do with the fancy hors d’oeuvres on the table. An electric tension hung in the air, hinting that the night was about to unfold its mysteries in a clash of power and desire.
It was the night before my eighteenth birthday, the moment I was about to find my fated mate.
I leaned against the bar, arms crossed, watching the posturing spectacle with a smirk tugging at my lips. Beside me, Andrea and Lilias were in stitches, barely able to contain their laughter as we surveyed the so-called crème de la crème of werewolf society.
“Did you see how Victor from Silver Fang Pack adjusted his tie for the tenth time?” Andrea whispered, her voice brimming with mockery. She mimicked his exaggerated movements, and we burst into giggles.
Lilias, my full blood witch friend, grinned slyly, tossing her dark curls over one shoulder. “He’s probably been practicing in front of a mirror for hours, hoping to charm his way into your heart, Zela. Or, more likely, your family’s influence.”
I snorted, my silver eyes gleaming with amusement.
“Little does he know, none of them will recognize me tonight. Thanks to your potion, Lilias. You are a genius.” I raised an invisible glass to her, and she responded with a dramatic bow.
“Ah yes, a potion so potent it could fool even the nosiest Alpha,” Lilias teased. “Consider it my birthday gift to you, darling.”
Andrea chimed in, twirling the hem of her sequined dress.
“Honestly, Zela, if they knew the real you, they’d drop their jaws faster than a rookie wolf in his first shift. But this is way more fun. Watching them chase ghosts is pure entertainment.”
We laughed, the sound blending with the orchestral music that filled the room. My gaze flicked to the grand clock hanging above the main entrance. Eight minutes to midnight.
“Do you really think I don’t know that they’re here just for what I represent?” I asked, my tone more seriously.
Andrea placed a hand on her hip and arched a brow.
“Oh, come on, Zela. You know the answer to that. They’re power-hungry vultures, circling for the grand prize.” She gestured dramatically at the gathering of Alphas.
“They’re like overgrown toddlers fighting over the last piece of candy,” Lilias added with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Except this candy happens to have political sway, royal connections, and… oh, impeccable taste in friends.”
She winked at me, and I couldn’t help but smile.
Beneath the teasing, there was truth in their words.
My father’s position as the special emissary to the Werewolf King had painted a glowing target on my back, a prize to be claimed, a name to be elevated. But none of them saw me for who I truly was.
Not the girl with a hidden love. Not the girl who just wanted to carve her own destiny.
Andrea leaned closer, her eyes glinting with mischief.
“Speaking of candy, do you think any of these Alphas would survive one day without their precious status? Bet you fifty bucks one of them cracks under the pressure and tries some cheesy pick-up line.”
I chuckled, shaking my head.
“You’re too cruel, Andrea. Let’s just hope none of them faints when I don’t go weak at the knees for their charm.”
Lilias, who was now playfully swirling a cocktail in her hand, smirked.
“No fainting, but I’d wager a few bruised egos by the end of the night. Honestly, they think a mate bond is just another tool for conquest. It's laughable.”
“Not for us, though,” Andrea quipped, flipping her hair dramatically. “We’re here for the show and the free drinks.” She raised her glass, and we clinked our imaginary ones in unison, laughing yet again.
The grand clock struck a heavy chime, signaling five minutes to midnight.
The laughter in the room faded slightly as the gravity of the moment settled over me. My friends noticed the shift, their expressions softening.
Lilias placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.
“Hey, it’s going to be fine, Zela. Whether the clock reveals your mate tonight or not, you’re still in control. You’ve got us, and you’ve got Erico.” Her voice was steady and reassuring.
I nodded, my heart swelling at the mention of Erico.
He was the one who truly saw me, who didn’t care about my lineage or the weighty expectations that came with it. My mind wandered to the first time we met, in the bustling streets of Eclipse Moon. Jonas, my childhood friend, had introduced us, and from the first moment, my world seemed to shift. Now, after two years of stolen moments and secret meetings, the thought of announcing our engagement filled me with a bittersweet mix of excitement and fear.
Andrea’s voice snapped me back to the present.
“Zela, you know your dad suspects something, right? That man has eyes like a hawk.”
I sighed.
“I know, and that’s why I agreed to go with him and my mom to the Royal banquet after my birthday. It’s a way to keep him distracted while I figure out how to tell him about Erico.”
Lilias frowned.
“He’s not the most flexible wolf, is he? But you’ll manage. You always do.”
The grand clock chimed again, this time louder, signaling two minutes to midnight. The murmurs in the room turned into an almost reverent silence as everyone waited for the moment of truth.
Andrea gave me a nudge.
“Showtime, Zela. Ready to keep the Alphas guessing?”
I smirked, holding my head high. “Born ready.”
Lilias and Andrea flanked me as we walked toward the center of the room, where the assembled Alphas and sons of Alphas had formed a loose circle, their excitement noticeable.
All gazes were on me, a mix of awe and barely veiled greed.
And then the clock struck midnight, this was the moment all had been waiting for.
I closed my eyes, letting the magic of the mate bond, if it even existed for me, wash over the room. When I opened them, I was met with a sea of confused faces.
No one stepped forward. No one felt the pull.
Andrea whispered under her breath. “Lilias, your potion worked like a charm.”
Lilias grinned, whispering back, “Of course it did. Did you ever doubt me?”
As the Alphas exchanged puzzled looks and murmured amongst themselves, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of triumph. For once, I was free from their expectations, free to carve my own path, even if only for a little while longer.
Turning to my friends, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.
“Well, ladies, I think it’s safe to say this was a successful night.”
Andrea beamed. “And it’s only the beginning. Happy almost-birthday, Zela.”
Lilias raised her glass. “To freedom and love, on your ow terms.”
We clinked our glasses once more, the sound a small, defiant harmony in the grand hall of power and pretense.
Bab terkait
Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 2 - Bloodlines and Bonds
The morning sunlight streamed through the expansive windows of the packhouse, bouncing off the polished wooden floors.I was just fastening the delicate silver clasp of my travel cloak when my father, Alpha Gene, strode into the room. His presence was impossible to miss, handsome, broad-shouldered, with an air of authority that could silence even the rowdiest pack member.“You’re awfully calm for someone who failed to find her mate last night,” he stated curiously.I turned to face him, feigning an exaggerated pout.“Failed? Oh no, Father, how will I ever live with myself knowing that Victor from the Silver Fang Pack won’t be claiming me as his mate?” My voice dripped with sarcasm, and I saw the corner of his mouth twitch, though he quickly masked it with a frown.“Zela,” he began, his tone stern. “This is a serious matter. Any she-wolf would be overjoyed to meet her fated mate.”I raised an eyebrow.“Serious? Father, most of the Alphas last night were not my type or acted as though t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 3 - Shadows In The Night
Throughout the dinner, eyes clung to me like a second skin, whispers trailing in my wake.I kept my chin high, ignoring the suffocating attention that came with being Alpha Gene’s daughter. This was nothing new. But tonight felt different, charged with an energy that sizzled beneath the surface, an unseen storm brewing I couldn’t quite place. While my parents were engaged with the Royal couple, I focused on the extravagant meal in front of me, each delicate dish a masterpiece of culinary art. The Royals had outdone themselves, and they had succeeded in making it count.As the banquet transitioned into the evening reception, I moved through the glittering crowd, feigning ease while my insides churned. The opulence around me, golden chandeliers, cascading silk drapes, an orchestra playing softly in the background, was a backdrop I had experienced countless times before. Yet, now, unease coiled tight in my chest, a cold serpent stirring in the depths. My gaze flicked to the dais, drawn
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 4 - I’ll Take My Chances
By the time the first rays of sunlight filtered through the trees, I had reached the borders of Silver Bow, every muscle in my body aching from the relentless run. The woman was incredibly helpful; without probing too much, she drove me to the Silver Bow turnoff. As we parted ways, she gave me her phone number and encouraged me to reach out for any reason.The familiar scents of Silver Bow’s territory welcomed me, offering a fleeting sense of safety. Andrea’s family had granted me unrestricted access to their lands long ago, and although the border patrol undoubtedly sensed my presence, I knew they wouldn’t report it to Alpha Zenic. They trusted I would do so myself, a formality I’d skip this time. Staying in wolf form, I crept through the shadows, weaving between trees to remain unseen.The packhouse loomed ahead, its grand silhouette outlined against the lightning sky. I stopped beneath Andrea’s window and looked up. Era stirred within me, exhilarate
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 5 - The Scent of Flight
The air in Andrea’s room bristled with a tension that made my skin prickle, as we awaited Lilias arrival.She didn’t disappoint us, like a shadow she stepped into the room, causing us to exhale in relief. She moved with an urgency that spoke of unseen threats, her eyes, usually bright and knowing, now clouded with a deep concern.In her hand, she held a small, intricately carved vial, its contents shimmer with an otherworldly glow.“This is it,” she stated, holding the bottle up to my face. “The stronger potion. It will mask your scent, but Zela, understand this. It is not a shield against the bond. He has felt you and that bond is a part of you now, woven into the very fabric of your being. Your destiny is already intertwined.”Her warning was on deaf ears, all I could think of is the desired elixir, a viscous liquid the color of twilight, its scent a strange, heady mix of herbs and something ancient, something wild and untamed. It pulsed with a faint, inner light, as
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 6 - Shadows in Human Town
The bustling streets of Human Town felt chaotic and overwhelming, yet they offered me the freedom I so desperately craved.In the crowd, I was just another face, another stranger trying to make a life. For once, I wasn’t Zela Humphreys, the daughter of an Alpha or the object of anyone’s expectations. I was no one and there was peace in that anonymity. But peace doesn’t pay the bills.The handful of cash I’d stuffed into my bag before fleeing the Kingdom was nearly gone. The cramped boarding house where I’d spent my first few nights was little more than a temporary refuge. If I didn’t find steady work soon, I’d be out of options. Determined not to let panic consume me, I spent hours poring over the classifieds section of a local newspaper, my finger circling potential job opportunities. Each listing brought its own set of doubts.Bartender, could I keep up with the hustle of a packed bar?Shop assistant, what did I even know about retail?Dog walker, w
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-15Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 7 - Person of Interest
In the Royal Kingdom, Canada…For nearly two months, the days had stretched long and empty, each one marked by failure. Each sunrise mocked my efforts, and each sunset deepened the ache in my chest. The search for Zela had grown as fruitless as it was relentless, and it felt as though the walls of my frustration were closing in, suffocating me. My once pristine study, my sanctuary of thought, had become a battlefield. Maps with torn edges were strewn across the floor, intercepted messages lay crumpled on the desk, and the air was heavy with the weight of unanswered questions. And none of it, again, none of it, brought me any closer to her. My fated mate. I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes against the chaos. Yet rest eluded me. In the stillness, her image surfaced, relentless and vivid. I saw the fire in her gaze, the way her laughter once melted the ice in my heart. Most painfully, I remembered the night we’d shared—brief and intoxicating—where the weight of titles and duty
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-15Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 8 – Someone Needs To Explain
Jonas stammered, his words a broken mess. “Y-Your Highness, I-I can explain…” “You’d better,” I snapped, my tone severe so that there was no mistaking the gravity of the matter. My gaze shifted to the human boy, who stood frozen like prey caught in a predator’s sights. “And you, who are you, and what’s your role in this?” The boy remained silent, his wide eyes betraying a mix of fear and defiance. “Ivor,” I commanded without breaking my focus on the trembling pair. My Secretary, ever efficient, stepped forward and handed me the envelope. I tore it open, and the first line struck like a blow to my chest. ‘Erico, baby…’ The words blurred momentarily as the ache in my chest tightened, but I forced myself to read on. Each line was a knife, carving deeper into my heart. Zela’s handwriting, elegant, hurried, and with pure emotion, poured out her longing, her fears, and her desperate plea for Erico to protect her secret. My grip tightened on the parchment, my knuckles whitened. The ac
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-16Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 9 - The Scent of a Stranger
The guest quarters in Silver Bow had become a cage of anticipation, each tick of the grandfather clock in the hallway was a hammer blow against my patience.Days bled into nights, a relentless cycle of waiting, each passing hour a torment. Ivor closely watched Jonas, Erico, and Andrea, but found nothing. They were trapped in a web of their own making, their every move watched, their every whisper recorded. Yet the silence from Zela was a suffocating shroud, wrapping tighter around me with every moment. Then, the silence shattered, the waiting was finally rewarded.A courier, his face ashen, arrived at the pack gates with a sealed envelope. The atmosphere pulsed with suspense as Andrea signed the delivery confirmation. As the man departed, I took the envelope from her hands, my fingers brushing the smudged postmark: Human Town. My hands, usually steady, trembled as I tore it open. My heart thundered in my chest.This was it, a breakthrough I was craving for, that would lead me to my
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-16
Bab terbaru
Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 21 – The Witch's Gambit
Crown Prince Raul’s Point of View The sight of Ivor and Lilias glued together was nothing short of unsettling, igniting a burning jealousy within me that I had never felt before.This witch had practically claimed my Secretary as her prize for aiding us in our covert infiltration of Woodcrest, and then they had disappeared into the forest, laughter and whispers flowing between them like they were destined mates. She had requested some rare herbs only found in our woods, and after a dramatic inspection of our kitchen, she ultimately declared it suitable for brewing her potion.From my father’s office window, I observed them with a growing sense of envy.Ivor, usually as stoic as a stone gargoyle, had his arm possessively draped around her waist, defending her like a sacred treasure. This all left me dumbfounded. I had always known him to be attracted to fragile, chestnut-haired beauties, those delicate flowers who seemed like they’d crumble in a gust.Bu
Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 20 - The Scent of Deception
"Zela, what’s going on with your scent? Something’s different. I first noticed it on your birthday, but now that you're closer to me, it's unmistakable. It’s not the same as it used to be.”I cleared my throat, stalling for time to come up with an appropriate answer.The potion hadn’t merely weakened the mate bond, it had diminished my own ability to scent other wolves too. Ordinary wolves wouldn’t be able to detect me as one of their kind anymore, but sitting next to me was an Alpha, one from an elite bloodline at that. It was inevitable that he would notice the change.And of course, I couldn’t tell him the truth.My mind raced to find a suitable explanation for his question.“I don’t know what you mean, Alpha,” I replied calmly. “Perhaps it has something to do with the humans or my coming of age. Both my wolf and I are adults now, and hormonal changes come with that.”“Stop making up nonsense!” a sharp remark came from behind. “I turned eighteen too, and my scent hasn’t changed. Th
Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 19 – The Uneasy Feast
As we stepped into the dining room, Chrissy already awaited us.With her sharp eyes first locked onto the Alpha, a silent, tense exchange passing between them, before turning to scrutinize me, her gaze passing on every detail.“Zela, are you scavenging for the crumbs I left behind?” she quipped, her tone laced with undisguised malice. “Trust me, I never leave anything unfinished. He won’t be able to satisfy you today, or any other day.”I ignored her barbed remark, sinking into a chair with nonchalance.I watched with detached interest as she claimed her place beside the Alpha at the head of the long, massive table. Her proprietary air, the way she settled into her role as the Alpha’s mate, did not bother me a bit, she could have him for all I care. The Alpha belonged to her in every way I had no intention of contesting, a fact I intended to make abundantly clear to everyone.The aroma of the dishes wafted towards me, a tantalizing blend of spices and roasted meat, and my mouth watere
Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 18 – The Calculated Deception
A sharp knock at my bedroom door startled me awake in the early hours of the morning.I groaned, still heavy with sleep, my body unwilling to relinquish the last remnants of slumber. Rubbing my eyes, I tried to shake off the lingering fog of night.“Sweetheart, it’s me. Open the door,” came the Alpha’s low, familiar whisper from the other side. “There’s a button on the wall, you don’t even have to get out of bed.”I glanced over to find a set of buttons above the bedside table, just as he had mentioned.The adjoining screen clearly displayed the security system. Even though I now had the means to let him in without physically moving, the thought of having him here in the bedroom while I lay defenseless in bed made me shiver. So, I threw off the warm covers and reached for the bathrobe I’d found in the walk-in closet the night before. Its soft fabric offered some comfort, but I felt anything but secure as the lock of the door clicked open.The Alpha entered quickly, his eyes scanning m
Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 17 – A Jealous Mate
Alpha Female Zela’s Point of ViewThe ride to Woodcrest was a blur, the high speed of the car rendering the scenery outside into streaks of dark green and gray.I sat stiffly in my seat, my fists clenched at my sides. As the tall gates of Woodcrest loomed ahead, they swung open just long enough for our vehicle to streak through before slamming shut behind us. The metallic clang echoed in my chest, a finality that felt like the sealing of a tomb.This isn’t the end, I reminded myself, forcing my breathing to steady.Fear threatened to creep in, but I shoved it aside. I couldn’t afford to break down now. Although, no one would notice my disappearance, not yet at least, as I had purposefully cut off contact with my friends in the pack, not wanting them to suffer for my choices.The thought of the Crown Prince flitted into my mind.Raul. Would he even look for me? Or would my absence release him from whatever hold the bond had on him? I replayed Lilias's words in my head, ‘he already has
Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 16 – The Witch's Unholy Bargain
The hours dragged on, each minute stretching into an eternity as we waited for Walther's return.The tension in the room was a tangible presence, a suffocating weight that pressed down on us all. My parents and the Alpha couple, usually people who always stay calm, were visibly strained. Alpha Gene paced back and forth like a caged predator, his movements restless and agitated. His Luna and my mother tried to find peace by drinking endless cups of herbal teas but their nervous sips, strained expressions and trembling hands did little to hide their inner turmoil. My father, always stoic and composed, sat behind his desk. His gaze was distant, his brow furrowed, and his hand occasionally smoothed his mustache, a habit that betrayed his unease.Walther, ever the pragmatist, had chosen to travel in his Lycan form, believing he could save precious time by taking a direct route through the forest. He had insisted on traveling alone, confident in his own strength and skill to overcome any o
Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 15 – The Threat Unfolds
Crown Prince Raul’s Point of View stillA thick silence filled the room, heavy and suffocating like the air had turned solid. The elderly sat frozen in their seats, their wide eyes showing pure dread. It felt as if time had stopped entirely. Alpha Gene broke the stillness. His face twisted with an anger that seemed to pour out of him. He leapt from his chair, grabbed my shoulders, and held on so tight it felt like my bones might snap. “He dared... That filth dared to take my daughter!” he growled, his words dripping with fury and desperation. “Gene, calm yourself,” my father said firmly, though I could see the worry in his eyes. The situation was serious, and even he couldn’t hide his feelings. “Calm myself?” Alpha Gene roared, his hands gripping harder, his breathing uneven. “If Jermain so much as touches Zela, I’ll start a war with Woodcrest that’ll make the ancient battles look like child’s play! I’ll bring my son back from Council training, and
Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 14 – The Ancient Threat
The sudden shrill of my telephone shattered the tense silence surrounding me.I tore my eyes away from the mansion in the distance, my glare lingering like a warning before I fished the device from my pocket."Raul!" My father's voice was as sharp and authoritative as a whip. "Where are you?""Human Town," I replied curtly, my tone clipped. Revealing the full extent of my search was unnecessary at this point.He knew I was on the hunt for Zela but I had yet to officially announced her to our clan and the rest of the werewolf community as my fated mate."Return to the Palace immediately. This is not a request!" he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument."Can it not wait? Even for a week?" I asked, my frustration barely restrained. My grip tightened on the phone as I thought of Zela, so close and yet so far."No, now!" came his firm response, the tone unyielding as a steel blade. He immediately ended the call.Gritting my teeth, I swallowed a guttural curse and gestured to Ivor,
Breeder or Mate: The Crimson Threshold Chapter 13 – Time Is Running Out
Crown Prince Raul’s Point of ViewI stood outside Zela's apartment, my patience a razor's edge.Each passing moment felt like a gentle tick of the clock, a sweet reminder of the happiness that awaited us. I chose not to do this at her workplace with a public confrontation, the ensuing scandal would be a feast for the carrion birds of gossip. This was a private matter, her comfort was always my priority.I glanced at Ivor, who was leisurely leaning against the car, checking his watch for the umpteenth time."She should have returned hours ago," I said, irritation seeping through my calm façade.Ivor merely shrugged, his indifference only stoking the embers of my restlessness. "You believe she's avoiding us? Perhaps she senses our presence.""Absurd," I hissed, dismissing the notion with a dismissive flick of my wrist. "She wouldn't know. And even if she did, there’s no reason for her to avoid me. She is mine."To distract myself from the rising anxiety, I began to menta
